Living The Quran
From Issue: 668 [Read full issue]
Independent Personality
Luqman - Chapter 31: Verse 15
"However, if (your parents) try to force you to set up partners with Me, offering (deities) about which you know nothing, then don't obey them. Yet, still keep company with them in this world in a fair manner. Keep yourself on the path of those who turn towards Me, for all of you will return to Me, and I'm going to tell you the meaning of everything you did."
The Quran delineates a practical program for developing a sense of responsibility and for better use of human freedom and free will.
The Quran calls upon man to be and believe as a person free from any hereditary or environmental influences. Each individual must form his own opinion independently towards the truth. His decision in this regard should not be affected by his parents and forefathers or by social habits and customs. Each man must decide for himself.
Even though the Quran often admonishes us to fulfill our duties towards our parents, it warns us not to follow them blindly and describes some parents as ignorant and astray. The Quran gives this warning because it insists that every man must carefully and independently decide about his own beliefs, and should not be carried away by a blind love for his forefathers or their way of life. If the parents are wrong, astray, or ignorant, their children should be free to choose what is right and to reject their parents' false dogmas.
Compiled From:
"The Holy Quran: Guidance for Life" - Yahiya Emerick, p. 292
"Freedom and Responsibility in Quranic Perspective" - Hasan Al-Anani, p, 185