A mother is a priceless and most precious bounty like no other. For a child, no one can ever take the place of a mother. The mother is the very portal through which the child breathes life and comes into this world. A mother's love for her child knows no bounds.

Given her sacrifices, a mother has been accorded a lofty rank in Islam. The highest degree of respect, honour, care and reverence must be shown to one's mother.

Whilst this is something that would generally not need any mention, regrettably, today we have mothers who are not given due respect, care, love and compassion from their children. Moreover, very sadly, there are children who do not have the concern and lack the guidance to care for their mothers. Many mothers are abandoned in homes and left for others to care for them. Others are neglected or 'cared for' in manner that has left them heartbroken, lonely and feeling abandoned. A person who shuns his mother (parents) suffers loss and tribulation in this world and will also be deprived in the hereafter.

Hazrat Abu Hurayrah (R) reports that a man once came to Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and said, “O Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)! Who is the most entitled to my good company?” Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Your mother.” He asked, “Then whom?” Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Your mother.” He asked, “Then whom?” Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Your mother”. He asked, “Then whom?” Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied, “Your father.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Hazrat Miqdam ibn Ma'di Karib (R) reported that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Certainly Allah enjoins upon you to treat your mother kindly/be dutiful towards her.” He repeated this thrice and then said, “Allah enjoins upon you to treat your father kindly and then your closest relatives.” (Ibn Majah)

Hazrat Mu'awiyah ibn Jahimah (R) reported that Jahimah (R) came to Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and said, “O Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), I desire to go on the military expedition and I have come to consult you.” Nabi r asked, “Do you have a mother?” He said, “Yes” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Stick to her (serve her) for indeed Jannah lies by her feet.” (Nasai, Musnad Ahmad)

Every child must reflect on the importance of upholding this sacred responsibility and ensure that we fulfil this obligation to the best of our ability.