29:8
We have enjoined on man kindness to parents: but if they (either of them) strive (to force)
thee to join with Me (in worship) anything of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not. Ye have
(all) to return to me, and I will tell you (the truth) of all that ye did.
The Qurʾānic verse, “And We have instructed man to be good to his parents” (Qurʾān 29:8), emphasizes the moral obligation of children to treat their parents with kindness and respect. The term waṣiyyah refers to an instruction or recommendation given with sincere advice and goodwill. Likewise, the word ḥusn conveys the meaning of goodness or virtuous conduct, indicating that individuals are encouraged to demonstrate honorable and compassionate behavior toward their parents.
However, the verse also establishes an important limitation to this obligation. While kindness and respect toward parents remain essential, obedience to them must not extend to actions that conflict with the commands of God. The verse specifically states that if parents urge their children to associate partners with God or to commit acts of disbelief, they should not be obeyed in such matters. This principle is supported by a prophetic tradition stating that obedience to a created being is not permissible when it involves disobedience to the Creator. This hadith is reported in collections such as those of Imam Aḥmad and al-Ḥākim, the latter of whom considered it authentic.
Classical commentators relate that this verse was revealed in connection with the Companion Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqāṣ, one of the ten companions whom the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have promised Paradise (al-ʿAsharah al-Mubashsharah). Saʿd was known for his deep respect and devotion toward his mother. When his mother learned that he had accepted Islam, she strongly opposed his decision and attempted to compel him to abandon the new faith. According to reports preserved in sources such as Muslim and al-Tirmidhī, she vowed that she would neither eat nor drink until he renounced Islam, even declaring that she would allow herself to die so that he would bear the blame.
Despite his affection and concern for her, Saʿd remained steadfast in his faith, recognizing that obedience to God must take precedence over all other obligations. He reportedly told his mother that even if she possessed many lives and they departed one by one, he would not abandon his religion. Faced with his unwavering determination, she eventually ended her protest and resumed eating. This account is often cited by commentators to illustrate the Qurʾānic teaching that devotion to parents must be maintained with kindness, but not at the expense of obedience to God.
References:
Shafi, Muhammad (2008). Maariful Quran. (Vol .6 surah 29 verse 8).