Mother in Islam

In Islam, mothers hold a high status and are highly respected. The Quran and Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) emphasize the importance of treating mothers with kindness, compassion, and respect.

Mothers are classified into different categories based on their role and responsibilities. Here are some of the classifications of mothers in Islam:

Biological mother: The woman who gives birth to a child and raises him or her is considered the biological mother. In Islam, she holds a high status and is to be treated with kindness and respect.

Foster mother: A foster mother is the woman who raises a child that is not biologically her own. In Islam, she is also to be treated with kindness and respect, as if she were the biological mother.

Spiritual mother: A spiritual mother is a woman who raises and guides someone in spiritual matters. In Islam, a spiritual mother can be a teacher or mentor who helps a person to grow in their faith and become closer to Allah.

Stepmother: A stepmother is a woman who marries a man who has children from a previous marriage. In Islam, she is also to be treated with kindness and respect, as if she were the biological mother.

Adoptive mother: An adoptive mother is a woman who takes in and raises a child as her own, but is not biologically related to the child. In Islam, she is to be treated with kindness and respect, as if she were the biological mother.

These classifications of mothers in Islam demonstrate the importance placed on motherhood and the role of women in nurturing and raising children. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of treating mothers with kindness and respect, regardless of their classification, and the rewards associated with good parenting.

Here are a few verses from the Quran that highlight the importance of mothers in Islam:

"Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor." (Quran 17:23)

"And We have enjoined upon man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years. Give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination." (Quran 31:14)

"And We have enjoined upon man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him with difficulty, and it was his bearing and his weaning (in two years) that made her grow weak and thin. So, treat them with kindness and gratitude, and say: 'My Lord! Have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.'" (Quran 46:15)

"And We have commanded man to be kind to his parents. His mother bore him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his bearing and weaning is over thirty months. Until when he attains his maturity and reaches forty years, he says: 'My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my offspring good. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.'" (Quran 46:15)

There are many hadiths (sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)) that highlight the importance of mothers in Islam. Here are a few hadiths with references:

"A person who treats his mother with kindness and respect will be granted paradise by Allah" (Sunan An-Nasa'i, Book 37, Hadith 4221)

"The person who wishes to enter paradise should treat his mother with kindness" (Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 31, Hadith 3621)

"A man came to the Prophet and asked: 'O Messenger of Allah, who among the people is the most deserving of my good company?' He said: 'Your mother.' The man asked: 'Then who?' The Prophet said: 'Then your mother.' The man asked: 'Then who?' The Prophet said: 'Then your mother.' The man asked: 'Then who?' The Prophet said: 'Then your father.'" (Sahih Bukhari, Book 8, Hadith 73)

"A man came to the Prophet and said, 'O Messenger of Allah! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?' The Prophet said: 'Your mother.' The man said, 'Then who?' The Prophet said: 'Your mother.' The man further asked, 'Then who?' The Prophet said: 'Your mother.' The man asked again, 'Then who?' Only then did the Prophet say, 'Your father.'" (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5972)

"Paradise is under the feet of your mother." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2740)

"The best of people are those who are the best to their wives, and I am the best of people to my wives." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 4862)

"A person who treats his mother well will be admitted to Paradise." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2866)

"The major sins are: to associate others with Allah, to kill someone unjustly, to be undutiful to one's parents." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5734)

These verses and Hadiths emphasize the importance of treating mothers with kindness and respect, and that mothers hold a special place in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also taught that mothers have a right to kindness and respect even after they pass away, and that good deeds done for them can earn rewards in the afterlife.

In conclusion, mothers hold a high status in Islam and are to be treated with kindness, compassion, and respect. The Quran and Hadiths emphasize the importance of showing love and gratitude towards mothers and that mothers hold a special place in Islam.