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Justice & Compassion

Rights in Islam

39 rights across 8 relationships — from parents and neighbors to animals and the elderly. Every right comes with a Quran verse or hadith, and a practical action you can do today.

Quran VersesAuthentic HadithsPractical Actions
Rights of ParentsRights of NeighborsRights of the SpouseRights of ChildrenRights of AnimalsRights of GuestsRights of the PoorRights of the Elderly

حقوق الوالدين

Rights of Parents

The most beloved deed after prayer

Obedience & Kindness

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا

Wa qada Rabbuka alla ta'budu illa iyyahu wa bil-walidayni ihsana. Imma yablughanna 'indakal-kibara ahaduhuma aw kilahuma fala taqul lahuma uffin wa la tanharhuma wa qul lahuma qawlan kareema.

“Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and be kind to parents. If 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.” — Quran 17:23

Try today: Call or visit your parents today. Ask how they are feeling and listen patiently — even if you have heard the same story before.

Spending on Them

يَسْأَلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنفِقُونَ ۖ قُلْ مَا أَنفَقْتُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِلْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْأَقْرَبِينَ

Yas'alunaka madha yunfiqoon. Qul ma anfaqtum min khayrin falil-walidayni wal-aqrabeen.

“They ask you what they should spend. Say: Whatever you spend of good is for parents and relatives.” — Quran 2:215

Try today: Buy something your parents need this week — groceries, medicine, or a small gift that shows you were thinking of them.

Making Dua for Them

وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

Wakhfidh lahuma janahidh-dhulli minar-rahmati wa qur-Rabbir-hamhuma kama rabbayanee sagheera.

“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.” — Quran 17:24

Try today: Add this dua to your daily prayers: "Rabbi irhamhuma kama rabbayanee sagheera" — especially after each salah.

Serving Them in Old Age

A man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said: "O Messenger of Allah, who is most deserving of my good companionship?" He said: "Your mother." The man said: "Then who?" He said: "Your mother." The man said: "Then who?" He said: "Your mother." The man said: "Then who?" He said: "Your father."

Sahih Bukhari 5971, Sahih Muslim 2548

Try today: If your parents are elderly, help them with a physical task today — cooking, cleaning, or driving them to an appointment.

Being Grateful to Them

أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيْكَ إِلَيَّ الْمَصِيرُ

Anishkur li wa li-walidayk. Ilayyal-maseer.

“Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the final destination.” — Quran 31:14

Try today: Tell your parents "thank you" for something specific they did for you — even something from childhood. They will never forget it.

حقوق الجيران

Rights of Neighbors

Jibreel kept reminding about them

Not Harming Them

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe!" It was said: "Who, O Messenger of Allah?" He said: "The one whose neighbor is not safe from his evil."

Sahih Bukhari 6016

Try today: Check if anything you do causes inconvenience to your neighbors — noise, parking, rubbish. Fix one thing today.

Sharing Food with Them

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "O Abu Dharr, when you cook broth, add extra water and share it with your neighbors."

Sahih Muslim 2625

Try today: Next time you cook, make a little extra and take a plate to your neighbor. It does not have to be fancy.

Checking on Their Wellbeing

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Jibreel kept advising me about the neighbor until I thought he would make him an heir."

Sahih Bukhari 6014, Sahih Muslim 2624

Try today: Knock on your neighbor's door this week just to ask how they are doing. A two-minute visit can mean the world to someone lonely.

Being Patient with Their Flaws

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him not harm his neighbor. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his guest. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent."

Sahih Bukhari 6018, Sahih Muslim 47

Try today: If your neighbor does something annoying, choose patience over confrontation. Overlook small faults — you would want the same for yourself.

Greeting Them with Salam

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I tell you something that if you do it, you will love one another? Spread the salam among yourselves."

Sahih Muslim 54

Try today: Make it a habit to greet every neighbor you see with a warm "Assalamu alaikum" and a smile.

