As Mother's Day approaches each year, many Muslims around the world begin to wonder: Is it permissible in Islam to celebrate Mother’s Day? With advertisements, school activities, and social media posts all emphasizing this day, the question becomes even more relevant for Muslim families seeking to balance cultural practices with Islamic teachings.
In this article, we’ll explore this topic through the lens of the Quran, Hadith, and scholarly opinions to provide clarity and guidance.
The Core Question: Imitation or Appreciation?
At the heart of the discussion is this: Does celebrating Mother’s Day mean imitating non-Islamic traditions, or is it simply an act of appreciation and kindness?
Islam is a faith that values intention (niyyah), and that plays a major role in how acts are judged. So, let’s break it down.
The Islamic View on Honoring Mothers
First, let’s establish one clear fact: Islam strongly emphasizes honoring and caring for one's mother—not just on a specific day, but throughout one’s entire life.
“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness…”
(Surah Luqman 31:14)
“Paradise lies at the feet of your mother.”
(Sunan al-Nasa’i)
The mother’s status in Islam is so elevated that she is mentioned three times more than the father in terms of who deserves your best treatment.
So, expressing love, buying gifts, or showing appreciation to your mother is not only allowed in Islam—it is highly encouraged.
Scholarly Perspectives on Celebrating Mother’s Day
1. Permissible With Conditions
Many contemporary scholars agree that celebrating Mother’s Day is permissible, provided that:
They emphasize that it is allowed so long as it is not considered a religious festival, does not involve haram (forbidden) actions, and does not replace the daily obligation of honoring one’s mother.
They argue that Islam does not object to cultural practices that are in line with Islamic values, especially if they encourage acts of kindness and gratitude.
2. Disapproval Due to Innovation and Imitation
Other scholars are more cautious. They believe Muslims should avoid imitating non-Muslim traditions, especially those rooted in religious or commercial origins. They caution against turning Mother’s Day into a regular practice that competes with Islamic teachings on consistent parental respect.
Some also classify it as a form of “bid’ah” (innovation) if it becomes ritualized in a way that mimics religious festivals.
So, What Should a Muslim Do?
Islam encourages balance, intention, and adherence to values over labels.
If celebrating Mother’s Day means:
Making your mother feel appreciated, giving her a thoughtful gift, spending quality time, and your intention is purely to honor her, then many scholars see it as permissible—especially if it supports what Islam already teaches.
Then many scholars would say this is permissible, especially if these actions align with what Islam already encourages.
However, it should not be the only day you honor her, nor should it be treated like an Islamic “Eid” or religious holiday.
Everyday is Mother’s Day in Islam
Islam gives mothers such a high rank that limiting appreciation to a single day actually does a disservice to the teachings of the faith.
“Your mother, your mother, your mother, then your father.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)
Islam builds a culture of lifelong gratitude and service to one’s parents, especially the mother. Whether you choose to recognize Mother's Day or not, your commitment to your mother must be year-round.
Final Verdict: Is Celebrating Mother’s Day Halal?
Yes, celebrating Mother’s Day can be permissible in Islam if it is done:
Pure intentions, without imitating religious festivals, without extravagance or sinful behavior, and as part of a larger lifestyle of honoring one’s parents every day.
The best approach is to keep your mother at the center of your life all year, not just in May.
So go ahead—write that heartfelt card, buy her flowers, cook her favorite dish, or simply sit with her and talk. But don’t wait for a special day to do it.
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