Think for a moment about the person who has been there for you since the very beginning, the one who held you close, whispered words of comfort, and tirelessly cared for you through every stage of life. That person is none other than your mother.
In Islam, mothers hold a position of unmatched honor and respect. They are not just the ones who give birth to us; they are our first teachers, our nurturers, and our greatest supporters. Their love is selfless, their sacrifices immeasurable, and their impact on our lives undeniable.
Mothers: The First Teachers of Faith
From the moment a child enters the world, a mother becomes their first guide in Islam. It is often through her that a child learns their first words of the Qur’an, hears about the beauty of Allah’s mercy, and understands the importance of prayer. A mother’s daily actions whether it’s the way she prays, the kindness she shows to others, or her patience in difficult times shape her children’s understanding of what it means to be a good Muslim.
Take a moment and think about your childhood. Who first reminded you to say ‘Bismillah’ before eating? Who taught you to fold your hands in dua, to say Alhamdulillah in gratitude, and to turn to Allah in times of hardship? It was likely your mother. Her influence goes far beyond words, she leads by example.
A Mother’s Love: A Glimpse of Allah’s Mercy
One of the most powerful examples of a mother’s love can be seen in how she tirelessly cares for her child, even when she’s exhausted. Whether it’s waking up in the middle of the night to soothe a crying baby or sacrificing her own comfort to ensure her child has what they need, a mother’s love is one of the purest forms of mercy on Earth.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said:
لَلَّهُ أَرْحَمُ بِعِبَادِهِ مِنَ الْوَالِدَةِ بِوَلَدِهَا
“Allah is more merciful to His servants than a mother is to her child.” (Sahih Bukhari, 5999)
This comparison alone shows just how deep and boundless Allah’s mercy is, because if we struggle to grasp the full extent of Allah’s love, we can at least relate to the unconditional love of a mother.
Honoring Mothers: A Duty in Islam
Islam commands us to treat our mothers with kindness, respect, and unwavering love. Allah says in the Qur’an:
وَوَصَّيْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ بِوَٰلِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُۥ وَهْنًۭا عَلَىٰ وَهْنٍۢ وَفِصَـٰلُهُۥ فِى عَامَيْنِ أَنِ ٱشْكُرْ لِى وَلِوَٰلِدَيْكَ إِلَىَّ ٱلْمَصِيرُ
“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.” (Surah Luqman 31:14)
Imagine the sacrifices your mother made, from the struggles of pregnancy to the sleepless nights spent looking after you. Her patience, her love, and her endless duas have been a shield over you. Now, as we grow older, the least we can do is reciprocate that love.
One of the most famous hadiths highlights just how much Islam emphasizes the importance of mothers:
جَاءَ رَجُلٌ إِلَىٰ رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ ﷺ فَقَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ ٱللَّهِ، مَنْ أَحَقُّ ٱلنَّاسِ بِحُسْنِ صَحَابَتِي؟ قَالَ: أُمُّكَ. قَالَ: ثُمَّ مَنْ؟ قَالَ: أُمُّكَ. قَالَ: ثُمَّ مَنْ؟ قَالَ: أُمُّكَ. قَالَ: ثُمَّ مَنْ؟ قَالَ: أَبُوكَ.
A man once asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), "Whom should I honor most?" The Prophet replied, "Your mother."
The man asked again, "And who comes next?" The Prophet replied, "Your mother."
The man asked a third time, "And who comes next?" The Prophet again replied, "Your mother!"
Finally, the man asked, "And who comes next?" The Prophet said, "Your father." (Sahih Bukhari, 5971; Sahih Muslim, 2548)
This hadith beautifully illustrates the immense respect and status given to mothers, three times before even mentioning the father.
Mothers as the Heart of the Home
Beyond faith, mothers are the emotional anchors of the family. Their words can heal, their presence brings warmth, and their prayers protect us in ways we may never fully understand.
Think about a time you felt lost or overwhelmed. Who was the first person you turned to for comfort? Who reassured you that everything would be okay? A mother’s dua (prayer) for her child is one of the most powerful and sincere prayers that can be made.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
ثَلَاثُ دَعَوَاتٍ لَا تُرَدُّ: دَعْوَةُ الْوَالِدِ، وَدَعْوَةُ الْمُسَافِرِ، وَدَعْوَةُ الْوَالِدَةِ لِوَلَدِهَا
"Three supplications are never rejected: the supplication of a father, the supplication of a traveler, and the supplication of a mother for her child." (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3862)
If you are blessed to have your mother with you, cherish every moment with her. If she has passed away, continue to honor her by making dua for her, giving charity on her behalf, and carrying forward the good she taught you.
In conclusion, mother’s love is one of the most precious gifts Allah has given us in this world. Take every opportunity to show her love, kindness, and appreciation, not just on special days, but every day.
May Allah bless our mothers, grant them long lives filled with peace and barakah, and if they have passed, may He grant them the highest ranks in Jannah. Ameen.