ABSTRACT
Birr Al-Wālidayn or honoring one’s parents, is a fundamental teaching in Islam that emphasizes the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship between children and their parents on spiritual, moral, and social levels. This principle encourages mutual respect, care, and responsibility within the family structure. In Islam, honoring parents is not merely a moral recommendation but a religious obligation, deeply rooted in the teachings of the Qur'an and the Hadith. However, in today’s rapidly changing world, traditional values like birrul walidain are increasingly challenged by modern developments such as globalization, technological advancements, and shifts in societal norms. In the modern context, the parent-child relationship often becomes strained due to changing lifestyles, digital communication patterns, and evolving perceptions of authority and independence. As such, the relevance and application of birrul walidain must be re-examined through a contextual lens. One approach to this is through the interpretations of local scholars who offer culturally grounded insights. Shodiq Hamzah, a prominent Indonesian Islamic scholar, exemplifies this approach by using Javanese language and cultural elements to explain Qur’anic verses. His method of interpretation bridges the universal values of Islam with local wisdom, making the teachings more relatable and impactful for the Javanese Muslim community. This study employs a qualitative-descriptive literature review using the thematic (maudhu’i) interpretation method to analyze Qur'anic verses related to birrul walidain, specifically from Surah Al-Baqarah, Al-Isra, Luqman, and Al-Ahqaf. The findings reveal that Shodiq Hamzah interprets birrul walidain not only as a normative obligation but also as a form of cultural respect, reflected in values such as unggah-ungguh (etiquette) within Javanese society. He highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between the rights and responsibilities of both parents and children, promoting open communication, and emphasizing an education model rooted in compassion and spirituality. His perspective presents a harmonious integration of Islamic values with local cultural identity, offering a relevant and holistic understanding of parent-child relationships in contemporary society. This study highlights the relevance of local interpretations in addressing the challenges faced by modern Muslim families and underscores the importance of Islamic values in fostering harmonious relationships among family members.