In the mountainous area of Ramnipal lived a poor man with his wife and children. One day, the man became ill and realized he would not live long. Before dying, he called his wife and gave her a piece of advice. He said, “After my death, if you remarry, make sure to marry a pious man who can take care of you and the children.” Then, the man passed away.
The woman began facing many difficulties after her husband’s death. Her relatives advised her to remarry for the sake of her children’s future. So, she agreed and married a pious and honest man. The man had no children of his own, so he treated her children as his own. Among those children was a daughter whom he loved very much. When she grew older, the mother told her husband that it was time for the girl to get married.
The man said, “You are right. But I have a condition — I will not marry off your daughter until she cleans my feet with her own hands and drinks that water.” The woman was shocked and said, “This is impossible! How can a girl clean a man’s feet and then drink that water?” But the man insisted that this was his only condition.
The mother was deeply worried. She prayed to Allah for guidance. She consulted a wise man in the village, who said, “There is wisdom in everything. Do not reject his demand immediately. Think and pray for understanding.”
Time passed, and the day came when the man repeated his condition. The mother, after deep reflection, agreed to fulfill it. She called her daughter and explained the matter to her, telling her that her stepfather had taken care of her like a father, and now he was putting forth a strange condition before marriage. The girl listened silently and said, “Mother, if this is the only way to gain his consent, then I will fulfill it.”
So, the next day, she washed his feet and drank the water. As soon as she did so, the stepfather smiled and said, “Now you are ready for marriage. You have earned the status of Jannat (Paradise).”
He then explained, “When I put forth this condition, I was not testing your obedience to me — I was testing your humility, respect, and patience. The one who can humble herself in such a way for her elders will never disobey her husband or neglect her duties. She will be a blessing for her family. You have passed the test.”
He further said, “If you had refused, it would not have been wrong — but by accepting it, you proved your purity, patience, and respect. You have earned a great reward from Allah.”
The girl wept, realizing the depth of the lesson.
A philosopher once said: “Parents are the only people who wish to see their children better than themselves.”
Parents sacrifice their peace and comfort for their children’s education, upbringing, and well-being. They spend their youth fulfilling their children’s dreams. They forget their own desires and happiness, just to see their children happy. They live for their children’s comfort and contentment, and they make countless sacrifices.
When their children grow up and succeed in life, parents expect only love, respect, and attention in return. As they age, they become weak and dependent. At this stage, their children’s love and kindness become their greatest need. If children treat them with neglect or harshness, it breaks their hearts.
Parents’ love is selfless — they never seek repayment, but only sincerity. However, when a child becomes successful yet fails to acknowledge his parents’ sacrifices, it shows selfishness and ingratitude. Such a person may gain worldly success but loses divine blessings.
Islam has strongly emphasized the rights of parents. The Holy Qur’an commands respect, obedience, and kindness towards them.
Allah Almighty says:
“And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.’”
(Surah Al-Isra, Ayah 23)
In another hadith, the Holy Prophet ﷺ said:
“The pleasure of Allah lies in the pleasure of parents, and the displeasure of Allah lies in their displeasure.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1900)
This concept is also found in the Holy Bible:
“Honor your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
(Exodus 20:12)
In Hinduism as well, serving one’s parents is considered an act of great virtue. A person who sincerely serves his parents earns divine favor and blessings. In Hindu tradition, the father is considered the greatest teacher, while the mother is considered the first and most noble guide in a child’s life.
The wise among all nations understand that parents are a priceless gift from God. Those who value their parents receive divine mercy. When parents are alive, their prayers protect us; when they pass away, their blessings continue to influence our lives.
Therefore, obedience to parents and respect for elders are the foundation of every civilized society. A person who wishes for a peaceful and blessed life should strive to please his parents and elders.
The Japanese nation is an excellent example in this regard. The Japanese live disciplined, moral, and purposeful lives. They find joy in simplicity and contentment. Their lifestyles reflect gratitude, politeness, and a deep sense of responsibility.
One of Japan’s remarkable philosophies is the “Iki Iki After School” program. This concept emphasizes that children, after school, should spend their free time productively rather than wasting it. They should learn practical life skills, moral values, and the spirit of community service.
The “Iki Iki” philosophy encourages a life full of energy, awareness, and purpose. It focuses on continuous self-improvement, service to others, and maintaining balance between personal goals and social responsibilities.
This concept emerged in the late 20th century. Initially, it began as a social experiment and later evolved into a structured system across Japan. The aim was to utilize children’s after-school hours for moral training and physical activity, so they could become responsible and active members of society.
By the 1980s, it had gained national importance, and by the 1990s, it became part of government-supported community programs. Under this system, children engage in healthy activities, community service, teamwork, and volunteering.
The Iki Iki model ensures that children’s free time is not wasted but used for constructive development, so they grow into strong, disciplined, and socially conscious individuals.
(1) Gratitude and Kindness
In Japanese culture, “Iki Iki” teaches that the purpose of life is not only to achieve personal success but also to honor and serve others. They believe that true joy lies in respecting and serving parents and elders. Expressing gratitude toward parents and fulfilling their needs is considered an essential part of moral education.
(2) Strong Family Bonds
A happy life is only possible when love, responsibility, and mutual care exist within the family. Respecting parents and spending time with them are key aspects of Japanese family life. This harmony creates peace at home and deep emotional satisfaction.
(3) Social Responsibility
“Iki Iki” also emphasizes that one’s development is not limited to self-interest; rather, contributing to others’ welfare is equally important. Serving and respecting parents is seen as a form of social responsibility. This system encourages children to grow into individuals who are compassionate, respectful, and helpful toward society.
(4) Care for the Elderly
Japan has several welfare systems for its elderly, and one of them is “Iki Iki Centers” — places where the elderly spend time, engage in activities, and find joy and purpose.
This philosophy reflects the belief that “a society’s progress depends on how it treats its elders.”
Despite their busy lives, the Japanese never forget their elders. They visit them, help them, and listen to their experiences.
They believe that serving the elderly brings blessings, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of life.
In Japanese culture, children are taught from an early age that serving and respecting parents is the most sacred duty.
Parents devote their entire lives to raising their children, and in return, it becomes the children’s duty to serve and care for them.
The Japanese follow this principle sincerely and adopt the following practices:
- Children help their parents with daily household tasks.
- They spend time with their parents, talk with them, and listen to their advice.
- They prioritize their parents’ needs over their own desires and comforts.
- They do not leave their parents alone in old age and accompany them to parks, events, and social gatherings.
- They never argue or raise their voices before their parents. They always speak gently and respectfully.
These moral habits are deeply rooted in Japanese society. Even after their parents pass away, the Japanese continue to honor them by remembering and praying for them.
It is because of such values that Japan, despite being a modern and technologically advanced nation, remains emotionally strong and socially compassionate. Their people live peaceful, happy, and prosperous lives.
The message for us is this:
If you want success in this world and the Hereafter, serve your parents sincerely.
If your parents are alive, take advantage of this blessing — hold their hands, express your love, and lighten their burdens. Their prayers will open the doors of mercy and blessings for you.
If they have passed away, pray for them daily, give charity in their name, and do acts of kindness that bring them reward even after death.
Remember, serving parents is not a favor — it’s a duty and an honor.
Those who serve their parents with love are never deprived of Allah’s mercy.
A person who is ungrateful toward his parents cannot truly be grateful to Allah.
If you are blessed with parents today, go and thank them. Sit with them and talk with them lovingly. Seek forgiveness if ever you caused them pain.
Ask for their prayers, because their duas (prayers) are the key to your success and peace.
