Speaking to One’s Parents with Respect

Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned the following:

It is necessary and important for one to show respect to his parents and honor them. However, at the same time, it is not permissible for one to obey them in impermissible matters. The Hadith mentions:

لا طاعة لمخلوق في معصية الخالق

There is no obedience to the creation in matters that involve the disobedience of the Creator.

Nevertheless, it should be borne in mind that if one’s parents instruct him to do something impermissible in Shari‘ah, then though he should not obey them, it does not mean that he should back answer them. (In other words, even if they command him to do something wrong, he should not show disrespect to them, but speak to them in a polite and gentle manner).

(Qutbul Aqtaab Hazrat Sheikhul Hadith Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) pg. 494)