The sixth Greater Sin is to be disobedient to one’s parents as expressly mentioned in the traditions from the Holy Prophet (S) and the Pure Imams (‘a). These have already been quoted in the first chapter. A tradition of the Prophet (S) says that the greatest sins are Shirk and to be disobedient to one’s parents. The seriousness of disobedience to parents as a Greater sin can be gauged from the fact that the Holy Prophet (S) has mentioned it along with Shirk which is the greatest of all Greater sins, and unforgiveable. “‘Aqq – عاق” is a sin, the punishment of which is promised in the Qur’an and the traditions.
The words of Hazrat Isa (‘a) as quoted by the Qur’an are:
“And dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me insolent, unblessed.” (Surah Mariyam 19:32).
As Isa (‘a) did not have a father, his mother is alone mentioned. In the same Surah, both the father and mother of Hazrat Yahya (‘a) are mentioned.
Both the verses mention Three characteristics of the disobedient child (‘Aqq al-Walidayn عاق الوالدین ).
1) ‘Jabbar’ (insolent)
2) ‘Shaqi’ (unblessed)
3) ‘Asi’ (disobedient)
