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In the Islam the strain of caring for one's parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and blessing, and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. God asks that we not only pray for our parents, but act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children they preferred us to themselves. When they reach old age, Muslim parents are treated mercifully, with the same kindness and selflessness. In Islam, serving one's parents is a duty second only to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when the old become difficult. [1]

Throughout the Qur'aan, we notice that parents are mentioned with appreciation and with respect, even if they are senile. Allah says: "Your Lord had decreed, that you worship none save Him, and (that you show) kindness to parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age with you, say not "Fie" unto them nor repulse them, but speak unto them a gracious word. And lower unto them the wing of submission through mercy, and say: My Lord! Have mercy on them both, as they did care for me when I was young."[17:23-24]

The recognition and respect of parents is mentioned in the Qur'aan eleven times; in every instance, Allah reminds children to recognize and to appreciate the care and love they have received from their parents. In one aspect, Allah demands that children recognize their parents by saying to them [2]: "We have enjoined on man kindness to parents."[29:8/46:15] The demand for recognizing parents is made more emphatic when Allah says in the Qur'aan: "And (remember) when We made a covenant with the children of Israel, (saying): worship none save Allah (only), and be good to parents..." [2:83] Allah emphasize again that children should be kind to their parents in the following verses: "And serve Allah. Ascribe nothing as partner unto Him. (Show) Kindness unto parents... " [4:36] "Say: Come, I will recite unto you that which your Lord has made a sacred duty for you; that you ascribe nothing as partner unto Him and that you do good to parents..." [6:151]

Islam teaches us that respect for parents come immediately after praying to Allah and before Jihad (struggle and striving in the way of Allah). In this respect, the Prophet (PBUH) said the following when asked: Abi Abder Rahman Abdullah bin Massoud asked the Prophet (PBUH), "Which deed is more liked by Allah?" He replied, "Prayers on time." Then I asked, "Which one is next?" He said, "Goodness to parents." Then I asked, "Then which one is next?" He said, "Jihad in the way of Allah."(Narrated by Abi Abder Rahman Abdullah bin Massoud, Agreed) In Islam, respect for parents is so great that the child and his wealth are considered to be the property of the parents. In this regard, the Prophet (PBUH) said: Aisha narrated that a person came to the Prophet (PBUH) to resolve his dispute with his father regarding a loan given to the father. The Prophet (PBUH) said to the person, "You and your wealth are to your father."

Islam has endorsed respect for parents by their children even if the parents are non-Muslims. If parents strive very hard to convert their children to non-Islamic beliefs, they don't follow them, but they are to be good to them [2]. In this regard, Allah says: "And We have enjoined upon man concerning his parents--his mother beareth him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years--Give thanks unto Me and unto your parents. Unto Me is the journeying. But if they strive with you to make you ascribe unto Me as partner that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Consort with them in the world kindly, and follow the part of him who repents unto Me. Then unto Me will you return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.." [31:14-15]