Obeying Parents is a Must in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism

A Muslim Pilgrim Carrying his Mother: It is nothing Mommy compared to what you have done for me. [source: WarsiNews.com] 

As a Muslim living in a mostly Christian society, I am searching for points that both religions have in common especially that concern family. I found that  honoring your parents is not just a moral thing you should do if you like and ignore it id you don't. Rather, it is an obligation in the three religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism .  In this entry I will write about parents from religious points of view. 

What the Holy Quran Says about Parents: 

Respecting parents is a very important issue in Islam. So, Allah always states that we must respect and honor  our parents unless they require us to disobey him. The following are some verses in the Quran that illustrate this issue:




1- Chapter: 46 , Verse: 15

and we have enjoined on man doing of good to his parents; with trouble did his mother bear him and with trouble did she bring him forth; and the bearing of him and the weaning of him was thirty months; until when he attains his maturity and reaches forty years, he says: my lord! grant me that i may give thanks for thy favor which thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that i may do good which pleases thee and do good to me in respect of my offspring; surely i turn to thee, and surely i am of those who submit


2- Chapter: 31 , Verse: 14

and we have enjoined man in respect of his parents-- his mother bears him with faintings upon faintings and his weaning takes two years-- saying: be grateful to me and to both your parents; to me is the eventual coming

3- Chapter: 29 , Verse: 8

and we have enjoined on man goodness to his parents, and if they contend with you that you should associate (others) with me, of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them, to me is your return, so i will inform you of what you did


More verses are mentioned here.

The Youngest Son's Farewell : Sympathetic moments. [paint by: Adolph Tidemand]

What the Bible Says about Parents: 

I made a quick search on the Internet and I found that there are more than 40 verses in the Bibles talking about the importance of obeying and honoring parents. They all tell us we must show respect and humility to parents. Here are some examples of those verses:

Colossians 3:20 ESV / 299 helpful votes

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Exodus 20:12 ESV / 241 helpful votes

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Proverbs 20:20 ESV / 198 helpful votes

If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.

Proverbs 23:22 ESV / 163 helpful votes

Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

More verses are mentioned here.


So, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism are all concerned about honoring parents. And that's great! They motivate people who are religious to show respect to their parents. So, I will not worry too much if I enroll my child in a school in the US since he is likely going to be taught similar values to our culture's regarding parents.

Well, what about other types of school? I think I will do some research on this topic and I will provide you with answers. Could you please share me some information if you have any?