What does the Quran say about parents?

Right next to worshipping Allah

Again and again, the Quran places kindness to parents straight after belief in Allah:

The word used, ihsan, means more than being polite. It means doing your very best for them.

Gentle words and care in old age

The same passage (Quran 17:23–24) gets very specific:

• When they grow old, don't even say "uff" (a sigh of irritation) to them.
• Don't shout at them or push them away.
• Speak to them with noble, respectful words.
• Lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy.
• Pray: "My Lord, have mercy on them as they brought me up when I was small."

That last line is a dua you can use every day. See What dua can I make for my parents? Caring for elderly parents is part of this too. See Can I put my parents in a care home as a Muslim?

Special mention of the mother

The Quran reminds us what mothers go through: "his mother carried him, weakness upon weakness" (Quran 31:14), and tells us to be grateful to Allah and to our parents. When a man asked the Prophet ﷺ who most deserved his good company, he said "your mother" three times, then "your father" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5971).

When parents aren't Muslim

This is the part converts often worry about. The Quran answers it directly: if parents push you to worship other than Allah, don't obey that, "but accompany them in this world with appropriate kindness" (Quran 31:15). Asma, the daughter of Abu Bakr, asked whether she should be good to her mother, who was not Muslim and came to visit her. The Prophet ﷺ told her yes, keep good relations with her (Sahih al-Bukhari 2620).

So your faith should make you a better son or daughter, not a distant one. Hugs, visits, phone calls and help with chores are all part of honouring them. See Can I still hug my non-Muslim parents after becoming Muslim?