40. Chapter: On dutifulness to parents and maintaining ties of kinship Allah Almighty says, "Worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him. Be good to your parents and relatives and to orphans and the very poor, and to neighbours who are related to you and neighbours who are not related to you, and to companions and travellers and your slaves." (4:36) The Almighty says, "Have taqwa of Allah in whose name you make demands on one another and also in respect of your families," (4:1) and the Almighty says, "Those who join what Allah has commanded to be joined." (W13:23; H13:21) The Almighty says, "We have instructed man to honour his parents," (W29:7; H29:8) and the Almighty says, "Your Lord has decreed: that you should worship none but Him, and that you should show kindness to your parents, whether one or both of them reach old age with you. So do not say 'Ugh!' to them out of irritation and do not be harsh with them but speak to them with gentleness and generosity. Lower to them, out of mercy, the wing of humility and say: 'Lord, show mercy to them as they did in looking after me when I was small.'" (17:23-24) The Almighty says, "We have instructed man concerning his parents. Bearing him caused his mother great debility and the period of his weaning was two years: 'Give thanks to Me and to your parents.'" (W31:13; H31:14) 312. Abu 'Abdu'r-Rahman 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud said, "I asked the Prophet, (PBUH), "Which action does Allah Almighty love the most?" He said, "The prayer in its time." I said, "Then what?" He said, "Devotedness to parents." I said, "Then what?" He said, "Jihad in the way of Allah." [Agreed upon] 314. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah said, "Anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day should honour his guest. Anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day should maintain his ties of kinship. Anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak well or remain silent." [Agreed upon]