حقوق الزوجين

Rights of the Spouse

Love and mercy between partners

Kindness & Love

وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً

Wa min ayatihi an khalaqa lakum min anfusikum azwajan li-taskunu ilayha wa ja'ala baynakum mawaddatan wa rahma.

“And among His signs is that He created for you from yourselves spouses that you may find tranquility in them, and He placed between you love and mercy.” — Quran 30:21

Try today: Express appreciation to your spouse today — a kind word, a thank you, or a small gesture of love goes a long way.

Financial Support

لِيُنفِقْ ذُو سَعَةٍ مِّن سَعَتِهِ ۖ وَمَن قُدِرَ عَلَيْهِ رِزْقُهُ فَلْيُنفِقْ مِمَّا آتَاهُ اللَّهُ

Li-yunfiq dhu sa'atin min sa'atih. Wa man qudira 'alayhi rizquhu fal-yunfiq mimma atahullah.

“Let the wealthy man spend according to his means; and whoever is limited in provision, let him spend from what Allah has given him.” — Quran 65:7

Try today: Review your family budget together. Ensure your spouse's needs are met before any personal luxuries.

Respect & Honor

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The best of you are the best to their wives, and I am the best of you to my wives."

Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3895, graded Sahih

Try today: Never speak ill of your spouse in front of others. Build them up in public and in private.

Consultation & Partnership

وَأَمْرُهُمْ شُورَىٰ بَيْنَهُمْ

Wa amruhum shura baynahum.

“And their affairs are conducted by mutual consultation among them.” — Quran 42:38

Try today: Before making any major decision, sit down with your spouse and ask for their opinion. Make them feel valued.

Privacy & Loyalty

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Among the most evil of people in the sight of Allah on the Day of Resurrection is a man who is intimate with his wife and she with him, and then he spreads her secrets."

Sahih Muslim 1437

Try today: Guard your spouse's secrets and private matters. Never discuss intimate details with friends or family.

حقوق الأطفال

Rights of Children

A trust from Allah to nurture

Good Upbringing & Education

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "No father has given his child a gift better than good manners."

Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1952, graded Hasan

Try today: Teach your child one good manner or Islamic lesson today. Lead by example — children learn more from what they see than what they hear.

Equal Treatment Between Children

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Fear Allah and treat your children fairly."

Sahih Bukhari 2587, Sahih Muslim 1623

Try today: If you have multiple children, check that you are giving equal attention, gifts, and love to each of them.

Showing Love & Affection

The Prophet (peace be upon him) kissed his grandson al-Hasan ibn Ali while al-Aqra ibn Habis was sitting with him. Al-Aqra said: "I have ten children and I have never kissed any of them." The Prophet (peace be upon him) looked at him and said: "He who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy."

Sahih Bukhari 5997, Sahih Muslim 2318

Try today: Hug your child today and tell them you love them. Physical affection builds emotional security and confidence.

Choosing Good Names

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "On the Day of Resurrection you will be called by your names and the names of your fathers, so make your names good."

Sunan Abu Dawud 4948, graded Hasan

Try today: If expecting a child, research beautiful Islamic names with good meanings. A name is a lifelong gift.

Playing with Them

The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to put al-Hasan and al-Husayn on his back and walk around with them. He would say: "What an excellent camel you have, and what excellent riders you are!"

Narrated by al-Tabarani, graded Hasan

Try today: Put down your phone and spend 15 minutes playing with your children. Get on the floor, be silly, and let them lead the game.

حقوق الحيوانات

Rights of Animals

Mercy extends to every creature

Not Harming Them

The Prophet (peace be upon him) told of a woman who entered the Hellfire because of a cat she had tied up. She did not feed it, nor did she let it eat from the creatures of the earth, until it died.

Sahih Bukhari 3318, Sahih Muslim 2242

Try today: If you have a pet, check that it has fresh water, food, and a clean living space. If you see a stray animal, leave water out for it.

