Table of contents
Respected individuals! “Haqooq al-Ibad” is the right of one humankind to another who is next to your door. Encompasses the rights of parents, children, spouses, relatives, orphans, the poor, travelers, those in need, neighbors, seekers, prisoners, and others, as well as broader social and societal rights. However, we only give preference to prayers, fasting, zakat, etc, and we don’t even give any importance to huqooq ul ibad. However, It will be questioned on the Day of Judgment. Unfortunately, despite the significance of human rights in Islamic law, we often neglect and overlook them.
Furthermore, Even devout individuals who strictly adhere to qualities like purity, fasting, and prayers sometimes fall short of fulfilling the rights of individuals. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss and understand the recognition and fulfillment of the rights of individuals. In addition, Adherence to the rights of individuals not only eliminates the deprivations of individuals but also creates an atmosphere of mutual love and unity. Likewise, it brings an end to hatred and enmity.
Read More: Rights of Relatives
Rights of Parents
However, Dear respected ones! In the hierarchy of the “Rights of Servants” or human rights, the foremost and most emphasized right is that of a person towards their parents. Islam places great emphasis on kindness, good conduct, gratitude, and service to parents. The Quran, in its wisdom, has repeatedly emphasized the teaching of goodness and respectful behavior towards parents in various contexts.
In addition, there are a lot of places in the Quran that mention not only fundamental teachings of monotheism and obedience to God but also good behavior towards parents. The divine command is stated as follows:
وَاعْبُدُوا اللّٰهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوْا بِهٖ شَيْـًٔا وَّبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ۠ اِحْسَانًا﴾([1])
Worship Allah
Indeed, Worship Allāh and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good” (Quran, 4:36). This underscores the significance of treating parents with the utmost respect, kindness, and benevolence while emphasizing their rights in conjunction with the worship of Allah.
Furthermore, the oneness of Allah and obeying Allah is not only the religion Islams emphasize kindness towards parents as an integral part of fulfilling one’s obligations and responsibilities.
At another Quran verse Allah mentioned about Parents. Allah (SWT), has instructed
قُلْ تَعَالَوْا اَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ اَلَّا تُشْرِكُوْا بِهٖ شَيْـًٔا وَّبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ۠ اِحْسَانًا﴾([2])
Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Come! Let me recite to you what your Lord has forbidden to you: do not associate others with Him ˹in worship˺. ˹Do not fail to˺ honour your parents. (Quran, 6:151).”
Read More: Rights of Workers
Importance of Parents
“Brothers in Islam! Allah (SWT) has emphasized the importance of parents, stating:
وَوَصَّيْنَا الْاِنْسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ اِحْسٰنًا﴾([3])
And We have commanded people to ˹honour˺ their parents.’ (Quran, 31:14). In this blessed verse, a command is issued to children to demonstrate utmost care, obedience, respect, love, and gratitude towards their parents. This signifies that in the divine realm, the status and rank of parents in human relationships are the highest and most elevated.”
“The esteemed scholars explain that ‘goodness towards parents includes all kinds of physical and financial services. Even if the parents are non-believers, serving them remains obligatory on children because the Lord, in His generosity, has commanded it.’ (Tafsir Ibn Kathir). This means that regardless of the parents’ faith, if they are Muslim, performing good deeds is obligatory; if they are non-believers, one should still refrain from harm. There is no restriction of this kind. Furthermore, showing kindness to parents involves treating them with respect, following their lawful commands with joy, consistently striving to serve them, creating happiness for them, and remembering them in prayers and charitable acts even after their life and death.
Rights of Spouses
Additionally, Respected listeners! Among the rights of spouses is the obligation not to disclose intimate matters between them. Hazrat Abu Sa’id Khudri narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
«إِنَّ مِنْ أَشَرِّ النَّاسِ عِنْدَ الله مَنْزِلَةً يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ: الرَّجُلَ يُفْضِي إِلىٰ امْرَأَتِهِ وَتُفْضِيْ إِلَيْهِ، ثُمَّ يَنْشُرُ سِرَّهَا»([4])
‘Among the worst people before Allah on the Day of Judgment is a man who approaches his wife, and she approaches him, and then he spreads her secrets.’ (Sahih Muslim).”
Read More: Rights of Spouses and Faithfulness
Children’s Rights
Dear friends! The responsibility of a righteous and pious Muslim towards a child, whether a boy or girl, begins right after birth. Father or someone pious in a family calls the adhan in the right ear and calls (Iqamah) in the child’s left ear, making sure the infant is healthy, protecting them from potential diseases with preventative measures, acquainting them with Islamic teachings and manners, and imparting Islamic values. The birth of a child brings about significant responsibilities, as mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):
«مَنْ وُلِدَ لَهُ فَأَذَّنَ فِي أُذُنِهِ اليُمْنَى، وَأَقَامَ فِي أُذُنِهِ اليُسْرَى، لَمْ تَضُرَّهُ أُمُّ الصِّبْيَانِ»([5])
“Whenever you have any male or female born it will not be harmed if a person gives the call to prayer in his right ear and the call to establish prayer in his left ear after having a child.” (Sahih Muslim).”
