Honoring Fathers in Islam: A Reflection on Father’s Day

Introduction: A Day to Remember or a Tradition to Rethink?

Father’s Day, celebrated annually in many countries, is often associated with gift-giving, greeting cards, and acts of appreciation toward fathers. But for Muslims striving to align their lives with the teachings of Islam, the question arises: Is celebrating Father’s Day permissible in Islam? And more broadly, what does Islam say about honoring our fathers?

This article offers a deep dive into the Islamic perspective on fatherhood, analyzes cultural practices like Father’s Day, and presents practical ways Muslims can express love and gratitude to their fathers—within the ethical framework of Islam.

The Elevated Status of Fathers in Islam

Islam upholds both parents in high regard. While much attention is rightfully given to mothers due to the famous hadith where the Prophet ﷺ said, “Your mother, your mother, your mother, then your father,” the role of the father is also deeply respected and woven into the family structure.

📖 Qur’anic Emphasis

The Qur’an consistently reminds us of our obligations toward both parents:

“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.”
(Surah Luqman 31:14)

Although the verse highlights the hardships of the mother, the father is implicitly included in the command for gratitude and respect.

🧔 Hadith About Fathers

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ once said:

“The father is the middle gate of Paradise; if you wish, you can neglect it or you can protect it.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 3663)

This hadith underscores the importance of the father’s role and the virtue of honoring him. Neglecting one’s father is akin to neglecting an avenue to Jannah.

Responsibilities and Rights of a Father in a Muslim Family

The father in Islam is not just a financial provider; he is a leader, teacher, and protector. Here are some key responsibilities:

1. Financial Support and Provision

It is an obligation for the father to provide for his wife and children. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“It is sufficient sin for a man if he neglects those he is responsible for.”
(Abu Dawood, 1692)

2. Spiritual Leadership

A father must guide his family in religious obligations, encouraging prayer, honesty, modesty, and love of Allah and His Messenger.

“O you who believe! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is men and stones…”
(Surah At-Tahrim 66:6)

3. Emotional Support and Presence

The Prophet ﷺ was affectionate with his children and grandchildren. His interactions with his daughter Fatimah and grandsons Hasan and Husayn show the emotional depth expected of a father.

Fatherhood Across Islamic Cultures: A Brief Glance

Across the Muslim world, fatherhood is revered—but expressed differently based on cultural norms.

Arab cultures often show reverence to the father as a figure of strength and guidance.
In South Asian households, the father is traditionally seen as the provider, with less emotional involvement—though this is slowly changing.
Shia communities emphasize the example of Imam Ali (RA) as the ideal father, especially in his relationship with Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn.
In Southeast Asia, fathers may play nurturing roles, similar to Western parenting models, but within an Islamic moral framework.

In all these cultures, while the emotional expressions may differ, the father is central to the Islamic upbringing of children.

Is Father’s Day Permissible in Islam?

Here comes the big question: Can Muslims celebrate Father’s Day?

The answer varies depending on interpretation. Scholars and Islamic thinkers fall into three main camps:

⚖️ View 1: Permissible as a Cultural Practice (Not a Religious Festival)

Many scholars argue that as long as a practice does not involve anything haram, shirk, or bid’ah, it can be allowed as a customary expression—not a religious celebration.

Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi: He stated that celebrating occasions like Mother's or Father's Day as cultural customs—not religious holidays—is permissible, especially if they are occasions to do good and strengthen family ties.

Dr. Zakir Naik also holds that if one celebrates Father’s Day to express love and not as a religious festival, there’s no harm—as long as every day should ideally be a day to honor one’s parents.

⚖️ View 2: Disliked or Discouraged (Makruh)

Some scholars argue that setting aside one specific day might undermine the Islamic principle of consistently honoring parents throughout the year. They fear it could promote imitation of non-Islamic practices.

This view holds that such celebrations can lead to tashabbuh bil-kuffar (imitating non-believers), which the Prophet ﷺ warned against.

⚖️ View 3: Impermissible (Bid’ah or Innovation)

A stricter group of scholars views Father’s Day as an un-Islamic innovation, falling under the category of bid’ah because it introduces a new practice that the Prophet ﷺ and companions did not observe.

Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen and Sheikh Bin Baz held this opinion, urging Muslims to avoid such celebrations entirely and instead focus on the prescribed ways of honoring parents.

Striking a Balance: Intent, Action, and Moderation

So what’s the middle ground?

Islam is a faith of intention, balance, and continuous action. If a person chooses to acknowledge Father’s Day without excess, not in place of Islamic duties but as an additional reminder to appreciate and love their father—that can be within bounds, provided it doesn't resemble religious innovation or imitate sinful behavior.

“Actions are but by intentions…” (Bukhari & Muslim)

The key is intent and consistency. If Father’s Day becomes the only day we express appreciation, we’ve missed the mark. But if it’s one of many ways to honor our fathers, done with proper boundaries, it may be a moment of barakah and love.

Practical, Islamically Appropriate Ways to Honor Fathers

Whether you choose to recognize Father’s Day or not, here are practical ways to honor your father throughout the year:

🕊 1. Make Du’a for Him Constantly

“My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:24)

Praying for your father—especially if he has passed away—is a profound act of love and gratitude.

🤲 2. Serve and Spend Time with Him

The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of serving one’s parents, even in old age.

“He is with me, and my mother is old.” The Prophet said: “You have Paradise.”
(Muslim)

Help him with daily needs, drive him to the masjid, or just sit and talk.

📝 3. Write a Letter or Give a Heartfelt Gift

A handwritten note with sincere emotions is more meaningful than a generic greeting card. If giving a gift, choose something thoughtful, not extravagant.

💼 4. Speak Well of Him to Others

Express appreciation for your father in front of siblings, your spouse, and children. This not only honors him but sets a precedent for future generations.

📚 5. Educate Your Children About Their Grandfather

Tell stories of his character, sacrifice, or kindness. This connects generations and keeps his legacy alive.

Final Reflections: Love Beyond the Calendar

Father’s Day can be a reminder—not a replacement—for the daily Islamic obligation to honor our fathers. Islam does not need designated holidays to promote love, respect, and service to parents. These values are embedded in its very core.

Still, for those living in multicultural or Western societies, such moments may offer a bridge to connect Islamic teachings with everyday life. With the right intention and boundaries, expressing love on Father’s Day can be just another beautiful way to embody the Sunnah of kindness, gratitude, and family harmony.

Whether it’s Father’s Day or any ordinary day—pick up the phone, say a heartfelt “JazakAllah Khayr, Baba,” or make sincere du’a for the man who worked, sacrificed, and cared for you in countless silent ways.

Let every day be Father’s Day—in the Islamic way.