The greatness of honoring parents and its sanctity were driven from Allah the Almighty, making this right inseparable from His right to be worshipped. He says, “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment.” (Al-Isra:23)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also informed us that those who are undutiful to their parents are banned from entering Paradise, “No one who reminds others of his favors, no one who is disobedient to his parents and no drunkard, will enter Paradise.” (Reported by Ahmad and An-Nasa'i)
When the Prophet (peace be upon him) learned that one of his companions had a living mother, he advised him: “Go back and serve her, for there is Paradise.” (Reported by Ibn Majah)
And when a man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and asked: Who among the people is most deserving of a fine treatment from my hand? He said: Your mother. He again said: Then who (is the next one)? He said: Again it is your mother (who deserves the best treatment from you). He said: Then who (is the next one)? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Again, it is your mother. He (again) said: Then who? Thereupon he said: Then it is your father. (Agreed upon)
Therefore, we remind of this virtue which Islam brought fourteen centuries ago, following what is called “Mother's Day” - an occasion imposed on us by followers of modernity and globalization in the twentieth century.
This is an annual celebration held in Arab countries in March each year, and on different dates in other parts of the world, where flowers and gifts are presented to mothers, only for them to be forgotten for the rest of the year!
Here are 10 ways to celebrate your mother every day, all year round, in the best manner, thereby attaining Allah's pleasure and the companionship of His Prophet (peace be upon him):
First: Begin your day by kissing her head and hand, expressing gratitude and appreciation for all she has done for you as an infant, then as a child, then as a youth, then as a man. Being good to parents is among the obligations Allah has commanded us, warning us against mistreating them: “Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.'” (Al-Isra: 23-24)
Second: Frequently supplicate for her, asking for blessings in her life, complete well-being, righteousness, guidance, forgiveness, and what gives her glad tidings of Paradise and high ranks with Allah. This brings joy and happiness to her heart.
Third: Dedicate a day to help her at home with cleaning and cooking, even for a few hours, without her asking you. This kind gesture will ease her burden and translate your love and appreciation from words into actions.
Fourth: Buy her favorite meal or prepare it yourself and present it to her in appreciation of her efforts, showing you want to ease her hardships and provide what her soul desires.
Fifth: Fulfill a wish she had, even if simple, or something she desired but couldn't achieve in her later years. Perhaps she wished for a trip, to own something, or to perform Umrah to Allah's House, if you're able.
Sixth: Present her with a gift, even a simple one, not necessarily on a specific day but in any month, any day - not limiting it to a “Mother's Day” gift then ignoring her the rest of the year as some do.
Seventh: Be attentive to her financial needs, as she might be in hardship but embarrassed to ask you for money. It was narrated from Jabir bin 'Abdullah that a man said: “O Messenger of Allah, I have wealth and a son, and my father wants to take all my wealth.” He said: “You and your wealth belong to your father.” (Reported by Ahmad)
Eighth: Make daily phone calls to her, especially if you live far away or in another neighborhood or country. This soothes her heart and makes her feel cared for and appreciated.
Ninth: Honor her among family and relatives, and beware of favoring your wife over her. Both of you should strive to be good to her, treat her gently, be patient with her, and interact with her kindly and pleasantly.
Tenth: Recall memories with her, talk to her, especially if she's elderly and suffering from old age. You can look through photo albums together or watch videos of her and your father in their youth. This revives her memory, protects against Alzheimer's and memory weakness, brings joy to her heart, and cheers her up.
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