In the previous section, the position of the mother was explained in light of the verses of the Holy Quran. In this section, we will examine the position, status, and dignity of the mother in the light of prophetic hadiths.
Mother’s Position in the Light of the Hadiths of the Prophet (PBUH)
Undoubtedly, a mother is a blessing, through whom a person experiences happiness and peace in life, ascending to the high peaks of honor one after another with the blessing of her prayers. Being a mother is a source of honor, pride, and success. A mother is a precious and invaluable teacher; without her, a child may choose a wrong and deviant path at any moment. Almighty Allah tests a person with the presence and absence of the mother. With the presence of the mother, a person should serve her, respect her, and seek her satisfaction. In her absence, one should be patient and pray for her. The mother is a great blessing with a special place in the religion of Islam. From the first day of human creation until now, everywhere in the world and among every people, race, and nation, irrespective of customs and rituals, when the name of mother is mentioned, young and old alike are filled with passion, warmth, and affection, causing their hearts to beat faster. Islam has also bestowed an extraordinary position and value upon the mother, to the extent that it is possible to reach heaven through her consent.
Islam has made the satisfaction of the mother and kindness toward her a path to heaven. The Prophet, peace be upon him, says: «الجنة تحت أقدام الأمهات» Translation: “Heaven is under the feet of mothers.” This means that attaining the highest stage of human perfection is secured by gaining the mother’s satisfaction.
“Heaven is under the step of mothers; take the dirt under her step to your face.”
“Do not be harsh with her whom God has commanded you to respect.”
As long as people acknowledge the rights of mothers, they will be fine. Almighty Allah does not want their discerning eyes to overlook these good things or their hearts to deny them, as this is against faith. Hazrat Mughirah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Holy Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, who said: “Allah Almighty has forbidden you to disobey mothers.”
When the disobedience of parents, cruelty towards them, and neglect of their rights increase, the time of destruction will come, when goodness has disappeared, and faith has sunk into the ground. The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, warned about one of the signs of the Day of Resurrection: «أن تلد الأمة ربتها» Translation: “A woman and a mother gives birth to a child who treats her as a master treats his maidservant.” This serves as a warning that the mother should not be abused, oppressed, or treated with hostility. The religion of Islam places significant emphasis on fulfilling her rights with kindness, goodness, and loyalty.
One of these rights is that even if the mother is a polytheist, it is obligatory to be kind to her. Even if the mother reaches a stage where she invites disbelief and imposes it upon her child, her disbelief should not prevent him from doing good, harm her, or deny her rights.
Almighty Allah says: وَإِنْ جَاهَدَاكَ عَلَى أَنْ تُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِي الدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوفًا (Translation: “Whenever those two try to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. But accompany them in this world with appropriate kindness.”) This indicates that, in matters of belief, one’s allegiance to Allah supersedes the relationship with parents. Nonetheless, one must still treat them courteously and properly in worldly matters.
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