The Book of Virtue, Enjoining Good Manners, and Joining of the Ties of Kinship

Sahih Muslim 2549 a

Exposition of the Hadith

This noble hadith establishes the paramount importance of serving one's parents, a duty second only to the worship of Allah. The Prophet's (ﷺ) question, "Are your parents living?" immediately directs the companion's attention to the most immediate and significant obligation in his life after his duties to his Creator.

The command, "You should put in your best efforts (in their) service," employs the Arabic word "فَفِيهِمَا فَجَاهِدْ" (fa fīhimā fajāhid). The verb "jāhada" is significant, as it is the same root used for striving in the path of Allah (jihād). This linguistic choice elevates the act of serving one's parents to a form of spiritual struggle and a means of drawing near to Allah. It is not a passive duty but an active, continuous, and wholehearted endeavor.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Nawawi, in his commentary on Sahih Muslim, explains that this hadith emphasizes the immense virtue and obligatory nature of kindness to parents (birr al-wālidayn). He states that the command to "strive" indicates that one must exert the utmost effort in being dutiful, obedient (in matters not involving sin), and providing companionship, kindness, and financial support if needed.

Classical scholars derive from this that the rights of living parents take precedence over voluntary acts of worship, such as supererogatory prayer, fasting, or even performing a voluntary Hajj. Serving them is considered a live, ongoing obligation whose fulfillment is a cause for Allah's pleasure, while neglecting it is a grave sin. The "best effort" encompasses gentleness of speech, humility in conduct, fulfilling their needs before they ask, and seeking their contentment in all permissible matters.

Spiritual and Practical Implications

The presence of living parents is a golden opportunity for a Muslim to earn immense, continuous reward. Their pleasure is a means to attain the pleasure of Allah, and their displeasure can lead to His wrath. This service is a practical manifestation of gratitude to Allah and to them for their countless sacrifices.

This hadith serves as a powerful reminder that our primary field of spiritual excellence is often within our own homes. True righteousness begins with fulfilling the rights of those closest to us, and there is no one with a greater right upon a person than his parents during their lifetime.