Status of Mothers in Islam

A mother is a icon of love. She never expects a payment or reward for being kind to her child. Everything she does for her child is for the sake of love alone. A mother is like a river of mercy for us because she brought us to this world, nourished us and made us what we are. She deserves love the most. The Holy Qur’an states, “And We have enjoined on man to be good to his parents. His mother bears him with pain, and brings him forth with pain. And the bearing of him and his weaning takes thirty months...” [46:16].

According to the Islamic teachings our obligations and respect for mothers should be special. She carried us first in her body, then in her arms and then in her heart for her whole life. If one's mother even causes anything unpleasant, one should not make her unhappy, and if she gets angry at her son or daughter, they should not reciprocate. Her anger or discipline is usually intended for good. Everything she does for her child is for the sake of love alone. One should pray for her and always have a welcoming glance and look of kindness and affection at her. Our voices should never be raised at her because she is the one who taught us to speak. One should never walk away from her because she was the one who held our finger and supported us so that we won’t fall. When we do these generous acts we will see how God will bless us.

Once a man asked the Holy Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of God be upon him), “O Messenger of God! Who has the most right to the best treatment from me?” The Prophet replied, “Your mother.” The man asked, “Then who?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man asked again, “Then who?” The Prophet again said, “Your mother.” The man asked again, “And After that?” The Prophet replied, “Your father”. This explains that our love and tenderness towards mothers should always be greater than anyone else in this world. Whatever mothers do for their children can never be compensated but we can at least try to be the source of their happiness.

May God Almighty enable us to treat our mothers with honor, respect, and companionship because indeed the paradise is under the mothers’ feet. Amen.