Approaching the West — Page 172
A pproaching the West—172 their parents even if they are non-Muslims. If the non- believing parents try to make them worship other god(s) besides All ā h, then only this specific desire of theirs should not be obeyed. And if they [your parents] contend with thee to make thee set up equals with Me concerning which you have no knowledge, obey them not, but be kind companion to them in all worldly affairs; and in spiritual matters follow the way of him who turns to Me… (31:16) The next commandment “Thou shalt not kill” has been repeated in the Holy Qur’ ā n in diverse ways, and sanctity of life is given paramount importance. It reaffirms the Biblical teaching and states that whosoever unjustly kills a single person, it shall be as if he slaughtered all mankind; and whosoever saves a life, it shall be as if he had protected the life of all mankind (5:33). Killing of the innocent and committing suicide both are grievous sins in Isl ā m (4:30; 17:32). The Holy Qur’ ā n also prohibits abortion, declaring it as a killing. … you kill not your children for fear of poverty… (6:152) Another way to look at the sanctity of life is to consider the provisions of death penalty in the Bible and the Holy Qur’ ā n. Torah's teachings in this respect are harsh. A child who disrespects, rebels, curses or hits his parents is to be punished with death (Exod. 21:15, 17; Lev. 20:9). A man was stoned to death for collecting sticks on the Sabbath day (Numbers 15:32-36) because violating the Sabbath,