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forbidden believers from committing the least act of disrespect to-
wards them or neglect of them. For this reason, believers always act
attentively towards their parents and with great respect and toler-
ance.
They will do everything possible to make them comfortable and
will try not to be wanting in respect and attention. They will keep in
mind the difficulties and anxieties of old age and will make every ef-
fort to supply their every need even before they mention it with
compassionate understanding. They will do everything in their
power to make sure they are comfortable and not in want, either
spiritually or materially. And, no matter what happens, they will not
stop regarding them with deep respect.
There is another situation that believers may encounter in their
relationships with their parents. A person of faith may have parents
who have chosen the way of godlessness. In the case of such a dif-
ference in faith, a believer will invite them with the same polite and
respectful attitude to follow the right path. Ibrahim (as)'s words to
his idol-worshipping father show us the kind of approach we should
use in such circumstances:
Father, knowledge which never reached you has come to me, so
follow me and I will guide you to the right path. Father, do not
worship Shaytan. Shaytan was disobedient to the All-Merciful.
Father, I am afraid that a punishment from the All-Merciful will
afflict you, and turn you into a comrade of Shaytan. (Surah
Maryam: 43-44)
Again, when some individuals see their parents growing old
and losing their strength, they turn their backs on them when they
need help and attention. It is not hard to see that such an attitude is
widespread these days. We frequently encounter old people, who
are in a very bad situation materially and spiritually, left to live in
their houses alone. If we think about this situation we will see that
the reason for this problem lies in not living according to the teach-
24 Hours in the Life of a Muslim
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