Mothers in Islam

As we celebrated Mother’s Day this Sunday, I feel it is worthwhile to actually understand the teachings of Islam regarding the status of mothers and both parents.

Islam considers respect for parents and observance of their rights to be the greatest responsibility. The Quran says: "And We have enjoined on man concerning his parents — his mother bears him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning takes two years — ‘Give thanks to Me and to thy parents." (31:15). Here God Almighty, immediately after referring to His own rights, speaks about the right of parents.

God further states,

“Thy Lord has commanded, “Worship none but Him and show kindness to parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age with thee, never say unto them any word expressive of disgust nor reproach them, but address them with an excellent speech. “And lower to them the wing of humility out of tenderness. And say, ‘My Lord, have mercy on them even as they nourished me in my childhood.’” (17:24-25)

These verses show the importance of parents that after God, they are the ones who most deserve our love, affection, and kindness. We should give priority to them over all other things especially when they have reached old and difficult age.

Mothers are especially revered in Islam that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Paradise lies under the feet of mothers." It is evident from this statement that mothers have a very special position according to Islamic teachings.

We should try to fulfill our duties to our parents and we should also be praying for them – and should be very sincere in whatever we do.