All praises are due to Allah, Lord of all the Worlds and the Forgiver and Concealer of our faults.

We know that Islam is a religion that stresses the qualities of mercy, tolerance and respect. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah says that you must learn to be respectful to those whom we have chosen to bring you into existence. No matter who they are, no matter what religion they follow, no matter if they are sinful or not, you still have to be respectful and show kindness to them. These teachings are absolutely beautiful.

We all have come across that beautiful verse in Surah Isra where Allah has summarised our duties unto our parents. Allah says if you were to witness any one of your parents in your old age alive, pray to Allah to have mercy on them. But Allah starts by saying that you shouldn’t even make a sound from your mouth that is hurtful or abusive to your parents, or even a look of resentment or contempt. (17:23)

This verse is further continued by reminding us that parents have raised us with gentleness and made sacrifices for our wellbeing.

You pray to Allah for them saying, “O Allah, have mercy on them as they brought me up when I was young.” It is very important for us to ask Allah to have mercy on them as believers and to deal with them justly.

Another important thing we need to bear in mind is that when we were born, our mothers went through many difficulties and hardships. They gave up their own sleep for us to sleep, they fed us and they assured us that we were doing well. Mothers dedicate their whole life nurturing and caring for their children. Therefore, Islam particularly has given mothers utmost respect and devotion. Allah Himself tells of the hardships involved in motherhood. Allah says in the Quran…
“And we have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship…” (Quran 31:14)

So the question is: Are you a good companion to your mother?

Are you from among those who do well and show kindness to your mother?

Are you from among those who fulfil the rights of their mother and father?

Remember to spend time with your parents. Even though the rigours of old age may cause parents to be demanding and impatient, as children, it is our duty towards them to display kindness, compassion, respect and remain patient.

Hold your parents in high esteem, love and cherish them by following the commandments of God and know that paradise really does lie at the feet of mothers.

The most powerful gift you can give to a deceased parent is to pray to Allah for their forgiveness, to ask Allah to have mercy on them and to grant them Paradise.

May Allah grant all our parents the highest level in Paradise. May Allah grant us ease and goodness and open our doors and have mercy on us.