Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman A‘zami رحمه الله
Chapter: Obligation of Maintaining Ties with Parents, Even if They Are Polytheists
«باب الأمر بصلة الوالدين وإن كانا مشركين»
Allah the Exalted said:
"And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. But if they strive to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. To Me is your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do."
[Sūrah al-‘Ankabūt: 8]
"But if they strive to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness, and follow the way of those who turn back to Me [in repentance]. Then to Me will be your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do."
[Sūrah Luqmān: 15]
✿ Narrated by Asmā’ bint Abī Bakr (رضي الله عنهما):
“My mother came to visit me during the time of the Prophet ﷺ, and she was a polytheist. This was during a truce between the Prophet ﷺ and the Quraysh. I asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, ‘O Messenger of Allah! My mother has come to visit me, and she is inclined away from Islam. Should I maintain ties with her?’ The Prophet ﷺ replied: ‘Yes, maintain ties with your mother.’”
[Agreed upon: Reported by al-Bukhārī 2620, 5978; Muslim 103]
✿ Narrated by Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه):
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ once passed by ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salūl who was sitting in the shade of some trees. He said: ‘Ibn Abī Kabshah (i.e. the Prophet ﷺ) has covered us in dust.’ Then his son ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abdullah said: ‘By the One who has honored you and revealed the Book to you, if you wish, I will bring you his head!’ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘No. Rather, be dutiful to your father and keep good company with him.’”
[Hasan: Reported by Ibn Ḥibbān in his Ṣaḥīḥ 428, and al-Bazzār – Kashf al-Astār 2708]
✔ Even if the parents are non-Muslim or polytheists, kindness, respect, and good treatment remain obligatory.
✔ Obedience is not allowed in matters of shirk (polytheism), but worldly companionship and care must continue.
✔ Righteous conduct toward disbelieving parents is part of Islamic ethics, as long as it does not compromise one’s faith.
Chapter: Obligation of Maintaining Ties with Parents, Even if They Are Polytheists
«باب الأمر بصلة الوالدين وإن كانا مشركين»
✿ Quranic Verses on Treating Polytheist Parents with Kindness
Allah the Exalted said:
"And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. But if they strive to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. To Me is your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do."
[Sūrah al-‘Ankabūt: 8]
"But if they strive to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness, and follow the way of those who turn back to Me [in repentance]. Then to Me will be your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do."
[Sūrah Luqmān: 15]
✿ Hadith on Kindness Toward a Polytheist Mother
✿ Narrated by Asmā’ bint Abī Bakr (رضي الله عنهما):
“My mother came to visit me during the time of the Prophet ﷺ, and she was a polytheist. This was during a truce between the Prophet ﷺ and the Quraysh. I asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, ‘O Messenger of Allah! My mother has come to visit me, and she is inclined away from Islam. Should I maintain ties with her?’ The Prophet ﷺ replied: ‘Yes, maintain ties with your mother.’”
[Agreed upon: Reported by al-Bukhārī 2620, 5978; Muslim 103]
✿ Showing Respect to a Polytheist Father
✿ Narrated by Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه):
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ once passed by ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salūl who was sitting in the shade of some trees. He said: ‘Ibn Abī Kabshah (i.e. the Prophet ﷺ) has covered us in dust.’ Then his son ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abdullah said: ‘By the One who has honored you and revealed the Book to you, if you wish, I will bring you his head!’ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: ‘No. Rather, be dutiful to your father and keep good company with him.’”
[Hasan: Reported by Ibn Ḥibbān in his Ṣaḥīḥ 428, and al-Bazzār – Kashf al-Astār 2708]
✦ Key Lessons:
✔ Even if the parents are non-Muslim or polytheists, kindness, respect, and good treatment remain obligatory.
✔ Obedience is not allowed in matters of shirk (polytheism), but worldly companionship and care must continue.
✔ Righteous conduct toward disbelieving parents is part of Islamic ethics, as long as it does not compromise one’s faith.
