even looking after your parents is a Jihad. When a man was about to join a battle, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) encouraged him to instead look after his ailing parents – that is, it is a better form of Jihad than going for a battle. We all know that sometimes it is difficult to be kind and polite to our parents. But for Muslims, to be kind , merciful and respectful to parents is a duty of the highest form , even more rewarding than being a Martyr in a battle. A man came to the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) asking his permission to take part in Jihad. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) asked him, "Are your parents alive ?" . He replied in the affirmative. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said to him, " Then exert yourself in their service." {Sahih Al Bukhari Hadith, 4.248 Narrated by Abdullah bin Amr (RA) }
