In a famous incident, a man came to the Prophet (SAW) and asked:
"O Messenger of Allah! to whom should I show kindness? He replied: Your mother, next your mother, next your mother, and then comes your father..." (Sunan Abu Dawud)
The Quran also discusses the immense honor and respect due to both parents, and especially to mother:
"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, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination." (Luqman 31:14)
A man once consulted the Prophet Muhammad about taking part in a military campaign. The Prophet asked the man if his mother was still living. When told that she was alive, the Prophet said: "(Then) stay with her, for Paradise is at her feet." (Al-Tirmidhi)
On another occasion, the Prophet said: "God has forbidden for you to be undutiful to your mothers." (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
I lost my mother on Nov 25, 2010. Though the pain of losing her is still with me and her memory lives on in my siblings and me,I sometimes worry that I might forget what a blessing she was for me.
For me, Islam is the best reminder of my mother's presence. With daily encouragement from the Quran and the living example of the Prophet Muhammad, I know I will always keep her memory close to my heart. She is my mercy, my connection to the divine.
