In the previous section, we discussed the position of women in Islam in general and highlighted the cultural, scientific, and various other activities of women during the Prophetic era. Now it is time to understand who a woman is and what her role is in Islam. It is necessary to recognize that a woman in Islam can be a mother, a daughter, a wife, or a sister. We will explain the position and rights of each of these roles separately in future sections.
Who is the mother?
The mother is a rare and precious pearl whose existence is a source of mercy, compassion, and kindness. She is a gem full of grace and purity. The mother is the center that gathers the family members around her and keeps them warm. She is a candle that burns herself but provides light to others. In short, the mother is the one under whose feet lies eternal paradise.
There is no doubt that the mother has had and continues to have an honorable position in all religions; everyone regards her with respect and remembers her with greatness. Every religion and tradition that has emerged throughout history has paid attention to this issue and encouraged people to serve their mothers. Just as religion comments on other phenomena of the world, it presents the world as it is. In matters of value, it introduces values, evaluates them, and judges them. It does not remain silent about the mother and her position; rather, it considers her status to be very high and valuable, showing her great respect. Different religions, despite their differences, agree on this issue and universally regard the mother’s position as superior to that of anyone else.
The Mother’s Position in the Light of Quranic Verses
When the title of mother is raised in society and life, she achieves a great power—the ability to give birth to a human being. Almighty Allah has created a woman’s structure in such a way that, despite her delicate appearance, she possesses the strength to engage in the work of creation (the birth of her child). In every situation, the mother always guards and protects her child, and by expending her energy, she pours the essence of her being into her child. She constantly prioritizes the comfort and well-being of her child.
The word “mother,” referred to as “Umm” in Arabic, appears abundantly in the Qur’an in various forms, including singular and plural forms such as “mother,” “motherhood,” “parents,” “mothers,” and similar terms. Additionally, the terms for mother and father in the dual form, such as “parents” and “parental,” are also used repeatedly in this divine book.
The emphasis on this term indicates that in each of these verses, Allah Almighty mentions the mother with reverence, defining and praising her status. The descriptions of the trials and sufferings of mothers in the Holy Quran, along with Allah’s command to be kind to parents, serve as evidence of the exalted position of the mother.
