Praise be to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon our master and messenger of Allah and his family, companions, and those who follow him.
Allah Almighty commanded us to honor our parents and to be kind to them, Allah says in the Holy Quran: “And your Lord has decreed that you worship none save Him, and kindness to parents. If they should reach old age with you, one of them or both then do not say to them ‘Fie’ nor repulse them, but speak to them gracious words (23) And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say: ‘My Lord, have mercy on them, just as they reared me when I was little’.” [Q. 17: 23/24].
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A person came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and asked, “Who among people is most deserving of my fine treatment?” He (PBUH) said, “Your mother”. He again asked, “Who next?” He (PBUH) said, “Your mother”. He again asked, “Who next?” He (PBUH) said again, “Your mother”. He again asked, “Then who?” Thereupon he (PBUH) said, then your father”.
And just as Allah Almighty commanded us to honor parents while they are alive, He told us through His Messenger (PBUH) that this honor is connected after their death. A person came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and asked, said: Messenger of Allah is there any kindness left that I can do to my parents after their death? He replied: Yes, you can invoke blessings on them, forgiveness for them, carry out their final instructions after their death, join ties of relationship which are dependent on them, and honor their friends. [Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah reported]
He also said: “When a man dies no further reward is recorded for his actions, with three exceptions: sadaqah which continues to be supplied, or knowledge from which benefit continues to be reaped, or the prayers of a good son for his dead father.” [Muslim reported] And you can give charity with the intention that the reward of this charity is for them, so all of that reaches them, as well as reading the Quran. May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon our Master Mohammad and all his family and companions.
