Mother’s Day in Islam: Honoring Mothers Through an Islamic Lens

Every year, as May approaches, the world gears up to celebrate Mother's Day — a day dedicated to expressing love, appreciation, and gratitude to the incredible women who gave us life. While the holiday is widely recognized in many parts of the world, Muslims often find themselves asking: "Is celebrating Mother's Day permissible in Islam?" Or, "How does Islam view honoring mothers?"

In this blog post, we’ll explore Mother’s Day from an Islamic perspective, uncovering what the Quran and Hadith say about mothers and whether observing this day aligns with Islamic values.

The Status of Mothers in Islam

Islam grants mothers an exalted status unlike any other. From the moment a woman conceives, she is honored and rewarded for her sacrifice, love, and tireless efforts. The Quran and Hadiths are filled with references that elevate the position of mothers.

1. Quranic Verses About Mothers

The Quran speaks about the hardship and love of mothers in multiple verses. One of the most quoted is:

“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.”
(Surah Luqman 31:14)

This verse highlights the physical and emotional challenges a mother endures and directly links gratitude to parents with gratitude to Allah.

2. Hadiths Emphasizing the Importance of Mothers

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him) elevated the status of mothers in many sayings:

“A man came to the Prophet and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?’ He said, ‘Your mother.’ The man said, ‘Then who?’ He said, ‘Your mother.’ The man said, ‘Then who?’ He said, ‘Your mother.’ The man asked, ‘Then who?’ He said, ‘Your father.’”
(Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

This powerful Hadith reflects how mothers deserve three times more kindness and respect than fathers, emphasizing their unmatched role in our lives.

Is It Permissible to Celebrate Mother’s Day in Islam?

This question has sparked diverse opinions among scholars and Muslims alike.

Two Perspectives:

1. Permissibility with Boundaries:

Some scholars argue that celebrating Mother’s Day is permissible as long as it does not involve any un-Islamic practices such as extravagance, imitation of non-Islamic religious customs, or disobedience to Islamic guidelines.

They highlight that honoring and appreciating one’s mother is a deeply Islamic act, and if Mother's Day encourages more love, care, and connection within families, it can be a positive occasion.

2. Skepticism and Caution:

Others warn against celebrating it as a "religious" or fixed annual practice. Their concern lies in imitating non-Muslim traditions and limiting appreciation to one day when Islam encourages honoring parents every day.

Islam doesn't need a specific day to recognize mothers because it already commands consistent kindness and devotion throughout life.

Islam Encourages Honoring Mothers Every Day

In Islam, honoring your mother is not a once-a-year obligation; it’s a lifelong commitment. Acts of kindness, helping her, speaking gently, making dua for her, and spending quality time are all rewarded in Islam.

Examples of Honoring Your Mother in Daily Life

Calling or visiting her regularly, not just on one day.
Making dua (supplication) for her well-being, both in this world and the next.
Helping with chores or any burdens she may carry.
Being patient, even when she is difficult or emotional.
Spending time with her, sharing laughter and listening to her stories.
Giving gifts often—not just on Mother’s Day.

What If Your Mother Has Passed Away?

Islam provides beautiful ways to continue honoring your mother even after her death:

Make frequent dua for her.
Give charity (sadaqah) on her behalf.
Perform good deeds she encouraged.
Maintain family ties she cared about.
Read Quran and dedicate the reward to her soul.

These actions bring immense reward and continue to strengthen the bond between mother and child even in the Hereafter.

The Wisdom Behind Islamic Teachings

While the commercial world may highlight mothers once a year, Islam builds an entire lifestyle around loving, serving, and honoring them. The Islamic model ensures that a mother feels valued not just on Mother’s Day—but every single day.

Celebrating your mother with flowers, a heartfelt note, or a thoughtful gift on Mother's Day isn't inherently wrong—as long as it's done with pure intentions and within Islamic boundaries.

Final Thoughts: Love Your Mother Like Islam Teaches

Mother’s Day offers a timely reminder to reflect on the blessings of our mothers, but Islam provides a timeless blueprint for honoring them far beyond any calendar date. If you choose to participate in Mother’s Day, let it be a springboard to build lifelong habits of appreciation and love, rather than a yearly checkbox.

So, whether it’s Mother’s Day or any ordinary day, remember the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ: