وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا ۝ وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

These verses establish the fundamental obligations of monotheism and parental care, placing kindness to parents immediately after worship of Allah alone. The detailed guidance about elderly parents shows special attention to their vulnerability and need for patience. Even saying "uff" (an expression of annoyance) is prohibited, emphasizing that the smallest sign of irritation toward aging parents is unacceptable. Instead, believers should speak nobly, show humility and mercy, and pray for their parents' well-being. The metaphor of "lowering the wing of humility" suggests gentle, protective care like a bird sheltering its young. The prayer acknowledges parents' sacrifices during the believer's childhood and asks Allah to reciprocate that care. This teaches that respect for parents intensifies as they age and become more dependent, that patience with elderly parents is a religious obligation, and that gratitude for childhood care should motivate adult children to provide loving care in return.