An Islamic Perspective on Prioritizing Parental Care Over Animal Care
By: Javid Amin
In the picturesque valley of Kashmir, a new and unsettling trend has emerged: while pets are being cherished and cared for at home, elderly parents are increasingly being sent to old-age centers. This phenomenon is creating a cultural shift in traditional values and raising serious concerns about the priorities and responsibilities of family care. With a rich cultural and religious history rooted in respect for parents and elders, this change in family dynamics is not just a social issue but a religious and moral dilemma that warrants careful examination.
In this article, we explore the reasons behind this trend, the Islamic values regarding parental care, the impact of this growing practice on both pets and elderly parents, and how society must realign its priorities. By drawing on the teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith, we highlight the Islamic duty of children toward their parents and offer solutions to this pressing issue in Kashmiri society.
The Rise of Pet Ownership in Kashmir
Over the past decade, Kashmir has witnessed a noticeable increase in pet ownership. Urbanization, social media influences, and an increasing focus on animal welfare have contributed to this rise. For many, pets such as cats, dogs, and birds serve as companions, stress relievers, and even status symbols. The pet industry has boomed in Kashmir, with pet food, grooming services, and veterinary care becoming more accessible and trendy.
However, as pet ownership grows, it has brought along challenges of its own. Pet neglect, abandonment, and even the replacement of human relationships with those of animals are becoming more frequent. This shift is concerning in a society where traditionally, care and affection were reserved for human relationships—especially those of parents, children, and extended family.
The Alarming Increase of Old-Age Centers in Kashmir
In parallel with the rise in pet ownership, the demand for old-age centers in Kashmir has also increased. As the traditional joint family system disintegrates and nuclear families become the norm, many elderly parents find themselves isolated or unable to live with their children due to space, financial, or emotional constraints.
Many old-age centers in Kashmir provide basic accommodation, meals, medical care, and social activities, but the very existence of these centers reflects a significant shift in societal values. The fact that children are increasingly choosing institutional care for their parents contradicts the Islamic and cultural values of Kashmiri society, where the elderly were once revered and cared for within the family.
Islamic Teachings on Parental Care
The Qur’an and Hadith place immense importance on caring for one’s parents, emphasizing that after worshiping Allah, kindness to parents is the most critical of duties.
- In Surah Al-Isra (17:23), Allah says:
“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], ‘uff,’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.”
This verse emphasizes not only caring for one’s parents but also being gentle and kind in behavior, especially when they reach an advanced age. - The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in a Hadith:
“The pleasure of the Lord is in the pleasure of the parent, and the displeasure of the Lord is in the displeasure of the parent.” (Ibn Majah)
This Hadith further underscores the critical role of parental care in earning Allah’s favor.
In Islam, looking after one’s parents is not just a moral duty but a form of worship. Neglecting this duty to prioritize other responsibilities, such as caring for pets, runs contrary to the core tenets of the religion.
Pets vs. Parents: A Conflicting Dynamic in Kashmir
In a growing number of cases, pets are becoming the central focus of affection and care, while elderly parents are being sent to old-age centers. This raises the question: How have animals started to replace the essential bonds between parents and children?
Many families justify this practice by citing the practical difficulties of caring for elderly parents—financial strains, health issues, or even conflicts within the home. However, the rise of this trend signals deeper social issues:
- Shifting Priorities: Families are increasingly prioritizing career and lifestyle over caring for their elderly parents. In many cases, young couples choose the company of pets for emotional fulfillment rather than taking on the responsibility of elderly care.
- Status Symbol: Pet ownership is often seen as a symbol of modernity and social status, especially among urban households. Meanwhile, the traditional value of living with and caring for parents is being viewed as burdensome.
- Disintegration of the Joint Family System: The breakdown of the extended family structure, once the cornerstone of Kashmiri society, has led to a rise in individualistic lifestyles. As a result, elderly parents are no longer integrated into daily family life, and caring for them has become less common.
The Emotional and Psychological Consequences on the Elderly
Sending elderly parents to old-age centers can have severe emotional, psychological, and physical repercussions. Many elderly individuals in these centers feel abandoned, which can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Studies show that social isolation can exacerbate age-related health problems, weakening the immune system, increasing the risk of dementia, and shortening life expectancy.
From an Islamic perspective, the abandonment of parents during their most vulnerable years is a grave injustice. Parents dedicate their lives to raising their children, and Islam teaches that children must return this care and affection in their parents’ old age. Surah Luqman (31:14) reminds us of the debt we owe our 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.”
Finding a Balance Between Caring for Pets and Parents
There is no denying that pets can bring joy and companionship into people’s lives. Islam itself encourages kindness to animals. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Whoever is merciful even to a sparrow, Allah will be merciful to him on the Day of Judgment.” (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad)
However, prioritizing the care of animals over one’s parents is a disservice to the family and society. Children should be encouraged to strike a balance between caring for pets and fulfilling their Islamic duty towards their parents. Here are some steps to help achieve this balance:
- Prioritize Parental Care: Pets can be important companions, but they should never take precedence over human relationships. Parents, especially in their old age, need love, attention, and care more than ever.
- Involve the Elderly: If possible, involve elderly parents in pet care activities. It can be therapeutic for them to have a pet around, providing both companionship and emotional support.
- Strengthen Family Ties: Families should foster intergenerational bonds, making time for elderly parents and ensuring they remain an integral part of the household.
The Role of the Kashmiri Society in Addressing This Issue
The issue of pets at home while parents are sent to old-age centers reflects a larger problem of shifting societal values. As a community, Kashmiris need to reconsider their priorities and return to the traditional values of parental respect and care. Here’s how this can be achieved:
- Community Awareness Campaigns: Religious leaders and social organizations should initiate campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of parental care, drawing from Islamic teachings.
- Supporting Family Structures: Encouraging joint family systems or providing more support for families taking care of elderly members at home can reduce the need for old-age centers.
- Islamic Guidance: Mosques and religious institutions should offer guidance and workshops on the duties of children toward their parents, focusing on the rewards of caregiving in both this life and the hereafter.
Conclusion: A Call to Return to Islamic Values
The growing trend of pets being cared for at home while elderly parents are sent to old-age centers is a clear sign of changing family dynamics in Kashmir. While pets offer companionship, they should never replace the love and responsibility we owe to our parents. By realigning our priorities and remembering the Islamic duty to care for our parents, we can foster a more compassionate, loving, and harmonious society.
The Qur’an and Hadith make it clear: caring for our parents is a sacred duty, one that promises immense rewards in this life and the hereafter. It is time for Kashmir to return to these values, ensuring that parents are honored and cherished—not left behind.
