Author(s): Dr. Nooreen Zaidi

Abstract: Islam recognize family as a basic social unit. Along with the husband- wife relationship, the parent-child relationship is most important one. To maintain any social relationship both parties must have some clear cut rights as well as obligations. The relationship is reciprocal. Duties of one side are the rights of the other side. So in parent-child relationship the rights of parents are the obligations of the children and vice versa, the rights of children are the obligation of parents. Islam clearly defines the Rights of Parents (which means duties of children) and obligations of parents (which mean Rights of children). It is clear that after Allah (swt) parents are the persons who give us innumerable favors. They provide protection, food and clothing to the newly born. Allah’s (swt) favours cannot be counted or repaid except by thanking him and obeying his order. After Allah (swt) our parents deserve our thanks and obedience for the favour they had done on us. That’s why holy Quran laid stress on feeling grateful to parents, and doing good to them. The holy Quran says- “And your lord has ordained that you shall worship none save Him and shall do your parents a good turn” The above verse means that we should worship no one except Allah (swt) and shall obey our parents, speak with them softly avoid harsh tone, give company to them when they are alone, care for their physical and psychological needs (especially when they are old), and praying to Allah (swt) that He may bless them and have mercy on them. In Islamic societies the main purpose of marriage was and is procreation, which is an obligatory religious duty. The advent of child is not only welcomed and considered a blessing; it is also regarded as essential for strengthening the marriage bond, for the perpetuation of line of decent, and for enlarging the community of the faithful. Childlessness frequently results in divorce, or at least the addition of another wife (as polygamy is permitted in Islam). Before the advent of Islam in Arabia, children not only had no rights but new born babies were frequently buried alive, either because of poverty or because they were female and considered a burden. Islam considers children to be vulnerable and dependent being. Therefore, Islam provides diverse rules for the protection of their body and property. According to these rules both parents have well defined duties towards their children before they reach the age of maturity. In Islamic countries the patrilineal system of decent is the norm, so these duties are incumbent upon an established paternity resulting in mutual rights of inheritance, guardianship and maintenance. Due to the importance of patrilineal descent, adoption is not permitted in Islam.

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