The status of mothers in Islam

The status of the mother in Islam is a very noble and lofty one, and her effect is very great in the life of every Muslim.

The secret of her importance lies in the tremendous burden and responsibility that is placed upon her, and the difficulties that she has to shoulder – responsibilities and difficulties some of which not even a man bears. This is why from the most important obligations upon a person is to show gratitude and kindness to his mother. And in this matter, she is to be given precedence over and above the father.

A man came to Allah’s Messenger  sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, Who from amongst mankind warrants the best companionship from me’? He replied: “Your mother.” The man asked: Then who? So he replied: “Your mother.” The man then asked: Then who? So the Prophet replied again: “Your mother.” The man then asked: Then who? He replied: “Then your father.”

[Related by Al-Bukhari].