Then return to your parents and accompany them in a best way

A man came to the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and informed him about his interest and love for fighting and immigration in the cause of Allah. The man had left behind his parents. In another narration by Abu Dawūd: "He left behind his parents crying", out of their fear of him being killed. The man was waiting for the Prophet to approve his proposal. So the Prophet asked him: "Are either of your parents alive?" He said: "Yes, both of them are alive."

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Do you seek reward from Allah?" He replied: 'Yes.' The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Then return to your parents and be the best and kindest companion for them." In the narration by Abu Dawūd: "Go back to them and make them laugh just as you made them cry."

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) guided the man to what is worthier and more obligatory on him, which is returning to his parents and giving them his best companionship. Serving the parents, obeying them, and seeking to please them is part of striving in the cause of Allah. In a narration by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim: "... then strive in their service ."

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) explicitly stated in another Hadīth that dutifulness to parents, obeying them, and kindness to them is better than fighting in the cause of Allah, as in the narration reported by Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) where he said: "A man came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) and asked him about the best deeds.

He said: 'Prayer.' The man asked: 'Then what?' He said: 'Jihad.' The man said: 'I have parents (meaning, my parents are still alive).' The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'Your kindness to your parents is better'" [Ibn Hibbān]. This Hadīth indicates that dutifulness to the parents is better than Jihad, except at times when Jihad becomes an individual obligation. In this case, it takes precedence over obedience to the parents.