...parents endure the greatest toil and trouble for
their children, and often, by the time the latter have reached the age of maturity,
the former have hastened to the world beyond. Rarely do the mother and father
enjoy in this world the rewards of all the pain and trouble they have endured
for their children. The children must therefore, in return for this pain and
trouble, make charitable contributions and perform good works in their name,
and implore pardon and forgiveness for their souls.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Table talks
in Akka, authenticated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha; ‘Some Answered Questions’ – 2014
revised translation by the Baha’i World Center)