So as from this morning, we began looking at the various people around us whom we need to be grateful for and the importance and respect due to a mother was discussed. Now we going to take a look at the gratitude we ought to show Allah for our fathers.

For as long as we live, there is a myriad of factors that inevitably shape our behaviours and thoughts, which mould us as the persons we are today. Amongst these factors are important figures like our fathers. The presence of a father-figure and his love is paramount in our development and growth as a person.

Fathers are protectors of the family. They complement the role and love we receive from our mothers. Because of that, some of us grapple to understand their minimal presence in the name of love.

They work day and night to make sure we have a shelter above our heads, food on the table and education to chart a better future ahead. They are commanded by Allah to provide physical, educational, psychological and spiritual needs of the children. His status is honoured in this hadith:

Abu Darda (RA) reported: Rasulullah ﷺ said:
الْوَالِدُ أَوْسَطُ أَبْوَابِ الْجَنَّةِ فَإِنْ شِئْتَ فَأَضِعْ ذَلِكَ الْبَابَ أَوْ احْفَظْهُ
“The father is the middle of the gates of Paradise, so keep to this gate or lose it.” (Sunan At-Tirmizi)

While around us, they mask their fatigue. They choose to exude the confidence of guarding the nest he built for us to feel safe.

We should realize that our fathers have served us so much that we can never fully compensate them. It would only be possible to fully repay our fathers if we found them as a slave and set them free, which is practically impossible.

Abu Huraira (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
لَا يَجْزِي وَلَدٌ وَالِدًا إِلَّا أَنْ يَجِدَهُ مَمْلُوكًا فَيَشْتَرِيَهُ فَيُعْتِقَهُ
“No child can compensate his father unless he finds him as a slave, buys him, and sets him free.” [Source: Sahih Muslim 2787, Grade: Sahih]

Such is the great honour a father deserves.
While mother`s rights are often spoken about, it is important to note that the role of a father is also highly recognized in Islam.
عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ رِضَا الرَّبِّ فِي رِضَا الْوَالِدِ وَسَخَطُ الرَّبِّ فِي سَخَطِ الْوَالِدِ ‏”‏

Abdullah bin Amr (RA) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said: “The Lord’s pleasure is in the parent’s pleasure, and the Lord’s anger is in the parent’s anger.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1899]

Our duties to our parents extend even after their death. One of the best ways to honour our parents when they are gone is by being kind to their friends.

Abdullah ibn Umar, (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
أَبَرُّ الْبِرِّ أَنْ يَصِلَ الرَّجُلُ وُدَّ أَبِيهِ
“The best act of righteousness is that a man should maintain good relations with his father’s loved ones.” [Source: Sahih Muslim 2552, Grade: Sahih]

Regardless of the type of relationship we have with our fathers, let this be the day we reflect, recognise and appreciate them.