Serving one’s mother: A path to honour and paradise

The sweetest word used in the world is ‘mother’. Whatever the language, the word a person uses to address their mother is often the sweetest word to them.

A mother is one of the greatest blessings bestowed by Almighty Allah. She is the embodiment of the most selfless love, sacrifice and affection for her child in this world. Islam has placed the status of mothers so high that Allah has commanded people to treat their parents well alongside the command to worship Him. For those who serve their mothers, countless doors of honour, blessings and success are opened in this world and the Hereafter.

Allah Almighty says: “And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them reach old age while with you, do not say to them even ‘uff’, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour.” (Surah Al-Isra, verse 23).

In another verse, Allah Almighty specifically reminds people of the hardships endured by mothers, saying: “And We have enjoined upon man goodness to his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the final return.” (Surah Luqman, verse 14).

For this reason, Islam places particular emphasis on a mother’s rights. A man came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and asked, “Who among people is most deserving of my best companionship?” He replied, “Your mother.” The man asked, “Then who?” The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Your mother.” He asked, “Then who?” He replied, “Your mother.” The man asked, “Then who?” He said, “Then your father.” (Bukhari, Hadith 5971).

This hadith demonstrates that serving one’s mother and seeking her pleasure can bring a person closer to Allah. Serving one’s mother also enhances a person’s honour. History contains many shining examples of scholars and beloved servants of Allah whose lives reflected the virtue of serving their mothers. Uwais al-Qarani (may Allah have mercy on him), one of Islam’s greatest Tabi‘in, was alive during the time of the Prophet (PBUH), yet he could not travel to Madinah to meet him because he was devoted to caring for his mother. Through the blessing of his service to his mother, however, he attained such a high status that the Prophet (PHUH) instructed his Companions to ask him to pray for them. (Muslim, Hadith 6385).

It is therefore clear that serving one’s mother is a means of attaining the pleasure of Almighty Allah. It helps elevate a child’s status in both this world and the Hereafter. One of the greatest rewards for serving one’s mother is Paradise. The Prophet (PHUH) said: “Paradise is at the feet of mothers.” (Nasai, Hadith 3104).

In other words, the path to Paradise lies in a mother’s pleasure and in serving her. When a child cares for their mother, Allah is pleased with them, making the path to Paradise easier for them. Moreover, the prayers of parents are readily accepted by Allah. A child who wins the hearts of their parents receives Allah’s mercy and people’s love. Their standing in society rises and blessings enter their life. Conversely, causing pain to one’s mother, disobeying her or denying her rights is considered a major sin in Islam.

In today’s busy and self-centred society, elderly mothers are often neglected. Sadly, there have even been cases in which elderly mothers have died alone in their own homes and their bodies have decomposed without their children being aware of what had happened. Yet serving one’s mother is not merely a moral responsibility; it is an act of great worship. Sitting beside her, listening to her, arranging medical care, fulfilling her needs and treating her with affection and respect are all forms of worship.

Therefore, a believer should serve their mother to the best of their ability during her lifetime and, after her death, continue to benefit her through prayers, charity and good deeds performed on her behalf. Allah grants honour in people’s hearts to those who serve their mothers, sends blessings into their lives and promises them Paradise in the Hereafter. Serving one’s mother, therefore, is not merely a family duty; it is one of the greatest means of attaining honour, success and salvation.

May Almighty Allah grant everyone wisdom and understanding. Ameen.