Limits of Obeying Parents

16-7-2019 | IslamWeb

Question:

My parents told me not to use a certain app on my phone, but I really like the app. The app does contain some haram content but I never use it for that and if I ever see something haram it’s almost always by accident. I generally use it just for fun. So my question is, if I use this app, am I committing any sin for not following my parents’ orders? Is it okay to do something my parents told me not to do as long as it doesn’t harm me or them?

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

You have to obey your parents when they request you not to use the mentioned application. We have repeatedly stated in previous Fataawa that it is an obligation to obey parents so long as they do not request one to commit a disobedience to Allah. It is an obligation to obey parents even in the permissible matters. As a matter of fact, some scholars are of the view that their obedience is obligatory even in matters that are considered disliked or doubtful. This is all due to their great right, as stated by An-Nawawi in his explanation of Saheeh Muslim and other scholars.

Therefore, you must fear Allah and obey your parents, because you would incur a sin if you do not follow their order, especially as they have a clear legitimate reason for telling you not to use it.

Allah Knows best.