"Dad, I Love You"

Parents hold immense rights over their children, rights that endure as long as we live. God has made kindness to them among the greatest acts of worship, linking benevolence toward them with His worship and oneness. He, the Exalted, said: “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age with you, do not say to them ‘uff,’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.” (Surah Al-Isra, 23)

Parents do not need only money from us; they need love, compassion, attention, and kind words, especially as they age and tasks they once performed with ease begin to require assistance. One of the most beautiful things a father can hear from his living son is: “Dad, I love you.” Say it without hesitation, then draw close to him, kiss his head and hand, sit beside him, talk to him, and listen attentively without interrupting. Let him express his thoughts and make him feel that you are listening with care and that his words still mean a great deal to you. If he needs something he cannot do himself, be the one to proactively help. Bring him his favorite food and drink, share his meal, and if he is unable to eat on his own, feed him with your own hand. How beautiful it is for a son’s hand to become a means of mercy and loyalty to his father.

Pay attention to his appearance: help him shave, comb his hair, and groom his beard. Ensure his clothes are clean, neat, and appropriate for his age. Monitor his daily needs, and if he requires reminders, ensure he takes his medication on time. Do not let your visit to him be merely a physical presence; make it a heartfelt one. Sit with him, ask about his well-being, listen to his memories, and make him feel that he is still cherished and important in your life.

The Holy Quran reminded us of the greatness of what parents have given us, saying: “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, increasing her in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the final destination.” (Surah Luqman, 14)

At the end of every visit, do not leave in haste. Kiss his forehead and hand, pray for his health, well-being, and long life, and tell him, “I will see you soon, and I will visit you, God willing.” Imagine the feeling of a father when he hears the word “love” from his son, sees his attentiveness, and feels that his children have not forgotten all he has done for them over the years. He may not be able to express everything he feels, but he might summarize his prayer in his heart: “O God, protect my son, guide him, and make him happy in this life and the hereafter.” Here, the most beautiful image of filial piety is realized: a son who brings joy to his father, and a father who raises his hands in prayer for his son.

God taught us how to pray for our parents, saying: “And say, ‘My Lord, have mercy on them as they raised me when I was small.’” (Surah Al-Isra, 24)

O my children, do not wait for a special occasion to tell your fathers that you love them, and do not postpone kindness to a day that may never come. As long as your father is alive, you are facing a priceless blessing. Go to him, sit beside him, hold his hand, kiss his head, and say from the bottom of your heart: “Dad, I love you.” Some words, when spoken at the right time, become unforgettable beautiful memories; some doors, once closed, never open again. Seize the opportunity while your father is still with you, before filial piety becomes a prayer in the unseen, before visits become mere memories, and before words become unfulfilled wishes.

Filial piety toward parents is not a burden on children, but a blessing that may be among the closest paths to God’s pleasure and Paradise.