Mother's Day is a holiday honoring motherhood and the influence of mothers in society. Mother's Day is also known as one of the biggest days for consumer spending. As many of us scramble to find gifts and cards for them, we must also reflect on the significance of this holiday and the way we treat our mothers for the other 364 days of the year.
For me, Mother's Day is every day. As Muslims, we are taught that "Paradise lies under the feet of the mother." In other words, paradise can only be attained if one treats one's mother with the utmost respect and love.
A man once asked Prophet Muhammad (May Peace be Upon Him) to whom a man should be kind. The Prophet responded, "To your mother." When asked a second time, he again said, "To your mother." He was asked a third time. Again, the reply was, "Your mother."
Only upon being asked a fourth time did the Prophet reply, "Your father" (Bukhari). The Holy Prophet Muhammad (May Peace be Upon Him) placed great emphasis on the status of mothers and the love and respect due to them.
I hope that every mother is treated with reverence and appreciation not only on Mother's Day, but every day. As Ritu Ghatourey beautifully writes, "Love your mother, the most beautiful person on this Earth, our best critic, yet our strongest supporter."
Fatiha Chaudhry, Columbia