7.   Convey reward to them by reciting the Quran and giving to charity.

8.   Pray for their forgiveness.

9.   Visit their graves on a weekly basis.

10.   Another way of being good towards parents is that if they sin or are involved with misguided sects, then with great gentleness, try to rectify them, call them towards the path of piety and encourage them to adopt correct beliefs.

In short, if one was to serve his parents for his entire life, it would not make up for their favours upon him. ^[1]

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                 صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Dear Islamic brothers, just as the Quran has encouraged us to respect our parents, we find in Ḥadīths mention of their status and the command to obey them. For purposes of encouragement, here are four statements of the beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم in this regard:

1.   The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “When children look at their parents with mercy, Allah Almighty grants them the reward of an accepted Hajj.”

The Companions عَـلَيْهِمُ الرِّضْوَانْ asked, “Even if he looks at them 100 times during the day?”

The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم replied, “Yes. Allah is the greatest and the purest.”^[2]  Meaning, Allah Almighty has power over everything; He can reward his people like so.^[3]