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Family
Surah: Al-Isra (23)
And Be Good to Parents — If They Reach Old Age
إِمَّا يَبۡلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ ٱلۡكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَوۡ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفٍّ
— الإسراء الآية 23
Verse: "And your Lord decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be good to parents. If one or both of them reach old age with you — do not say 'uff' to them." (17:23)
"When they reach old age": Specific mention of old age because it's the time of greatest need and most taxing for children — the verse prepares the heart for this stage.
Degrees of filial devotion in the verse: No "uff," no rebuke, only honorable speech, lowering the wing of humility in mercy, and supplication for them.
Lesson: Birr (filial devotion) is the highest human virtue after monotheism — placed immediately after tawhid in the verse.
"When they reach old age": Specific mention of old age because it's the time of greatest need and most taxing for children — the verse prepares the heart for this stage.
Degrees of filial devotion in the verse: No "uff," no rebuke, only honorable speech, lowering the wing of humility in mercy, and supplication for them.
Lesson: Birr (filial devotion) is the highest human virtue after monotheism — placed immediately after tawhid in the verse.
Source: Al-Qurtubi (10/237); Ibn Kathir (5/65); Ibn Al-Arabi
Test Yourself
What are the degrees of parental devotion mentioned in the verse from lowest to highest?
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