How can a father in his sixties be advised who watches television until the dawn prayer, and believes that his acts of worship are sufficient for him to enter Paradise, even though he does not read the Quran?

The father should be advised gently and kindly that staying up late is disliked, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, disliked conversing after the Isha prayer about matters that held no benefit. However, there is no dislike in staying up late for beneficial matters such as studying knowledge or narrating stories of the righteous. Staying up late to watch television usually holds no good, unless it is for watching something beneficial, such as religious lectures, provided it does not lead to missing the Fajr prayer. The father's statement that his acts of worship are sufficient for him to enter Paradise indicates his arrogance and ignorance of Allah's right. The righteous believer remains fearful that his deeds may not be accepted, as reported from Aisha concerning the interpretation of the verse: "And those who give what they give while their hearts are trembling" (23:60). The advice should be given privately and gently. If he does not accept it immediately, it can be written down or one can seek the help of someone whom the father respects and listens to.