Mothers and fathers have been honoured in recent weeks as they appropriately should.

The definition of parents is “a father or mother, or both who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian”.

An excellent definition indeed. In Islam, parents are to be treated with respect, honour and love as we have be commanded by Allah to do: “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and do good to parents. If any one of them or both of them reach old age, do not say to them: uff (a word or expression of anger or contempt) and do not scold them, and address them with respectful words.” (Koran, 17:23)

We are also urged to pray for our parents: “And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.” (Koran, 17:24)

If our parents are non-Muslim we should treat them with the same respect but we should not let them lead us astray, rather as Allah recommends: “But if they endeavour to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness.” (Koran, 31:15)

Just as parents have rights over children, children too have rights over parents.

Children are to be cared for and nurtured with love and affection, they are to be provided food, shelter, clothing, education and respect.

Children are not the possessions of their parents. Parents must allow children to develop into their own personalities and if guided right they will become all that they should be. They will ultimately make their parents proud.

Throughout time, parenting has had its fair share of challenges. Caring for and raising children in the proper manner is a duty on parents and it is not always easy. In fact, God reminds us in the Koran that children may even be a great trial for their parents. They can bring great joy as well as disappointment and sorrow.

Allah says: “Your wealth and your children are only a trial, whereas God, with Him is a great reward (Paradise).” (Koran, 64:15)

The late Islamic scholar, Sheikh Uthaimeen, may God have mercy on him, described children as a trust given to parents by God.

He also said that children are to be well fed, well-groomed, properly dressed for seasons and appearance. Children are entitled to education, religious learning, and spiritual guidance. Their hearts must be filled with faith and their minds entertained with proper guidance, knowledge, and wisdom.

Parenting is serious business but God has given proper instructions to aid parents. May Allah make it easy for parents and for children.

Bermuda, I pray that you will continue to rise up for humanity and make your voices heard demanding that the genocide be stopped now!

Join the march today.

As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam