Title: Obedience to Parents Question: It is said that obey your parents for everything that they ask you to do except for Kufar ? Does this literally mean kufar or it can be taken in a broader sense, from what I understand had it been in broader sense then it would not have been made that specific. Does it mean if they tell us to lie, cheat, steal, in the way of ultimate obedience we ought not to object what our parents say, since a child who has won his parents happiness is bound to get Gods mercy on the day of judgment. Abdul Rahim Shahab Answer: The Qur'anic directive is not one of complete obedience to parents, but is one of being submissive to them. Even when one is in disagreement with them, one should not be abusive or, in any other way, rude toward them. Parents should not be obeyed in anything leading to immorality, unethical behavior or even breaking the law of the land of one's residence. Nevertheless, even under such circumstances, no person should be rude towards his/her parents; he must excuse himself from carrying out their desires in the best of manners. For further elaboration, please refer to one of my earlier responses to a question titled: " Difference of Opinion with Parents ". I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad March 25, 2002