Therefore, a child is exposed to the core principles of Islam right away after birth. This not only safeguards them from illnesses that may render a child unconscious but also establishes a connection with the basic principles of Islamic faith. The emphasis is on providing children with a strong foundation of Islamic knowledge and values right from the beginning of their lives.”
Blessed Names for Children
Dear friends! Giving a child a meaningful and pleasant name is one of their rights. Before the advent of Islam, people used to give strange and unusual names to their children. However, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) doesn’t like names which have no meaning. He encourages people to give a good name (means the good meaning name). Hazrat Abu Darda narrates that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
«إِنَّكُمْ تُدْعَوْنَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ بِأَسْمَائِكُمْ، وَأَسْمَاءِ آبَائِكُمْ، فَأَحْسِنُوا أَسْمَاءَكُمْ»([6])
“You will be called on the Day of Resurrection by your names and the names of your fathers, so give yourselves good names.” (Sahih Muslim).
This clearly shows that children should always be named with good, respectful, and meaningful names. The best practice is to choose names after the Prophets, companions, saints, and revered figures in Islam. We must give good names like Abdullah, Abdul Rahman, Abdul Qadir, Muhammad, Ahmed, Hameed, etc.
Rights of Neighbors
Dear brother! The virtue of goodness lies in protecting the rights of neighbors and treating them kindly. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
«خَيْرُ الْجِيرَانِ عِنْدَ اللهِ خَيْرُهُمْ لِجَارِهِ»([7])
The one who is the best to his neighbor is the finest of neighbors with Allah.” (Sahih Ibn Hibban). Moreover, the Prophet (ﷺ) counseled Hazrat Abu Dharr to:
«يَا أَبَا ذَرٍّ! إِذَا طَبَخْتَ مَرَقَةً، فَأَكْثِرْ مَاءَهَا، وَتَعَاهَدْ جِيرَانَكَ»([8])
“When you cook something good, make it plentiful, and distribute in your neighbors.” (Sahih Muslim).
«كُنْ وَرِعاً تَكُنْ أَعْبَدَ النَّاسِ، وَكُنْ قَنِعاً تَكُنْ أَشْكَرَ النَّاسِ، وَأَحِبَّ لِلنَّاسِ مَا تُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِكَ تَكُنْ مُؤْمِناً، وَأَحَسِنْ جِوَارَ مَنْ جَاوَرَكَ تَكُنْ مُسْلِماً»([9])
Maintaining excellent ties with neighbors is a noble act, and being mindful of their well-being, sharing meals with them, and expressing love all help to the formation of solid bonds. This exceptional behavior follows Islamic teachings and is consistent with the Prophet’s guidance on being courteous and caring toward one’s neighbors.
Relationship With Neighbors
Therefore, The relationship with neighbors serves as a benchmark for an individual’s goodness, distinguishing their well-being from their harm. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) mentioned:
«مَا مِنْ مُسْلِمٍ يَمُوتُ فَيَشْهَدُ لَهُ أَرْبَعَةُ أَهْل أَبْيَاتٍ مِنْ جِيرَانِهِ الأَدْنَيْنَ إِلَّا قَالَ: قَدْ قَبِلْتُ عِلْمَكُمْ فِيْهِ، وَغَفَرْتُ لَهُ مَا لاَ تَعْلَمُونَ!»([10])
“He is not a believer, by Allah!” He is not a believer, by Allah! He is not a believer, by Allah!” “Who, O Messenger of Allah?” someone inquired. The Prophet ( ) responded, “The one whose neighbor is not safe from his evil.” (Muslim Sahih).
The relationship with one’s neighbors is an important aspect in one’s happiness in this life. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
«أَرْبَعٌ مِنَ السَّعَادَةِ: (١) الْمرْأَةُ الصَّالِحَةُ، (٢) وَالْمسْكَنُ الْوَاسِعُ، (٣) وَالْجَارُ الصَّالِحُ، (٤) وَالْمرْكَبُ الْهَنِيْءُ»([11])
“Four are from happiness: (1) A righteous wife, (2) A spacious dwelling, (3) A good neighbor, and (4) A comfortable means of transportation.” Sunan Ibn Majah (Sunan Ibn Majah).
