۞ وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَـٰنًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ ٱلْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا 23
Translations
And your Lord has decreed that you worship not except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], "uff," and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.
Transliteration
Wa qada rabbuka alla ta'budoo illa iyyahu wa bil-waalidayni ihsanan. Imma yablughanna 'indaka al-kibara ahaduhuma aw kilaahuma fala taqul lahuma uffin wa la tanharhuma wa qul lahuma qawlan karima.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes two fundamental pillars of Islamic ethics: the absolute oneness of Allah in worship and excellence in treating one's parents. The verse prohibits even the slightest expression of displeasure (uff) toward aging parents and commands kind, honorable speech toward them, recognizing that caring for parents in their old age is a sacred obligation. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir emphasize that filial piety (birr al-waalidayn) is placed immediately after the command of tawhid (monotheism), demonstrating its paramount importance in Islamic law and spirituality.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the Ten Commandments of Surah Al-Isra (17:23-39), revealed in Mecca during the Meccan period. These verses outline fundamental moral principles for the Muslim community, with parental rights being given special prominence. The specific mention of elderly parents suggests the Quranic emphasis on the vulnerability and dignity of the aged in society.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'The greatest sin is to associate partners with Allah and to disobey one's parents' (Sahih Bukhari). Additionally, 'Whoever desires an extension of his lifespan and increase in his provision, let him maintain ties of kinship [and treat parents with honor]' (Sahih Muslim, with parental care being a primary form of maintaining family ties).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true Islamic faith must be complemented by ethical treatment of those closest to us, especially aging parents who once cared for us vulnerably. For modern Muslims, it emphasizes that spirituality is incomplete without demonstrating patience, dignity, and active compassion toward parents, particularly in their final years.