Feeding & Watering Them

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "While a man was walking on a road, he became very thirsty. He found a well and went down into it and drank. When he came out, he saw a dog panting and eating mud because of thirst. The man said: This dog is as thirsty as I was. So he went back down, filled his shoe with water, and gave it to the dog. Allah thanked him and forgave him." They said: "O Messenger of Allah, is there reward for us in serving animals?" He said: "In every living being there is reward."

Sahih Bukhari 2466, Sahih Muslim 2244

Try today: Place a bowl of water outside your home for birds and stray animals. This is an easy sadaqah jariyah.

Not Overburdening Them

The Prophet (peace be upon him) entered a garden belonging to a man from the Ansar, and there was a camel. When the camel saw the Prophet, it moaned and its eyes shed tears. The Prophet went to it and wiped its head, and it became calm. He said: "Who is the owner of this camel?" A young man from the Ansar said: "It is mine." The Prophet said: "Do you not fear Allah regarding this animal which Allah has put in your possession? It complained to me that you starve it and exhaust it."

Sunan Abu Dawud 2549, graded Sahih

Try today: If you use animals for work or transport, ensure they are well-rested and not carrying more than they can bear.

Kindness in Slaughter

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed Allah has prescribed ihsan (excellence) in all things. If you kill, kill well; and if you slaughter, slaughter well. Let each of you sharpen his blade and spare the animal suffering."

Sahih Muslim 1955

Try today: When consuming meat, choose sources that practice humane and Islamic slaughter methods. Waste no food.

Not Using Them as Targets

Ibn Umar passed by some young men of the Quraysh who had set up a bird as a target and were shooting arrows at it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Allah has cursed the one who takes a living thing as a target."

Sahih Muslim 1958

Try today: Teach children to be gentle with animals. Never harm creatures for sport or entertainment.

حقوق الضيوف

Rights of Guests

Hospitality is a sign of faith

Hospitality for Three Days

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his guest. His special treatment is for one day and one night, and his hospitality is for three days. Whatever is beyond that is charity."

Sahih Bukhari 6019, Sahih Muslim 48

Try today: When someone visits your home, prepare the best you can offer — even if it is just tea and dates. Make them feel genuinely welcome.

Serving Food Generously

هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ ضَيْفِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الْمُكْرَمِينَ ۝ إِذْ دَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ فَقَالُوا سَلَامًا ۖ قَالَ سَلَامٌ قَوْمٌ مُّنكَرُونَ ۝ فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِ فَجَاءَ بِعِجْلٍ سَمِينٍ

Hal ataka hadeethu dayfi Ibrahimal-mukrameen. Idh dakhalu 'alayhi faqalu salama. Qala salamun qawmun munkaroon. Faragha ila ahlihi faja'a bi-'ijlin sameen.

“Has the story of the honored guests of Ibrahim reached you? When they entered upon him and said "Peace," he said "Peace" — and then went quickly to his family and brought a roasted calf.” — Quran 51:24-26

Try today: Follow the sunnah of Ibrahim (peace be upon him): serve your guests quickly, generously, and without making them feel like a burden.

Being Welcoming & Cheerful

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face."

Sahih Muslim 2626

Try today: Greet every guest with a genuine smile and warm words. Make them feel that their visit is a blessing, not an inconvenience.

Walking Them to the Door

It was from the practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the Companions to walk their guests to the door when they departed, as a sign of honor and respect.

Reported in various narrations; part of Prophetic etiquette

Try today: When guests leave, walk them to the door or to their car. This small gesture leaves a lasting, warm impression.

حقوق الفقراء

Rights of the Poor

Wealth is a trust, not a possession

Obligatory Charity (Zakat)

وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ

Wa aqimus-salata wa atuz-zakata warka'u ma'ar-raki'een.

“And establish prayer and give Zakat and bow with those who bow.” — Quran 2:43

Try today: If you have not calculated your Zakat this year, do it today. Use an online Zakat calculator and pay it promptly.

Voluntary Giving (Sadaqah)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Charity does not decrease wealth. No one forgives another except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status."

Sahih Muslim 2588

Try today: Set up a small recurring donation — even a dollar a week. Consistency matters more than the amount.

