Adab al-Mufrad

Benefits and Issues:
➊ The literal meaning of hijrah is "to leave," and then it came to be used for moving from one area to another.
The technical definition of hijrah: To leave the land of the enemy and move to the land of the Muslims or a place of safety in order to protect one’s religion and faith is called hijrah.
Shaykh al-Albani rahimahullah says in Sharh Sahih al-Adab al-Mufrad: There are two types of hijrah:
One hijrah is that for which Allah Ta’ala has promised Paradise, and this is the hijrah of the earliest Companions radi Allahu anhum, that they left their families and homes and did not return.
The second is those Bedouins who migrated and joined the Muslims in jihad. However, they did not do as the earliest forerunners did. This too is hijrah, but it does not reach the level of the first.

➋ Hijrah is a very great deed, to the extent that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said that it wipes out all previous sins (....), but showing kindness to parents and making them happy is an even greater deed.

➌ This hadith shows that the Imam or leader should definitely assess the domestic circumstances of a mujahid, and should not send anyone for jihad or similar activities whose parents are displeased or unhappy. Rather, the worker should be encouraged to treat his parents well and to make them happy.

➍ This hadith shows that if one has intended to do a good deed, and another deed that is even better presents itself, then it is permissible to change one’s intention. In fact, even if one has already begun the first deed and then a better deed presents itself, it is permissible to abandon the first. For example: A person buys land with the intention of building a madrasa (Islamic school) in an area, but by good fortune, another madrasa is built there. Now, if there is a dire need for a hospital in that area, then it is permissible—and even better—for him to build a hospital there and abandon the intention of building a madrasa. Just as this person abandoned hijrah and went to serve and please his parents.

➎ The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam was asked, “O Messenger of Allah, who is the best and most virtuous person?” He replied, “The best deed is to bring happiness to a Muslim.” (al-Targhib wa’l-Tarhib by al-Asbahani: 1/475) If making ordinary people happy is such a great deed, then how great must it be to make one’s parents happy! Those who deal very pleasantly with ordinary people but are harsh with their parents should reflect on their actions. Causing pain to parents and making them weep is extremely disliked by Allah Ta’ala and His Messenger. When it is not permissible to do a good deed while one’s parents are displeased, then how grave a crime it must be to do something unlawful or wrong and thereby cause them distress.

➏ It is permissible to abandon a good deed for the sake of kindness and good treatment to parents, but it is not permissible to commit a haram (forbidden) act in obedience to parents. If parents command one to do something that is unlawful in the Shari‘ah, and if not doing it causes them to weep or be displeased, even then obedience to them is not required; rather, it is obligatory not to obey them. For example: If parents tell their child to work in a bank or an interest-based company, or command them to engage in usurious business, or order them to harm or oppress someone, then in such cases, it is necessary not to obey them, because obedience to the creation is not permissible or valid in disobedience to Allah Ta’ala.