To the Editor:
A man once asked the holy Prophet Muḥammad (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), “O Messenger of Allah! Who has the most right to the best treatment from me?” The Prophet replied, “Your mother.” The man asked, “Then who?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man asked again, “Then who?” The Prophet again said, “Your mother.” The man asked again, “And after that?” The Prophet replied, “Your father” (Bukhārī and Tirmidhī).
To truly appreciate the awesome significance of this particular incident, one must remember that this took place more than 1,400 years ago, in a completely male dominated society; a society where women were treated no better than slaves.
In Islam the role of a mother is recognized as being so pivotal in the upbringing of the children - as well as in shaping the future of mankind and society - that Muslims are taught that the attainment of paradise lies under their mother’s feet. Not only does this paradise refer to the one in the hereafter, but it also refers to a social paradise in this world…peace, blessings, and security which are obtained after respecting and honoring your mother each and every day, regardless of how difficult the circumstance may be.
So while it’s thoughtful and sweet to pause our busy lives once a year to overtly celebrate everything our mothers mean to us with flowers and gifts, it is more important that we also instill the practice of honoring them daily by making them proud of the manner in which we conduct ourselves; as well as attending to their growing needs with the same care, compassion, love, and patience as they once extended to us when we were children.
Aisha Khan
Herndon