Mother's Day - An Islamic Perspective

This year Mother’s Day will be held on Sunday, May 8th. It is an annual holiday that esteems mothers and maternal figures as irreplaceable caretakers and educators of all future generations. In this regard, Islam recognizes the great role that mothers play in the upbringing of their children and that the future of mankind and society’s success depends greatly on mothers. In many cases, mothers are the ones who nurture and influence their children the most in comparison to fathers.

In Islam, women and mothers in particular are given a much higher status than men. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has stated, “Paradise lies under the feet of mothers.” This paradise that was mentioned refers to both the social paradise in the family and community and paradise in the afterlife. Therefore, mothers have been placed at a position of the highest respect.

In this regard, God unequivocally states the in the Holy Qur’an,

“And We have enjoined on man to be good to his parents – his mother bears him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning takes two years – and said, ‘Give thanks to Me (God) and to thy parents. Unto Me is the final return” (Chapter 31, Verse 15)

Mothers are regarded in high respect and prestige. This is illustrated in an account that a man once asked Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), ‘O Messenger of God, who is the most deserving person to get kind treatment from me?’ He replied, ‘Your mother.’ He asked, ‘Who is next?’ To this, he got the same reply. When he asked for a third time, the Prophet of Islam again stated, ‘Your mother.’ When he repeated this question for the fourth time, the Holy Prophet said, ‘Your father and then your relatives in order of their relation.’

Honoring mothers for their sacrifices and efforts should not be confined to a single day in the year, rather mothers should be respected year round for the unconditional love they have for their children. Showing sincere gratitude to mothers is a full-time duty that should be honored throughout life. Mothers are the integral backbone of society and their hands mold the world’s heirs.