The most important person in the life of a child is his mother. But as we grow up, we tend to forget the importance and value that she holds in our lives and the sacrifices she had made for us. But our beautiful religion does not allow us to neglect the women whose sacrifices are innumerable. We may never be able to thank them, but we must respect them as much as they deserve.
Muslims are instructed to be kind, obedient and gentle to both the parents. One is required to be patient with them, respect them, provide for them, and serve them. On multiple occasions, Allah has mentioned the orders of being kind to one’s parents immediately after those of servitude of Allah.
“Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility and say, ‘My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.’” [Quran 17:23-24]
A mother’s rights are much more than that of a father’s. In hadith records, we find:
A man came to the Prophet and said: “O Messenger of Allah! Who from amongst mankind warrants the best companionship from me?” He replied: “Your mother.” The man asked: “Then who?” So he replied: “Your mother.” The man then asked: “Then who?” So the Prophet replied again: “Your mother.” The man then asked: “Then who?” So he replied: “Then your father.” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
As we grow up, we do not need our mothers and the old age, sometimes, makes them irritable. Many people begin to think of them as irksome burdens. Islam forbids us to ever be rude to them or neglect them or their rights. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said:
“I enjoin each one to honor his mother, I enjoin each one to honor his mother, I enjoin each one to honor his mother (three times), I enjoin each one to honor his guardian who is taking care of him, even if he is causing him some annoyance.” [Ibn Majah]
The importance of serving one’s mother is more than Jihad, which is otherwise a much-appreciated act. Following is an incident recorded in a book of hadith which clarifies it:
A man came to Allah’s Messenger (P.B.U.H) and said: “O Messenger of Allah! I want to go out and fight (in Jihad) and I have come to ask your advice.” He said: “Do you have a mother?” He said: “Yes.” He said: “Then stay with her, for Paradise is beneath her feet.” [Sunan Nisai]
There are many other hadith and Quranic verses which emphasize the significance of mothers. Conclusively put, we must always be affectionate and caring toward them. Even if she is not a believer, a Muslim cannot disregard his mother. In such a case, too, one is supposed to be considerate and obedient to his mother in all matters except if she asks him to disobey Allah.
May Allah bless our mothers and make us among those who treat them as best as they deserve!