NOW [among the best of the deeds which] We have enjoined upon man is goodness towards his parents.1 In pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth; and her bearing him and his utter dependence on her took thirty months.2 And so, when he attains to full maturity and reaches forty years,3 he [that is righteous] prays: "O my Sustainer! Inspire me so that I may forever be grateful for those blessings of Thine with which Thou hast graced me and my parents, and that I may do what is right [in a manner] that will meet with Thy goodly acceptance; and grant me righteousness in my offspring [as well]. Verily, unto Thee have I turned in repentance:4 for, verily, I am of those who have surrendered themselves unto Thee!"