In Islam, we do not restrict respect and love for our mothers to one occasion. Every day offers an opportunity to exhibit good behaviour towards our mothers. Truly, Islam has a big importance on their position and provides clear instructions on how to treat mothers well throughout our lives. Making every day a “Mother’s Day” is not only a beautiful concept; it is a religious obligation and a strategy to gain Allah’s pleasure. Here are ways to make every day a “Mother’s Day” in Islam:
Speak Kindly and Gently
In Islam, the tone, communication style, and word choice we use when speaking to our mothers matter greatly. To elaborate, it means having soft, respectful, and loving terms despite when we’re upset, fatigued, or in an argument. For example, we respond to our mother kindly and gently when she requests us to assist her with a task.
The Quran stated:
“For your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And honour your parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, never say to them ˹even˺ ‘uff,’ nor yell at them. Rather, address them respectfully.”
(Sura Al-Isra 17:23)
This ayah means that Allah demands us to worship only Him and treat our parents (especially mothers) with respect. If our parents become old, we must not exhibit irritation or speak unpleasantly, but always talk to them with kindness and honor.
Serve them with Love
If Allah has given us the chance to serve our mothers, it is a wonderful opportunity for us to attain Paradise (Jannah) and to have the pleasure of Allah. Indeed, good service to mothers brings blessings in this life (dunya) and afterlife (akhirah). Also, there is a higher likelihood to overcome obstacles in this life and afterlife. For instance, if we see our mothers feeling overwhelmed, it is suggested to complete chores without her asking. As a result, we make her feel cared for and give her time to relax, which shows love and respect through our actions.
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (May Allah be Pleased with Him) in a hadith:
A man once asked Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him):
“O Messenger of Allah, “Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?"
He replied, “Your mother.”
The man asked, “Who is next?”
He replied, “Your mother.”
The man further asked, “Who is next?”
He replied, “Your mother.”
The man asked for the fourth time, “Who is next?”
He replied, “Your father.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
This hadith teaches us to give our mothers the most care, love, and good treatment. The hadith repeats “your mother” three times to show how deeply our mothers deserve kindness, care, and respect.
Being Obedient
In Islam, obeying your mother is one of the best strategies to please Allah. It’s important to be obedient to our mothers within Islamic limits. We make our mothers happy and earn Allah’s blessings. Also, it brings tranquility to our home and increases family ties.
It was narrated in a hadith from Mu'awiyah bin Jahimah As-Sulami (May Allah be Pleased with Him):
Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) said:
“Be dutiful to your mother, for Paradise is beneath her feet."
(Sunan an-Nasa'i)
This hadith teaches us to serve and obey our mothers because it will take a path that leads to Paradise (Jannah).
It is suggested to not give our mothers a difficult time, refuse to assist them, or argue on a daily basis. For instance, if a mother advises a son or daughter to not attend a place or event with valid reasons, the son or daughter needs to obey their mother. Abiding our mother’s instructions is another strategy we can show them that we love them.
Make a Supplication (Dua)
We should make dua for our mothers because they experienced pain and sacrifice to raise us. For example, our mothers carried us during pregnancy, delivered birth, fed, and cared for us while we were growing up. Moreover, Islam teaches us to honour and love our mothers for all they have done by making a dua for them on a daily basis.
The Quran stated:
“And be humble with them out of mercy, and pray, “My Lord! Be merciful to them as they raised me when I was young.”
(Sura Al-Isra 17:24)
This verse teaches us to show kindness and humility to our parents, especially our mothers, because of the love and care they provided us when we were young.
When we pray for our mothers, we express gratitude, love, and earn Allah’s reward. Our duas can help them in this life and after death.
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (May Allah be Pleased with Him) in a hadith:
Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) said:
"When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased)."
(Riyad as-Salihin)
This means that if we make genuine dua for our mothers after they pass away, our prayers (salat) proceed to bring them reward despite that they are no longer alive. By praying for our mothers, we keep their memory alive and remain bonded to them with love and faith. Dua is an easy yet powerful strategy to express gratitude for everything our mothers have done for us.
It is highly recommended to not restrict Mother’s Day as a sole occasion to treat our mothers well. Rather, it is a full-time commitment that brings blessings in this life and afterlife. Expressing kindness, assistance, gratitude, and love through our words and behaviour increases the connection with them and satisfies Allah, who has instructed us to treat our mothers well. When we make our mothers content, we open doors to Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
Author bio: Amanda Hasan is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Bachelor of Arts) and Humber College (Law Clerk). She is the author of Joyless, an Amazon novella that tells the story of a lonely teenage girl working at an amusement park. More recently, Amanda copyedited several children's stories for Compass Books. She also worked with Muslim Network TV writing scripts, securing guest speakers, and prepping for interviews. Amanda is currently residing in the Greater Toronto Area with her family
- https://almuslimquran.com/status-of-mothers-in-islam/
- https://learn-islam.org/term2-etiquette-class1
- https://islamickids.tripod.com/id216.htm
- https://www.quranexplorer.com/blog/Education-In-The-Light-Of-Sunnah-And-Qura'an/What_Islam_says_about_parents
- https://quran.com/17?startingVerse=23
- https://sunnah.com/bukhari:5971
- https://sunnah.com/nasai:3104
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