Parents are the irreplaceable gems of our lives. The Qur’an instructs us in many places and on many occasions to obey our parents unless they want us to disobey Allah. Allah (swt) asks us to be merciful and humble to them and treat them kindly.
They were here for us when we were frail and fragile. Our mothers were constantly exhausted but took care of all our needs. Our fathers, worked tirelessly day and night. They were constantly concerned about the well-being of their families, yet they never complained or slacked in their obligation. Years went by, and in the blink of an eye, we are all grown up and they are aged. So the duty falls on our shoulders to look after them.
Many people don’t live with their elderly parents. With this pandemic, how can one still ensure their parents are taken care of? As some restrictions imposed by the lockdown have been eased, take out some time and visit them if they are not living with you. (If they want you to maintain social distancing from them, respect their wishes and communicate with them via video calls.)
If they are suffering from old age diseases that is compromising their immunity, help them with their groceries and do their outdoor work for them so they don’t have to step outside. This is regardless of whether they are living with you.
If you are living abroad and cannot meet your parents, take out some time daily and call them. Not only will you make them happy, you will also be setting an example, that even during such times, you are not neglecting them.
If you are one of those whom Allah (swt) has blessed to be living alongside parents and taking care of them, beware! Shaiytan always seeks opportune moments to induce negative feelings, especially since elderly parents are likely to be watching the news and feeling anxious, sometimes restricting the movement of their adult children, fearing the worst. Take precautions when they ask you to, don’t argue back or act fed-up with them. Something like this pandemic has never happened in their lifetime so it’s natural for them to feel really scared. Allah (swt) does not burden a soul more than it has the capacity to bear and, Insha’Allah, Allah will reward you for your patience at such times.
Never belittle the bounty of Allah (swt). Your acts of kindness today will never go to waste. What you are sowing today, you will reap it in the future by the grace of Allah. All that’s required is patience and faith.
May Allah (swt) give us strength and patience. Ameen.
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