And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command), “Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is (thy final) Goal.” (31:14)

China is catching up what Muslims have been instructed to do by their religion: be kind to parents (see report here). Not that this wasn’t part of Chinese culture and tradition, however, cultural values that are not tied to consequences (worldly or hereafter), tend to erode. Much like chivalry and hayya (modesty) was also part of the cultural traditions of the Western civilization, but with time and due to lack of consequences associated with these values, they have but disappeared. While Islam has linked kindness to parents to obedience to Allah, China, not able to depend on a Creator with its atheistic creed, is tying in kindness to parents with one’s jobs. After all, when there is no Creator to worry about, then it is the materialistic charms that become the criterion and the drive to do good.

So, Chinese managers will not only be looking at the work performance of their employee, but they will also be making calls to the parents of the employee to make sure that they are pleased with them! An unhappy parent may become a stumbling block for a high-flier! This is nothing but poetic justice. After all, all the high-fliers and the not so high-fliers, get where they get because of their parents, and they owe no one more than their parents. So, isn’t it fair that the parents receive at least kindness, if not financial support?

Of course, for Muslims, we have a higher authority setting the values and rules for us. And this Chinese news should only remind us what we already know. And yes, other than in China, our promotions may not be linked to our parents. But, the worldly promotions are a distant second to the promotions in the hereafter. So, an ‘akhira-demotion’ due to mistreatment of parents may be more damaging than anything else in the entire world.

Keep reading more here at Islamic Ink by Sr. Ayla “Your presence more than your presents…“; A must-read reminder.