The Unparalleled Status of Mothers in Islam: Celebrating their Love, Sacrifice, and Reward – On Mother’s Day and Every Day
In the beautiful tapestry of Islamic teachings, mothers hold a special and unparalleled status. Islam recognizes and celebrates the incredible love, sacrifices, and rewards that mothers experience and receive. This article explores the esteemed position of mothers in Islam, providing inspiration, encouragement, and uplifting insights for modern Muslim families. We’ll delve into the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, highlighting the many ways in which mothers are honored and cherished in the Islamic faith.
The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Holy Quran have always emphasized the unparalleled status of mothers in Islam.
Not only on Mother’s Day, every day is a special time to honor and celebrate the love, devotion, and sacrifices made by mothers in our lives. In this article, we will explore Islamic quotes, teachings, and stories that highlight the importance of mothers, their love, and their rewards in the eyes of Allah Almighty.
The Unique Place of Mothers in Islam
In Islam, mothers are bestowed with a unique place of honor and respect. This special status is emphasized in various teachings, reflecting the significant role they play in shaping and nurturing the lives of their children. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said: “Heaven lies under the feet of mothers.” (Nasa’i)
Mu’awiyah ibn Jahima reported: Jahima came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and he said, “O Messenger of Allah, I intend to join the expedition and I seek your counsel.” The Prophet said, “Do you have a mother?” He said yes. The Prophet said, “Stay with her, for Paradise is beneath her feet.”
Source: Sunan al-Nasā’ī 3104
This beautiful quote highlights the immense value and reward that mothers possess in Islam. It encourages children to treat their mothers with love, kindness, and reverence, as a means of attaining paradise.
The Sacrifices of Mothers and the Rewards They Reap
Mothers face countless challenges and make innumerable sacrifices to provide the best for their children. Islam acknowledges these sacrifices, promising immense rewards for mothers, and indeed for both parents, who persevere with patience and devotion. A well-known Hadith states:
“Whoever takes care of two girls until they reach adulthood, he and I will come like this on the Day of Resurrection,” and he joined his fingers.
(Muslim)
This Hadith showcases the blessings and rewards for mothers who dedicate themselves to raising their children with love, care, and guidance. It serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that mothers have on their children’s lives and their ultimate standing in the eyes of Allah.
The Importance of Mothers’ Prayers
Islam emphasizes the power and importance of a mother’s prayer for her children. Mothers are encouraged to make dua for their children’s well-being, success, and guidance, as these heartfelt prayers are cherished by Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Three supplications are answered without doubt. The supplication of the oppressed, the supplication of the traveler, and the supplication of the parent for his child.”
(Ibn Majah, At- Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud)
This Hadith highlights the weight that a mother’s prayer carries with Allah, emphasizing the blessings and protection it can bestow upon her children.
The Strong Bond between Mothers and Children in Islam
The bond between a mother and her child is a sacred and cherished relationship in Islam. It is a connection that starts with pregnancy and continues throughout their lives. The Quran speaks of the love and compassion that exists between parents and children:
وَوَصَّيْنَا الإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ وَهْنًا عَلَىٰ وَهْنٍ وَفِصَالُهُ فِي عَامَيْنِ أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيْكَ إِلَيَّ الْمَصِيرُ
Transliteration: Wa waṣṣaynā al-insāna biwālidayhi, ḥamalat-hu ummuhu wahnan ʿalā wahnin wa fiṣāluhū fī ʿāmayni ani ashkur lī wa liwālidayka ilayya al-maṣīr
English Translation: 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.
(Quran 31:14)
This verse highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating the love and sacrifices that mothers make for their children, reminding us of our duty to be grateful and caring towards them.
Honoring Mothers in Their Old Age
As human beings age, their need for love, care, and support grows. In Islam, it is our duty to treat our parents, especially our mothers, with the utmost form of respect and tenderness during their old age. Allah in Surah Al Isra beautifully described the value of mothers by saying:
وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
Transliteration: Wa khfid lahumā janāha aẓ-ẓulli mina r-raḥmati wa qul rabbi irḥamhumā kamā rabbayānī ṣaghīrā
English Translation: And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.”
The “wing of humility” in this ayah represents the kind and gentle treatment that children should provide to their mothers, making sure not to utter a word of contempt or disrespect.
Islamic Quotes and Teachings on the Status of Mothers
The Holy Quran and the Hadith are replete with Islamic quotes and teachings that emphasize the importance of mothers. One such quote from the Quran highlights the importance of obeying and honoring one’s parents:
وَوَصَّيْنَا الإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ إِحْسَانًا ۖ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ كُرْهًا وَوَضَعَتْهُ كُرْهًا ۖ وَحَمْلُهُ وَفِصَالُهُ ثَلَاثُونَ شَهْرًا ۚ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُ وَبَلَغَ أَرْبَعِينَ سَنَةً قَالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي ۖ إِنِّي تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
Transliteration: Wa waṣṣaynā al-insāna biwālidayhi iḥsānā, ḥamalat-hu ummuhu kurhan wa waḍaʿat-hu kurhan, wa ḥamluhu wa fiṣāluhū thalāthūna shahran, ḥattā idhā balagha ashuddahu wa balagha arbaʿīna sanatan qāla rabbi awziʿnī an ashkura niʿmataka allatī anʿamta ʿalayya wa ʿalā wālidayya wa an aʿmala ṣāliḥan tarḍāhu wa aṣliḥ lī fī dhurriyyatī, innī tubtu ilayka wa innī mina al-muslimīn
English Translation: And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months. [He grows] until, when he reaches maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says, “My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.”
This verse serves as a powerful reminder of a mother’s love, devotion, and sacrifices for her child, and it emphasizes our duty to treat them with gratitude and respect.
