We all know about the emphasis made by the Holy Quran and the Household of the Prophet (PBUH&HP) on the minding and respecting the parents. Now the question remains that what is our duty in the case our parents behave in an unacceptable manner; or more, take up beliefs in stark opposition to the religion, and how should we react in such a case?
A companion of Imam Jawad (PBUH) was confronted to a similar problem. His father, not merely being an opponent to the Household, he also was a grave enemy to them and even used bad language against them. Therefore he brought the matter up to Imam Jawad (PBUH), and asked for counsel.
Baker bin Saleh narrated that his son in law wrote a letter to Imam Jawad (PBUH) saying that his father was a vicious and obstinate Nasebi(1), and an enemy to the Household, and that he suffered a lot from his father’s behavior. He asked Imam to pray for him and to give him advice, and whether to break up with or tolerate his father.
Imam Mohammad al-Taghi (PBUH) replied:
“I understood your problem with your father. I will pray for you, God willing. It is beter to be lenient toward your father. There is release after each hardship. Be patient for that the happy end belongs to the pious. I pray that God will make you persistent in the path of the Wilayat of the Household of the Prophet. We and you are in the custody of a God Who will never leave alone the ones who take recourse to Him.
Baker bin Saleh said: “After a while my son in law told me that God had softened the heart of his father, so that he never opposed the household of the Prophet (PBUT).”
(The above is a selection taken from “Bihar al-Anwar”, by Allamah Muhammad Baqir Majlisi)
Roshd Website congratulates all Muslims, especially you dear friend on the 10th of Rajab, the birth anniversary of the light and deputy of Allah (SWT) in the darkness of earth, the ninth Imam of Shiites, Imam Muhammad ibn Ali al-Jawad (PBUH).
Footnote:
1- A stubborn enemy of Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT)