Accompanied by their daughters and sons, and even their husbands, women occupied the restaurants yesterday here in Edmonton, AB, as they were celebrating Mother’s Day. Seeing all those people, especially the young generation, showing their gratitude to their mothers was amazing.
From an Islamic perspective, Mother’s Day is each and every single day in the real sense. Showing gratitude to mothers is something that will never be enough even if it is done all year around. There is no excess in respecting mothers. It will always remain insufficient.
It is reported that a man came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and asked him, “Who among people is most deserving of my fine treatment?” He said, “Your mother”. He again asked, ”Who next?” “Your mother”, the Prophet replied again. He asked, “Who next?” He said again, “Your mother.” He again asked, “Then who?” Thereupon he said,” Then your father.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
When the war on family and natural values is on the rise, anything which contributes towards the revival of the most important social institution matters even if it is done one day a year.
The people who recognize the importance of family and celebrate the natural role of parents, especially mothers, are not the same as those who neglect and disregard it. The virtue of gratitude, respect, and dignity are meaningless if not dedicated first and foremost to parents.
While Islam encourages sons and daughters to respect their parents the most, it also reminds the latter about the main reason why they are entitled to enjoy that position.
“And be humble with them out of mercy, and pray, “My Lord! Be merciful to them as they raised me when I was young.” [Qur’an, 17:24]
The word ‘rabbeyaani’ – raised me, actually means much more than simply providing food and shelter. It means to educate, to raise one with proper values and upon good morals. Parents deserve the respect also for what they are supposed to do. Parents are the people who have natural access and a unique position to children. They have the chance to raise great people as well as they are in a position that can do much harm.
To conclude, mothers are the most beloved people to us. The love for them is special and above all. Children depend on their mothers from the moment they are born and they depend on their parents for a long time.
Respecting parents and showing gratitude to them is what they deserve, but it is also a reminder to them about their important and irreplaceable role, which, if not used properly, can cause damage to their children more than anyone else. Islam promotes the gratitude to parents, but it also incentivizes parents to do their best for their children and raise them properly, upon the truth and upon values.
As long as we see sons and daughters inviting their mothers to restaurants to show gratitude to them, this is a good sign and there is hope for a better future.
Sabri Lushi
