Quran Garden

Mother: the word itself evokes warmth and gratitude.  In Islam, respecting and valuing our parents is a virtuous act, vital for spiritual growth.  Let's celebrate their sacrifices, embrace their wisdom, and understand why our beloved Prophet taught that paradise lies at their feet.                                         

Session 604

Chapter 4

Verse 36

a continuation

Worship Allah and do not ascribe any partners to Him, and be good to your parents, to relatives, orphans, the needy, neighbours near and far,  the companion by your side, travellers in need, and to those whom your right hands possess.  Surely, God does not like arrogant, boastful people.

(Chapter 4: Verse 36)

Most of us were raised by our parents, but on rare occasions, a child becomes an orphan and is raised by others.  We honor and serve our parents because they are the immediate visible reason for our existence, but that is not the only reason.  Listen to the following verse,

and lower your wing in humility towards them in kindness and say, "Lord, have mercy on them, just as they cared for me when I was little." (17:24)

Allah mentions upbringing as a basis for being kind to your parents and keeping them in your prayers.  We ask, if someone other than your biological parents takes on the role of raising you, do they have the same rights as your parents?  Yes, Allah says, "Lord, have mercy on them, just as they cared for me when I was little." If my parents enjoy this right, so does anyone who raises me. 

It is also worth noting that when Allah instructed us to be kind to our parents, He gave extra reasons focusing on the mother, not the father.  He says,

We have instructed man to be good to his parents.  His mother bore him with difficulty and with difficulty gave birth to him; and his bearing and weaning take thirty months.  Then, when he achieves his full strength and reaches forty, he says, "My Lord, keep me thankful for the blessing You bestowed on me and on my parents, and keep me acting rightly, pleasing You. And make my descendants righteous.  I have turned to You, and I am truly one of the Muslims." (46:15)

Allah specified your mother but did not mention your father.  Why?  Because your mother's love and sacrifice began when you were a fetus.  She protected herself, moved cautiously, and ate healthy foods from day one.  A pregnant woman sacrifices for her baby well before the child is born.  When you were a baby, your mother lost sleep to comfort you and sacrificed her body to feed you, while your father was distant at work, only knowing you for an hour or two a day.  During pregnancy and infancy, all services were provided for you by your mother.  The problem is: you lacked the intellect and awareness to appreciate her sacrifice.  Once you gain awareness, you see your father bringing gifts, buying the first bike, and teaching new skills.  Whenever you wanted something, your mother said, "Ask your father, and he will buy it for you."

The child sees the father's favors but remains unaware of the mother's role in carrying, nursing, and staying awake for him.  Who, then, needs a reminder and recognition from Allah?  The mother.  God says, "We have instructed man to be good to his parents.  His mother bore him with difficulty and with difficulty gave birth to him; and his bearing and weaning take thirty months."

A man came to our beloved Muhammad and asked, "O Messenger of Allah, who is most deserving of my good companionship?" He said, "Your mother." He asked, "Then who?" He said, "Your mother." He said, "Then who?" He, peace be upon him, said yet again, "Your mother." The man asked, "Then who?" He said, "Your father."

In Aya 32, we discussed the roles and skills God assigned to each gender.  Fatherhood is masculinity, hard work, and striving.  Motherhood is tenderness and protection.  Keep in mind that when your father goes to work, it is an honor for him as he provides for the family and fulfills the role Allah created him for.  But if the mother has to work outside the home to provide for her family, it is difficult because she has to sacrifice her role at home. 

Your parents have a monumental right on you.  In three separate occasions in the Quran, God linked His worship with the good treatment of parents.  Even if your parents are disbelievers, you owe them help and kindness whenever they need it.  God says,

If they strive to make you associate with Me anything about which you have no knowledge, then do not obey them.  Yet keep their company courtesy in this life according to what is right and follow the path of those who turn to Me.  (from 31:15)

We learn yet another valuable lesson from the Aya above: while our parents care for us by feeding us and providing what we need physically, it's up to each of us to look after our hearts and faith.  In other words, you should not blindly copy or obey anyone when it comes to faith.  Believing in God and growing spiritually isn't something others can do for you; this is your own journey and responsibility.  God says,

When it is said to them, "Come to what God has sent down, and to the Messenger," they say, "What we found our forefathers following is good enough for us." What!  Even though their forefathers knew nothing and were not guided. (5:104)

We hope this video reminded you of the love and value of our mothers.  If it resonated with you, please consider giving us a positive review.  Your support can help others discover this message and deepen their understanding.  We thank you and look forward to your thoughts.