The indebtedness of children originates from the patronage provided for them by their parents. The children are dependent on their parents in various respects.

The children should be indebted to their parents because they were born.

The children are indebted to their parents because they raised them to be benevolent people.

The children should be indebted to their parents because they helped them become members of society.

Allah Almighty created man as follows:

Allah created the child so that he is dependent on his parents until he reaches maturity. Man should thank Allah because he is born. And he should remain indebted to his parents and pray for them as they provided for him with proper care and upbringing.

(311.) 

The child is indebted in the following ways in the Türkmen tradition:

Do whatever lawful thing your parents tell you to do.

Don’t engage in tasks unapproved by them.

Don’t lead a way of life unacceptable to your parents.

Maintain a smiling face toward them.

Be their lifelong companion.

Be with them when they are in need.

Do what they tell you to do on time.

Don’t seek benefits for what you’ve done for them; don’t remind them of what you did and do for them reproachfully otherwise you will harm them.

Keep your voice low when speaking to them or in their presence.

Always help them if they have bodily pain or illness.

Don’t offend them, nor be offended by them.

Address them with the polite form of “you.”

Don’t utter bad words to them.

Don’t speak to them looking at them directly in the face and eyes.

Pay compliments and be courteous to them.

Avoid false or inappropriate words or behaviour when in their presence.

Always remember that they are your closest friends.

Share their happiness and grief.

Don’t warn them offensively if they boast or speak highly of themselves.

If they cause problems because they are old and unable, be patient.

Share their problems.

Try not to cause or give them harm.

Don’t be suspicious of them.

Wish them a long life when they are alive.

Provide them with clothing better than yours.

Provide them with food better than yours.

Serve them in a serious and sincere way.

Help them reach their desires and make them happy.

Provide them with their needs.

Do not be mean toward them.

Adopt their friends as yours.

Remember them after they die, do favours and charities on their behalf, recite from the Qur’an and have its verses recited for their benefit. For the Türkmen holds that it is the prayers of the children that reach the souls of the deceased parents first. After their demise, one means of doing good on their behalf in this world is their children’s righteous deeds.

(336-337.)