The emphasis on parenthood in Islam is acknowledged, as it is in most other religions. It is true that the question "Who is most deserving of our kindness" made the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) answer “your mother”, but both the mother and father are considered "Rabb-like” ( 'Rabb’ meaning ‘Lord’ in Arabic, used only to describe Allah Taala) in regards to their children. Even if the parents are non-Muslims, as long as they direct you in a direction that fosters Islamic principles and good conduct they should be listened to. However when one's parents steer them in direction away from Islamic principles or towards something that may be of harm to them, then that advice can and should be disregarded. Beyond that the parents are considered your Rabb-like (meaning Lord) in this world, sent by Allah to protect and guide you in a way no other replacement is capable. As a Quranic prayer states "Rabbir hamhuma kamā rabbayānī saghīra" (My Lord, have mercy on them, as they raised me when I was small).
It is the responsibility of the children, both male and female, to treat the parents with the same consideration that parents normally display when children are young, when they are in their old age and caring for them is obviously much harder than when they were self-sufficient. One goes from the position of taking and expecting from the father, to the position of giving and caring, which does not come naturally to many people. The smallest things which would not upset us if our children were to do such things, seem burdensome when displayed by an ailing or elderly parent. The Holy Prophet stated “Every righteous child who casts a look of mercy and affection upon his parents shall be granted, for every look of his, rewards equivalent to that of an accepted Hajj." (Biharul Anwar).
Islam has taught us that parents are not just an optional relation that we visit once a year on designated days, but an integral part of our family network that must be cared for and nurtured in the same sense that they had nurtured us, not only as an obligation to them but to fulfill the commandments of God and to become recipients of God's grace and blessings.
