Answer:
Yes, the contentment of the parents necessitates that limitations be set to it. If the one who utters this statement intends by it the contentment which is Islamicly legislated, then this would also be from the aspect of Allaah's contentment, as Allaah, the Most Perfect, says: "And your Lord has decreed that you should not worship anyone but Him and that you be dutiful to your parents. If old age should reach one of them or both of them, during your life, then say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them, but address them in terms of kindness. And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: 'My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy, as they did bring me up when I was young.'" [Surah Al-Israa: 24]
So whoever carries out this advice, then he has pleased Allaah first, and then his parents second. This pleasing in reality is an act of worship. So in the case that one pleases his father or mother with something that is disobedience to Allaah, then it is not an act of worship, and it would not be permissible to utter such a statement at all.
This is the distinction that must be considered when such a saying is made. In spite of this, we do not approve that it be said, based on the principle: "Leave off that which puts you in doubt for that which doesn't put you in doubt." For when the people say: "Contentment of the parents", they do not take into consideration this detailed aspect, which we have just explained. This is since many people know not, as has been stated by Allah, Lord of the Universe in the Noble Qur'aan. And we know from the condition of the Muslims’ lives, that many parents with their children and children with their parents do not regard this legislated contentment. Rather, they only see the pleasing without this limitation. For example, let us say that there is a poor father or he is middle-class and his son is rich and treats his father nicely, always being generous with him and giving him from his wealth. However, this son does not pray, yet his father is pleased with him because he benefits him. But in spite of this, Allaah is not pleased with this son. So therefore, in this situation, it cannot be said: "O contentment of Allaah and contentment of the parents."
It is true that the parents are pleased here, however the Lord of the Universe is not pleased. Likewise there are some people who kiss their fathers' hands day and night, however they do not pray or fast! So what is the benefit in pleasing the parents so long as Allaah, the Mighty and Sublime, is not pleased?!
From here, we become aware of the difference between the legislated contentment of the parents and the contentment of the parents that is not legislated. But I must repeat again that it is not proper for us to promote such a statement, even though we might intend by it, the contentment that is legislated. This is since it (the contentment of parents) is related to the creation, thus it is an attribute of the creation and not an attribute of the Creator, except for the other part of it, which is: "O Contentment of Allaah."
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