1. Obedience
Parents have the right to be obeyed by their children. Children should obey their parents in all matters, except when it brings harm to the child or involves disobedience to Allah.
The principle is therefore that parents can command their children. However, parents should be just, and not abuse their power.
They cannot impose obligations on their children which are not imposed by Allah. Parents should have compassion with their children, so that they can build a bond with them.
Disobedience to parents is a major sin, as the Hadith below points out.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"(Major sins include:) Associating someone with Allah, disobedience to parents, killing a person and false testimony."
[Sahih Muslim 88a]
2. Respectful treatment
Parents have the right to respectful treatment. This means that children should have a good attitude and good words towards their parents.
Being a parent is a honorable position. However, this position should not be abused. Allah commands good treatment for everyone.
And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you shall be dutiful (and obedient) to your parents. And if one or both of them reach old age in your presence, do not say "uff" to them. And do not snub them (by raising your voice against them), but address them with respectful words.
[Surah Al-Isra verse 23]
3. Gratitude
Parents are obliged to take care of their children in all their needs. Think of clothing, a house, food, emotional support, etc. And these things are part of the rights of the child.
Allah orders children to be grateful towards their parents, for their sacrifices and great effort. And this is about parents who did everything they could to raise you.
Be thankful to your parents.
[Surah Luqmaan verse 14]
4. Visit
Parents should be visited by their children. This is about parents who do no harm to their children and want the best for them.
In Islam, visiting the parents is a good deed. It is highly recommended. Islam contains the concept of 'Silatul Rahim', which means maintaining family ties. Every child is therefore ordered to maintain the family ties.
Maintaining family ties is made easier nowadays. You can do it even without physically visiting. Of course that would be better, but if that is not possible, there are alternatives.
The Hadith below indicates that it is a major sin to cut family ties, which is of course the general rule.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"He who severs family ties will not enter paradise."
[Sahih Muslim 2556b]
When the rights are not fulfilled
Generally speaking, Islam absolutely condones the children of parents who do not fulfill the rights of their parents.
Allah is not pleased with such people, and they are greatly wronging their parents whenever they disrespect or even severe ties.
However, every general rule has its exception—and the exception is abusive parents. They do not have the same rights as good parents.
In their case, they lose their rights, due to crossing the boundaries with their children. Islam stands for justice, and children of abusive parents do not have to visit them, nor honor them, when the child has suffered to such an extent that he has become traumatized.
