Why Do We Love Our Parents?

One night Baby Mo asked, "Umi, why do I have to love and obey Umi and Abi?"

Umi didn't answer right away. Instead she invited Baby Mo to play a "love detective mission." "Let's count: what do Umi and Abi do for you every day?"

Baby Mo began to think, counting on his fingers. "Umi cooks for me… Abi works so I have a home and toys… Umi looks after me when I'm sick… Abi carries me when I'm tired… you read me stories before bed…"

He ran out of fingers, but the list wasn't finished. Baby Mo went quiet. It turned out to be so much.

"And do you know," Umi said gently, "Umi and Abi do all of that not to be paid. We do it out of love. Long ago, when you were a tiny baby who couldn't do anything yet, we cared for you day and night."

Baby Mo's eyes glistened. "That much…"

"That's why Allah commands us to honour and love our parents. Allah even tells us to be good to them. The pleasure of Allah lies in the pleasure of one's parents."

Baby Mo jumped to his feet. "Then I want to do a love mission for Umi and Abi too!"

So he sprang into action. He helped clear the dishes. He massaged Abi's tired arm with his tiny hands. Then, before bed, he raised his hands and prayed, "O Allah, love Umi and Abi the way they loved me when I was small."

Umi and Abi looked at each other, their eyes wet. That little prayer was the most beautiful gift of the night.

"The Lord's pleasure is in the parent's pleasure, and the Lord's displeasure is in the parent's displeasure." (Tirmidzi 1899)

Now, invite your little one to do a "love mission" for their parents: one act of help, one hug, and one prayer — "Rabbighfirli wa liwalidayya." 🏡💛