The fruits that best befit the tree of human life are
trustworthiness and godliness, truthfulness and sincerity; but greater than
all, after recognition of the unity of God, praised and glorified be He, is
regard for the rights that are due to one’s parents. This teaching hath been
mentioned in all the Books of God, and reaffirmed by the Most Exalted Pen.
Consider that which the Merciful Lord hath revealed in the Qur’án, exalted are
His words: “Worship ye God, join with Him no peer or likeness; and show forth
kindliness and charity towards your parents...” Observe how loving-kindness to
one’s parents hath been linked to recognition of the one true God! Happy they
who are endued with true wisdom and understanding, who see and perceive, who
read and understand, and who observe that which God hath revealed in the Holy
Books of old, and in this incomparable and wondrous Tablet.
- Baha’u’llah (‘Questions and Answers’; ‘The Kitab-i-Aqdas’)
