12 Rights of Mother in Islam That Must be Fulfilled

“A man came to the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) and asked him: ‘O Prophet of Allah! Who is the most deserving and worthy of my good company?’
Allah’s Prophet (Peace be upon Him) answered: “Your mother.”
The man asked: ‘Who comes next after her?’
He said: “Your mother.”
The man asked again: ‘Who comes next after her?’
He said: “Your mother.”
The man asked again: ‘Who comes next after her?’
He said: “Your father.” (Bukhari)

As the right religion, Islam has stressed that respecting parents is one of the greatest deed a Muslim should do, and causing harm to them becomes a big sin that won’t be forgiven unless the parents give the apology. Between the two parents, mother holds a higher positioned.

As she is the one who gave birth to us, we will never be able to repay her as she was willing to sacrifice her life back then. Mothers have certain rights that should be fulfilled in Islam.

Here the rights of mothers in Islam:

1. To be Honored Three Times Before Father

From the above hadith, it is clear that a mother should be honored and respected three times before father. It is due to her suffering during every stages of our lives: pregnancy, giving birth, and raising us. See also Importance of Obeying Parents in Islam

“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. The duration of carrying him (in the womb) and weaning is two years. So thank Me and to your parents; unto Me is the final destination.” (31:14)

2. To be Obeyed by the Children

A mother plays an important role throughout the child’s life. So it has become their obligation to be obeyed by the children.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

“Two (kinds of sins) Allah will forward (the punishment of) in this world: violent transgression and disobedience of children to their parents.” (Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)

3. Respected by the Children

Islam encourages every children to treat their mothers with respect and kindness. Paying respect can be done in various ways. From Asma’ bint Abu Bakr (RA) said,

“My mother, who was still a pagan, came to visit. I went to the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon Him) seeking his verdict. I said, “She has come to visit and she is interested in Islam, should I maintain my relationship with her?”
The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon Him) said: “Yes, indeed, stay connected to your mother.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

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4. To be Treated Well

A mother should be treated in a well manner by her children in all cost. There are a story when Asma’ bint Abu Bakr asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), about her mother who is an unbeliever. She asked the Prophet how should she treat her, to which he replied,

“Yes, be on good terms with your mother”. (Transmitted on the authority of Asmaa (agreed upon), The Pearl and the Coral (Al-Lu’lu’ wal-Marjan -587)

5. To Raise Her Children on Her Own

A mother will sacrifice if it’s necessary to her children, and she has done so while giving birth to them. That is why a mother has the highest right to raise her children on her way. She would raise her children until they can live well on their own. See also How to Keep Family Ties in Islam

6. Her Debt to be Payed

When a mother passed away and she left debt in this world, the children of the deceases should be paying for her debt right away. It is included in the rights of mothers in Islam that must be fulfilled. See also How to Treat a Family in Islam

7. Inherit the Children

According to the rule of inheritance in Islam, a mother has the right to inherit her children.

8. Breastfeed Her Newborn Baby

As soon as the baby was born, she has right to breastfeed her baby. It is the best food a baby could get. During the breastfeeding period, a mother is creating a bond with her child. See also Newborn Baby Rights in Islam

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9. Educating the Children

A mother is the first teacher for every children. She must take care of her children, educating them with a good manner as a preparation to mingle with society in the future. Thus, it is important for a mother to possess a good attitude.

10. To be Pleased by the Children

Allah SWT and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has strongly commanded every Muslim to please their mother, especially when they already in the old age. See also Dua for a Newborn Baby in Islam

The Prophet said, “So strive for them and exert yourself (jaahid).” (Bukhari and Muslim)

11. To be Accompanied by the Children

As much as our mother has taken care of us when we’re little, our turn comes when our mother has aged and she needs constant company of us.

And in another authentic tradition Mu’awiyyah as-Sulami said to the Prophet (peace be upon him):

‘I want to go for Jihad in the way of Allah.’
The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon Him) asked: “Is your mother alive?”
He said: ‘Yes.’
He said: “Stay with her, for Jannah is under her feet.” (Ahmad and Nasa’i)

12. Financially Assisted by the Children

When we have grow up and earned some money, we must assist our mother financially. Especially when they can no longer work to make a living.

Seeing the many rights of mothers in Islam, they will never enough for us to pay off what we are indebted to our mother. It has been our lifetime duty to care and love them.