Family
Assalamu Alaikum .
Answered by Mufti Tabriz · 04 November 2026
The question
Assalamu Alaikum .
I am from 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia. My mother sometimes says that I should always listen to her first because a mother’s status is higher in Islam. My father also expects me to spend time with him and look after him.
I don’t want either of them to feel neglected.
Can you please explain how I should balance my responsibilities towards both?
The answer
Wa Alaikum Assalam, dear brother.
It’s beautiful that you want to make both your parents happy. Islam gives great importance to both parents, although the mother has a particularly high status because of the sacrifices she makes during pregnancy, childbirth and raising her children.
This does not mean that we should neglect our father. Both deserve our kindness, attention and respect.
Dear brother, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was asked who deserved the best companionship. He replied:
“Your mother.” The questioner asked, “Then who?” He replied, “Your mother.” He asked again, and he replied, “Your mother.” Then he said, “Your father.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 5971.
And in the Quran, Allah (Azza wa Jalla) teaches us this beautiful Dua:
“My Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers on the Day the account is established.”
Dua Reference: Surah Ibrahim (14:41).
May Allah help us care for both our parents, appreciate their sacrifices and grant them His mercy. Ameen.
Reference Sahih al-Bukhari 5971