15/05/2023
Everyday Is A Mother's Day in ISLAM π
Your mother! Your mother! Your mother!
As many people around the world are celebrating Mother's Day today, I thought it would be fitting to share a unique perspective on the esteemed position of the mother in Islam.
The importance of mothers and their sacrifices are not only acknowledged but also greatly revered in Islam, with numerous verses from the Quran and Sunnah emphasising this point.
The Quran beautifully instructs us about the importance of treating our parents with love, kindness, and respect. One such verse is:
"And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word." (Quran 17:23)
This verse highlights the significance of respecting our parents, particularly when they become elderly and vulnerable. It also serves as a gentle reminder of the sacrifices they have made for us throughout our lives.
The Prophet Muhammad ο·Ί emphasised the mother's rank even more. He said:
"A man came to the Prophet and said, 'O Messenger of Allah! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?' The Prophet said: 'Your mother.' The man said, 'Then who?' The Prophet said: 'Then your mother.' The man further asked, 'Then who?' The Prophet said: 'Then your mother.' The man asked again, 'Then who?' The Prophet said: 'Then your father.'" (Bukhari, Muslim)
This Hadith clearly demonstrates the elevated status of mothers in Islam, as the Prophet repeatedly placed them above fathers in terms of companionship and care.
The repetition of the mother's importance in this hadith can be attributed to various factors, one of which is the biological connection between the mother and her child. The mother carries the child in her womb for nine months, experiences the pains of childbirth, and, in most cases, is the primary source of nourishment for the child through breastfeeding. These sacrifices and the maternal bond that is formed as a result are unparalleled.
Furthermore, unlike the father, the mother often takes on the primary responsibility of raising and educating the child in their formative years. Mothers are often the first teachers and caregivers, instilling in their children moral and ethical values. This role is crucial in shaping the child's character and understanding of the world.
A poignant story that illustrates the importance of a mother's sacrifices is the story of how ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, watched a Yemeni man circling the Kabah (i.e.Tawaf) while carrying his mother on his back, saying, βI am her humble camel. If her mount is scared, I am not scared.β Then he said, βO Ibn Umar, do you think I have repaid her?β Ibn Umar said, βNo, not even for a single pang of pregnancy.β
Being dutiful to your parents in Islam is not limited to them being alive but also after they have passed away. A man once asked the Prophet ο·Ί if there were any acts of kindness he could perform for his parents after their death. The Prophet ο·Ί responded, "Yes, pray for them, seek forgiveness for them, fulfill their promises, maintain ties with their relatives, and honor their friends." (Abu Dawood)
May Allah bless our mothers, grant them the highest ranks in Paradise
Aameen.