Beautiful Stories of Mothers in Islamic History
The noble women in Islamic history, such as Asma bint Abu Bakr and the mother of Anas bin Malik, exemplify the love, sacrifice, and devotion of mothers. Asma’s love for her son, Abdullah ibn Amr, is well-documented, as she supported him throughout his life, including during the Treaty of Hudaibiyah.
The unconditional love and support of these incredible women serve as shining examples of the value of mothers in Islam.
Mothers in Islamic history have served as sources of inspiration and wisdom for generations. Their love, dedication, and sacrifices have left a lasting impact on the Muslim community. Let us explore a few more stories of remarkable mothers in Islamic history.
a. Umm Sulaym – The Mother of Anas ibn Malik
Umm Sulaym, the mother of Anas ibn Malik, was a distinguished companion of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). She demonstrated great wisdom and foresight in raising her son.
When Anas was just a young boy, Umm Sulaym brought him to the Prophet and requested that he serve and learn from him. This decision allowed Anas to become one of the most renowned companions of the Prophet. The Prophet (peace be upon him) made a special dua for Anas, asking Allah to bless him with wealth, children, and a long life. Umm Sulaym’s devotion to her son’s upbringing exemplifies the impact a mother’s love and guidance can have on her child’s life.
b. Khadijah bint Khuwaylid – The First Wife of Prophet Muhammad
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), was not only a successful businesswoman but also a devoted mother.
As the mother of six children, including Fatimah, she played a crucial role in supporting the Prophet during the early years of Islam. Khadijah’s unwavering faith and love for her husband and children make her one of the most inspiring and revered mothers in Islamic history.
c. Umm Salamah – The Mother Who Sought Knowledge
Umm Salamah was one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and a mother who sought knowledge and wisdom. She was known for her intelligence and understanding of the Quran and Hadith.
As a mother, Umm Salamah taught her children the importance of seeking knowledge, asking questions, and deepening their understanding of Islam. Her dedication to her children’s spiritual growth and education showcases the lasting influence a mother can have on her children’s lives.
d. The Mother of Mus’ab ibn Umayr
Mus’ab ibn Umayr was a young man from a wealthy family who embraced Islam despite his mother’s initial disapproval. His mother, a prominent woman in Mecca, tried to dissuade him from his newfound faith by withholding his wealth and subjecting him to a difficult life.
However, Mus’ab’s unwavering faith and persistence eventually softened his mother’s heart, leading her to accept Islam. This story highlights the power of a mother’s love and the potential for personal growth and transformation within families.
These stories of remarkable mothers in Islamic history serve as a testament to the immense influence, love, and dedication that mothers have in shaping the lives of their children. They remind us of the essential role that mothers play in nurturing faith, wisdom, and compassion in their families, and they inspire us to celebrate and honor the contributions of mothers in our own lives.
Mother’s Day Gifts and Traditions in Muslim Families
We do not need to wait until mothers day in order to grab the opportunity for celebration of mother and all that she does, although for some families this can be a perfect opportunity for Muslim families to show their appreciation and love for their mothers with Islamic gifts, Quranic verses, and thoughtful gestures.
Some families may choose to celebrate with a special meal or outing, while others may gift their mothers with a beautiful copy of the Holy Quran or an Islamic book on parenting.
Every day is an opportunity to express gratitude for the sleepless nights, tired eyes, and unconditional love our mothers have shown us. While Mother’s Day is not an official Islamic holiday or religious ritual, it can be a beautiful time for Muslims to honor their mothers, following the teachings of Islam and the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
In conclusion, the teachings of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and the stories of remarkable mothers in Islamic history remind us of the great reward and blessings of Allaah bestowed upon mothers. The status of women, especially mothers, is of utmost importance in Islam, and their love, devotion, and sacrifices are truly a beautiful creation of Allah.
As children, it is our duty to worship Allah and honor our parents, especially our mothers, by showing them kindness, respect, and gratitude. The Prophet of Islam once said:
“The major sins are to associate partners in worship with Allah, to be undutiful or unkind to one’s parents, to kill a soul prohibited by Allah except for a just cause, and to bear false witness.” (Sahih Bukhari)
(Sahih Bukhari)
This Hadith emphasizes the gravity of disrespecting our parents, placing it alongside other great sins in Islam. As such, it is crucial to treat our mothers with kindness, care, and love in both good times and times of need.
Celebrating mothers on occasions like Mother’s Day, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha provides an opportunity for Muslims to express their gratitude and admiration for their mothers. We can share Happy Mother’s Day messages, Islamic gifts, and spend quality time in their good company, cherishing the moments with our mothers.
Conclusion
The status of mothers in Islam is truly unparalleled. Through the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, we gain a deeper appreciation for the love, sacrifices, and rewards that mothers experience in their journey of motherhood. As we celebrate and honor our mothers, we are reminded of the beautiful teachings of Islam that uplift, encourage, and inspire us to be better children, spouses, and members of our community.
By cherishing and supporting our mothers, we contribute to the beauty and harmony of our modern Muslim lifestyles.
Ultimately, honoring our mothers is not only a good deed but also a path to attaining the mercy of Allah. By treating our mothers with the utmost respect and love, we ensure that the door of mercy remains open for us. In the words of the O Messenger of Allah, mothers are indeed the most beautiful person in our lives, and their love and sacrifices serve as a testament to the overall importance and very high esteem of mothers in Islam.
May we always strive to be the best children we can be, appreciating the unique role our mothers play in our lives, and seeking their guidance and support throughout our lives.
Let us remember to uphold the values of Islam, loving our parents, especially our mothers, as they are the key to Allah’s satisfaction and our own happiness.
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