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UWAYS'S LEGACY OF BIRR AL-WĀLIDAYN

 FAJR REMINDER: UWAYS'S LEGACY OF BIRR AL-WĀLIDAYN

By: Umm Affān

Rabī' Al-Awwal 6, 1448 (19-August-2026)


The significance of Birr al-Wālidayn—dutifulness and excellence towards one's parents—can never be overstated. Among the most beautiful examples of how such dutifulness can elevate a person to an extraordinary rank with Allāh is the story of Uways Ibn ‘Āmir al-Qaranī (Raḥimahullāh). His story teaches us that a person may be virtually unknown among people while being honoured and recognised in the Sight of Allāh.


Uways lived during the lifetime of the Prophet (ﷺ), believed in him, and yet remained in Yemen with his mother to care for her. For this reason, he is regarded as a Tābi'ī, not a Companion.


‘Umar Ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) narrated that he heard the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) say: “Worthy amongst the Tābi'ī would be a person who would be called Uways. He would have his mother (living with him) and he would have (a small) sign of leprosy. Ask him to beg pardon for you (from Allāh).” [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, 2542]


Allāhu Akbar! Consider how remarkable this is. The Prophet (ﷺ) identified the righteousness of Uways while he was still living in Yemen. Uways was not famous, wealthy, powerful, or well known among the people. Yet he possessed a quality that distinguished him greatly: his excellent treatment of his mother.


After the Prophet (ﷺ) passed away, ‘Umar (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) would look for Uways whenever delegations from Yemen arrived. Eventually, he found him and asked: “Are you Uways Ibn ‘Āmir?” He replied, “Yes.” ‘Umar asked him about his tribe and about the skin condition mentioned by the Prophet (ﷺ), and Uways confirmed everything. ‘Umar then asked: “Do you have a mother?” He replied: “Yes.” ‘Umar then told him that he had heard the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) say that Uways was a man whose treatment of his mother would be excellent, and that if he swore by Allāh regarding something, Allāh would fulfil it. The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed the Companions to ask Uways to seek forgiveness for them if they encountered him. ‘Umar therefore asked Uways to seek Allāh's Forgiveness for him, and Uways did so.


What makes this story particularly powerful is that Uways had an opportunity that many Muslims would have deem priceless: to travel and meet the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ). Yet he remained in Yemen with his mother. This should not be understood as him neglecting the Prophet (ﷺ) or choosing his mother over the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) in any broader sense. Rather, the narrations show that he remained in Yemen caring for his mother, and this exceptional Birr became one of the reasons for his remarkable rank.


Indeed, the Prophet (ﷺ) went on to instruct his Companions to seek Uways's supplication, despite Uways being virtually unknown among the people. A person may be unknown to the people but well known in the heavens. Uways was not famous for teaching thousands of people or leading armies. His great distinction lay in something much quieter: his excellent treatment of his mother. And that is precisely what the Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized: “He has a mother to whom he is dutiful.” [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2542]


Dear brethren, serving one's parents, meeting their needs, showing them patience, bringing them joy, and remaining devoted to them may seem ordinary to many. Yet with Allāh, such deeds can become a means of attaining an extraordinary rank. Uways (Raḥimahullāh) was distinguished by his Birr towards his mother to such an extent that the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) praised him while he was still alive and instructed the Companions to seek his supplication.


Islām indeed places immense importance on Birr al-Wālidayn. Whoever desires goodness in this world and the Hereafter must take righteousness towards his parents seriously, even when they have treated him badly at times. Their rights remain weighty, and dutifulness towards them should not be treated as something secondary or insignificant.


I beseech Allāh (ﷻ) to make us among the righteous and dutiful children to our parents, grant us patience in serving them, and make our righteousness to them a means of attaining His Pleasure. Aameen

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