32 Ways to Honour Your Parents in Islam

The Islamic Importance of Honouring Parents

One of the greatest forms of worship in Islam is showing love and obedience to our parents. After belief in Allah, the command to honour our parents is repeated throughout the Qur’an and Sunnah, Allah (SWT) says:

"And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination." (Surah Luqman 31:14)

Whether they are alive or have passed away, the duty to honour them remains. This is a lifelong commitment filled with reward, compassion, and opportunity for closeness to Allah. Here are 32 actionable ways we can honour our parents every day.

How to Honour Your Parents: 32 Practical Ways

1. Make dua for them daily
Ask Allah to have mercy on them, forgive them, and grant them Jannah.

2. Greet them with warmth
Smile, speak kindly, and greet them with peace — it goes a long way.

3. Never raise your voice
Even in disagreement, remain calm and respectful. Speak gently.

4. Avoid interrupting them
Let them finish speaking without cutting them off.

5. Listen attentively
Give them your full attention, just like they did for you as a child.

6. Fulfil their requests
As long as it doesn't contradict Islam, try your best to say yes.

7. Sit with them
Spend quality time. Your presence is often the biggest gift.

8. Serve them food and drink
This is a Sunnah and a beautiful form of service.

9. Pray with them
Join them for salah when you can. It strengthens bonds.

10. Give them gifts
Even small gestures show appreciation and love.

11. Avoid arguing
Disagreeing respectfully is fine, but arguing is not.

12. Accompany them to appointments
Show you value their health and needs.

13. Help them with chores
Ease their burdens around the house.

14. Praise them in front of others
Uplift their honour by speaking well of them to others.

15. Seek their advice
It makes them feel valued and maintains humility.

16. Don’t compare them
Appreciate your parents as they are. Every parent is unique.

17. Visit or call them often
Consistency matters more than extravagance.

18. Speak well of them after their death
It honours their legacy and brings you reward.

19. Give charity on their behalf
A beautiful way to benefit them in the Hereafter.

20. Make up with them quickly
Don’t let pride delay reconciliation.

21. Cover their faults
Preserve their dignity, just as they protected yours.

22. Share good news with them
Include them in your joy and achievements.

23. Forgive their shortcomings
They raised you through hardship — be merciful.

24. Include them in your future plans
Let them feel involved in your life choices.

25. Respect their friends and siblings
This shows deeper reverence to their circle.

26. Be patient with them in old age
This is where your akhlaq (character) is most tested.

27. Avoid saying “uff” or expressing frustration
Even subtle signs of annoyance are prohibited.

28. Visit their graves
Make dua and remember them with love.

29. Read Qur’an for them
Offer the reward of your recitation for their soul.

30. Help them learn about Islam
If they are still learning, guide them gently.

31. Protect them from harm
Physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

32. Be the righteous child they prayed for
Ultimately, live a life they can be proud of — one that earns you both Allah’s pleasure.

Final Reflections

Honouring our parents isn’t just a cultural value — it’s a deep spiritual obligation. Whether your parents were supportive or flawed, wealthy or struggling, their sacrifices gave you life. Islam teaches us that true gratitude includes gratitude to those who nurtured us. And in honouring them, we honour ourselves and our Creator.
May Allah grant us the ability to serve our parents with excellence, earn their prayers, and be a means of sadaqah jariyah for them. Ameen.