President Woodrow Wilson officially made Mother’s Day a national holiday in 1914, to be celebrated every year on the second Sunday of May. Mother's Day is celebrated in 46 countries, at different times of the year. The International Mother's Day is May 11th.
Although a holiday honoring mothers is certainly due, one day out of the year falls extremely short and can never make up for the years of affection, nurturing, support, and love that mothers give to their children on a daily basis throughout their lives. In Islam, mothers hold an important role in their families and should be honored and treated with respect every single day. The importance of the mother in Islam is illustrated by the following well-known hadith:
"A man asked the Prophet: 'Whom should I honor most?' The Prophet replied: 'Your mother'. 'And who comes next?' asked the man. The Prophet replied: 'Your mother'. 'And who comes next?' asked the man. The Prophet replied: 'Your mother!'. 'And who comes next?' asked the man. The Prophet replied: 'Your father'" (Bukhari and Muslim).
The Qur’an acknowledges the special place a mother has in the family as well as her care in giving birth and nursing her children. Believers are expected to show affection and appreciation for all that mothers represent.
"And We have enjoined on man to be good to his parents: In travail upon travail did his mother bear him and in two years was his weaning. Show gratitude to Me and to your parents" (Quran 31:14).
The Prophet (pbuh) used to say “Paradise lies at the feet of your mothers.” Kindness to mothers or parents in Islam is considered only second to the worship of Allah. Muslims are encouraged to treat their parents with the utmost respect and to look after them far into their elderly years. For believing Muslims there is no such thing as placing “burdensome” parents in elderly homes for strangers to care for. It is an obligation to every Muslim to care for their parents always. The loving and caring treatment of one’s parents is also a measurement of one’s character and belief in Islam. Islam teaches "The best of you is he who behaves best towards the members of his family." The treatment of one’s parents and family members is an essential part of Islam and being a good Muslim.
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