How to Bridge the Generation Gap?

The Limited Obedience

The Father

My child! As important as it is to obey your father and mother, you should know that is is not an absolute must. In instances where the parents are corrupt and they encourage the child in doing wrong and illegal actions, one ought not obey them. Nevertheless, treating them with respect is always recommended. The almighty Allah says:

وَإِنْ جَاهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰ أَنْ تُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا ۖ وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِي الدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوفًا ۖ

“But if they strive to make thee join in worship with me, things of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not, yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration)” (The Holy Qur'an 31:15)

Imam ‘Ali (as) in Nahjul-Balaghah, which after the Glorious Qur'an is the best guide for mankind, says:

ان للوالد على الولد حقا ... فحق الوالدان يطيعه في كل شىء الا في معصية الله سبحانه.

“An obligation of a child to his father is to obey him in all but not sinfulness actions.” [^1]

The Child

Yes, what you are saying is absolute truth. Of course, breaking Allah's rules even upon the instant of father and mother is wrong.

[^1]: Nahjul Balaghah p. 546