In some cultures one day of the year is set aside to celebrate one or both parents. Islam is not in favor of confining respect and love for parents to a single day of the year. Kissing them and expressing love to them all year round are encouraged in Islam. In fact, it is an Islamic obligation to always take care of them and treat them courteously. Nothing describes this obligation better than the words of Allah the Almighty:

[Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness lower to them the wing of humility and say, "My Lord, bestow on them Your mercy as they cherished me in childhood."] (Al-Israa' 17:23-24)

Note that Allah enjoined us to be kind to parents right after He enjoined us to worship Him, which gives an idea of how important is it to treat them with kindness and mercy. Such treatment should be the norm, whether our parents are Muslims or not, for we are ordered to treat all people justly regardless of their belief.

Islam guides us to obey parents in all matters unless it is sinful:

[But if they strive with thee to make thee ascribe unto Me as partner that of which thou hast no knowledge, then obey them not. Consort with them in the world kindly.] (Luqman 31:15)

In this folder we examine parents' rights and how to balance them with the rights of our spouse and Allah.