Not Looking Down on Them

عَبَسَ وَتَوَلَّىٰ ۝ أَن جَاءَهُ الْأَعْمَىٰ ۝ وَمَا يُدْرِيكَ لَعَلَّهُ يَزَّكَّىٰ ۝ أَوْ يَذَّكَّرُ فَتَنفَعَهُ الذِّكْرَىٰ

'Abasa wa tawalla. An ja'ahul-a'ma. Wa ma yudreeka la'allahu yazzakka. Aw yadhdhakkaru fatanfa'uhudh-dhikra.

“He frowned and turned away because the blind man came to him. But what would make you know? Perhaps he might be purified, or be reminded and the reminder would benefit him.” — Quran 80:1-4

Try today: Next time you see someone less fortunate, look them in the eye, greet them with salam, and treat them with the same dignity as anyone else.

Feeding the Hungry

وَيُطْعِمُونَ الطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ مِسْكِينًا وَيَتِيمًا وَأَسِيرًا ۝ إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ اللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَاءً وَلَا شُكُورًا

Wa yut'imunat-ta'ama 'ala hubbihi miskeenan wa yateeman wa aseera. Innama nut'imukum li-wajhillahi la nureedu minkum jaza'an wa la shukura.

“And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, saying: We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.” — Quran 76:8-9

Try today: Buy an extra meal today and give it to someone hungry — at a traffic light, outside a masjid, or through a local food bank.

Speaking to Them Kindly

قَوْلٌ مَّعْرُوفٌ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن صَدَقَةٍ يَتْبَعُهَا أَذًى

Qawlun ma'rufun wa maghfiratun khayrun min sadaqatin yatba'uha adha.

“Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by harm.” — Quran 2:263

Try today: When you cannot give money, give a kind word and a warm smile. Never embarrass someone for asking.

حقوق كبار السن

Rights of the Elderly

Honor those who paved the way

Showing Respect

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and respect to our elders."

Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1919, graded Sahih

Try today: When an elder speaks, listen without interrupting. Address them with respectful titles and give them your full attention.

Helping Them Physically

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "If a young person honors an elderly person because of his age, Allah will appoint someone to honor him when he is old."

Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2022, graded Gharib

Try today: Help an elderly person with something practical today — carry their groceries, open a door, or offer your seat.

Seeking Their Counsel

The Prophet (peace be upon him) valued the advice of his senior Companions and consulted them regularly. Abu Bakr and Umar were among those he turned to most.

General Prophetic practice; referenced in multiple narrations

Try today: Ask an elderly family member for advice on a matter you are dealing with. Their life experience is a treasure.

Making Dua for Them

رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ

Rabbana-ghfir li wa li-walidayya wa lil-mu'mineena yawma yaqumul-hisab.

“Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers on the Day when the account is established.” — Quran 14:41

Try today: Include the elderly members of your family and community in your daily duas, especially those who are ill or alone.

Standing for Them & Giving Them Priority

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "It is from glorifying Allah to honor the Muslim with gray hair (the elderly)."

Sunan Abu Dawud 4843, graded Hasan

Try today: At the next gathering, offer your seat to an elderly person. Let them go first in lines and give them the best spot.

Why Rights Matter in Islam

Islam is not only about worshipping Allah — it is also about how we treat His creation. The rights of others (Huquq al-Ibad) are so important that Allah will not forgive violations against people unless the person who was wronged forgives first.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Do you know who is bankrupt? The bankrupt person from my Ummah is one who comes on the Day of Resurrection with prayer, fasting, and charity, but he insulted this one, slandered that one, consumed the wealth of this one, shed the blood of that one, and beat that one. So his good deeds will be given to each of them, and if his good deeds run out before justice is served, their sins will be cast upon him and he will be thrown into the Fire.” (Sahih Muslim 2581)

Every right on this page is backed by the Quran or authentic hadiths. Each one comes with a simple action you can do today. The path to Paradise is paved with how we treat one another.

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