Good Relations
Furthermore, Maintaining good relations with neighbors offers comfort and peace to one’s life. It is critical to recognize that this partnership promotes prosperity, longevity, and benefits in both this world and the next.
«صِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ وَحُسْنُ الْخُلُقِ، وَحُسْنُ الْجِوَارِ يَعْمُرَانِ الدِّيَارَ، وَيَزِيْدَانِ فِي الأَعْمَارِ»([12])
highlighted the significance of good character, kindness, and treating neighbors well as factors that enhance a person’s well-being and blessings in life.
May Allah lead us all in fulfilling our neighbors’ rights and developing strong, loving connections with those around us.
Repayment of Debts
Moreover, We understand the level of martyrdom is the highest and most prestigious. A very devout Muslim strives to reach this level, where all sins are forgiven, and the individual is endowed with Allah’s pleasure, enabling them to enter heaven without being held accountable. Despite these immense rewards, even a martyr is not exempt from repaying debts. Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr bin As reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
«يُغْفَرُ لِلشَّهِيْدِ كُلُّ ذَنْبٍ، إِلَّا الدَّيْنَ»([13])
“Every sin of the martyr is forgiven except debt.” (Sahih Muslim).
In light of this warning, those among us who are in debt should not delay in repaying it. It is essential to fulfill this obligation promptly, showing responsibility and diligence.
Who is Considered Bankrupt?
Furthermore, Hazrat Abu Huraira reports that the Prophet, upon asking his companions ‘Do you know who is bankrupt?’ received the reply, ‘Among us, the one who is bankrupt is the one who has neither money nor any property.’ Then the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
«إِنَّ الْـمُفْلِسَ مِنْ أُمَّتِي: يَأْتِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ بِصَلَاةٍ، وَصِيَامٍ، وَزَكَاةٍ، وَيَأْتِي قَدْ شَتَمَ هَذَا، وَقَذَفَ هَذَا، وَأَكَلَ مَالَ هَذَا، وَسَفَكَ دَمَ هَذَا، وَضَرَبَ هَذَا، فَيُعْطَى هَذَا مِنْ حَسَنَاتِهِ، وَهَذَا مِنْ حَسَنَاتِهِ، فَإِنْ فَنِيَتْ حَسَنَاتُهُ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُقْضَى مَا عَلَيْهِ، أُخِذَ مِنْ خَطَايَاهُمْ فَطُرِحَتْ عَلَيْهِ، ثُمَّ طُرِحَ فِي النَّارِ»([14])
“The true bankrupt of my Ummah would be he who would come on the Day of Resurrection with Salat, Saum, and Zakat, but he will find himself bankrupt on that day because he reviled others, brought calumny against others, unlawfully consumed the wealth of others, shed the blood of others, and beat others; so his virtues would be credited to the account of those (who suffered at his hand).” If his good actions fall short of clearing the account, their crimes will be added to his account. He will be cast into the Hell-Fire.” (Sahih Muslim).
Bankruptcy
However, This narration emphasizes that bankruptcy is not only about financial incapacity but also includes a lack of moral and ethical standing. A person who wrongs others, spreads false allegations, illegally consumes others’ riches, or physically or verbally damages others shall be bankrupt on the Day of Resurrection.
Therefore, it is crucial to repay debts and also uphold good character, avoid harming others, and practice righteousness. Let us strive to settle our debts promptly and maintain a moral and ethical conduct that reflects the teachings of Islam. May Allah lead us in fulfilling our responsibilities and provide us with the strength to live a life of righteousness and accountability.
(١) “صحيح مسلم” كتاب النكاح، ر: ٣٥٤٢، صـ٦٠٩.
([5]) “مسند أبي يعلى” مسند الحسین بن علي …إلخ، ر: ٦٧٧٤، ٥/١٧٤.
([6]) “سنن أبي داود” کتاب الأدب، ر: ٤٩٤٨، صـ٦٩٧.
([7]) “سنن الترمذي” باب مَا جَاءَ فِي حَقِّ الْجِوَارِ، ر: 1944، صـ٤٥٢.
([8]) “صحيح مسلم” كتاب البرّ والصلة والآدب، ر: ٦٦٨٨، صـ١١٤٥.
([9]) “سنن ابن ماجه” باب الْوَرَعِ وَالتَّقْوَى، ر: ٤٢١٧، صـ٧٢٠.
([10]) المرجع السابق، أنس بن مالك بن النضر h، ر: 13٥٤١، ٤/٤٨٢.
([11]) “صحيح ابن حبان” كتاب النكاح، ر: ٤٠٢١، صـ٦٩٩.
([12]) “مسند الإمام أحمد” مسند السيِّدة عائشة i، ر: 2٥٣1٤، ٩/٥٠٤.