Shoiab Mohmmad Bhat
“The people who once held our hands through childhood will not always be there. One day, conversations become memories and ordinary moments become priceless treasures. The greatest tribute we can offer our parents is not words, but our time, respect, and presence while they are still with us.”
Every year on June 1, the world marks Global Day of Parents. Unlike many international observances that focus on institutions, professions, or causes, this day is about the people whose influence begins long before a child understands the world. Parents are among the first individuals a child sees, trusts, and learns from. Their role continues through every stage of life, even when children become adults and start families of their own.
In most homes, the contribution of parents is so constant that it is often taken for granted. Meals appear on the table, school fees get paid, and challenges somehow get resolved. Children grow up assuming that such support is a normal part of life. Only with age do many people begin to understand the effort, sacrifice, and concern hidden behind these everyday realities.
A parent’s responsibility does not begin when a child starts school. It starts much earlier. The first lessons about kindness, honesty, respect, and discipline are usually learned at home. Children observe far more than they listen. They watch how their parents speak to others, respond to difficulties, and handle responsibilities. These observations quietly shape attitudes and behaviour.
Many successful people have achieved success due to teaching, mentorship, and professional guidance. However, every person’s success story can be attributed to a parent who has worked day and night for the successful child. Most parents work tirelessly for their children. Others make countless sacrifices that often go unrecognized.
The changing nature of society has made parenting more challenging than ever. Previous generations had problems related to education, employment, and social values. But today’s parents have additional concerns about the role of social media, excessive use of screens, the internet, and even more pressure on their kids’ minds. It is very hard work raising children under these circumstances.
In Kashmir, relations between family members have been an important part of society. The parents play an important role in offering support during the tough times, such as studies, work, money matters, or personal issues. There is hardly anyone who does not remember a time when the parent was there in moments of failure and uncertainty. Such help does not always offer immediate solutions to problems, but gives strength to move ahead.
A mother’s role deserves special recognition. From the earliest days of a child’s life, the roles require great patience and devotion. They are constantly worrying, tired from sleepless nights and devoted to caring. Many mothers continue to place their children above their own needs.
Fathers, too, carry responsibilities that often remain less visible. For many families, fathers spend years working to provide stability and security. They worry about education, health, finances, and the future of their children. Much of this concern stays unspoken. Children may only fully understand these sacrifices when they face similar responsibilities themselves.
Parents are highly regarded in Islam. Kindness to one’s parents, as well as respect for them, is greatly valued in the religion of Islam. This is seen from the numerous mentions of it in the Holy Quran. Respecting one’s parents is viewed as a moral responsibility and virtue.
One of the most heart-warming verses is found in Surah Al-Isra, which teaches Muslims to speak to their parents softly and to pray to Allah with mercy and compassion on their behalf. This verse reminds us that we owe our parents dignity and respect, especially when they grow old and cannot do anything on their own.
The position of the mother has special significance in Islam. A well-known Hadith narrates that a man asked Prophet Muhammad (SAW) who deserved the best companionship. The Prophet replied, “Your mother” three times before mentioning, “Your father.”
Islam also honours fathers for their efforts and responsibilities. Providing for a family, protecting its well-being, and guiding children are viewed as important duties. Both parents occupy a position of honour, and serving them is regarded as a source of blessing and reward.
But even after receiving such lessons, the present day might cause people to become detached from each other. The hectic lifestyles of today, coupled with cell phones and computer screens, might not help in promoting genuine conversations among family members, who will be living together but spending less time communicating.
Global Day of Parents offers an opportunity to reflect on these changes. The occasion is not about expensive gifts or grand celebrations. A conversation, a visit, a phone call, or a simple expression of gratitude can mean far more. Many parents seek neither recognition nor praise. They value respect, affection, and the reassurance that their efforts have been appreciated.
The day also reminds younger generations that parents will not always be present. Time moves quickly. The people who once guided us through childhood eventually grow older. Their strength may decline, and their needs may increase. Moments spent with them today often become memories that people cherish for the rest of their lives.
Good families constitute the basis of good societies. Where parents are honoured and respected, the kids live under better circumstances. Families of this sort help in the formation of a stable society based on understanding and common prosperity.
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