۞ Your Lord has commanded that you should worship none but Him, and show kindness to your parents. If either or both of them attain old age with you, say no word of contempt to them and do not rebuke them, but always speak gently to them 23 and lower to them the wing of humbleness out of mercy and say; 'My Lord, have mercy upon them, as they raised me up when I was little.' 24 Your Lord knows best what is in your inner-selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn unto Him again and again in obedience, and in repentance. 25 And give his due to the near of kin, as well as to the needy and the wayfarer, but do not squander [thy substance] senselessly. 26 Indeed those who needlessly waste are brothers of the devils; and the devil is very ungrateful to his Lord. 27 If you are not able to assist them, at least speak to them in a kind manner. 28 And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift), so that you become blameworthy and in severe poverty. 29 Your Lord gives to whom He will His provisions both abundantly and sparingly. He is aware and sees His worshipers. 30