Celebrating Mothers day away from your Mother?

Well the much hyped Mother's day is here which is celebrated on the  second Sunday of May each year. The retails are having a field day selling off presents to all the mum-loving people of the world. The restaurants are witnessing an increased surge in people who want to treat their mum on this special day. How can you not get caught up in this commercialization  , it is simply contagious , everyone's doing it , you have got to loosen your purse strings as well. Never mind if you are not rich , the retail giants have it   planned and presented all within your budget. If you are not earning which most of the little kids are not and are literally penniless, it is all fine , you can still pester your dad , surely he would not mind giving out some of his hard-earned bucks simply as its an opportunity for you to express your gratitude towards your mother, his wife .

However some people are in a dilemma. They are the people who live away from their dear mums. They are probably students or working away from their home cities or countries . How does this class of people make their mum feel special. To the most they can make a call and awkwardly mumble, 'Happy Mother's Day' sheepishly recalling  the brief argument that they had with her when she told them that their childhood room was getting painted blue as their youngest brother was moving in. Further you may send some gifts online but then  frown as you realise it is hardly personal . So how do you feel at peace knowing that you are missing out on some great celebrations which most of the world seems to be engaged in.

How about I say that if you are a Muslim , everyday is Mother's day because  your love towards your Mother is not determined by the bunch of money that you can spend on her but an intrinsic realisation of gratitude that you should feel every day or even moment of your life. The Mother in Islam is at a position unlike any other.  I am no Scholar in Islam , however to know that you do not need to be one. All you need to do is read the Holy Quran or take some look at a few hadiths or simply surf through the internet. The world is at your fingertips. Here are a couple of references from the Quran :

Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility and say, "My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood." [Noble Quran 17:23-24]

"And We have enjoined on man [to be good] to his parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him and his weaning was over two years. Be thankful to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination."[Noble Quran 31:14]

"And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months. [He grows] until, when he reaches maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says, "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims." [Noble Quran 46:15]

From these verses of the holy Quran a few things are deduced as mandatory:

1. A general kindness and softness towards parents
2. Never chide them/ repel them
3. Being humble to them
4. Pray for them

The Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h has illustrated in more words than one the importance of being kind to one's mother. Take a look at a few hadith:

• A man came to the Prophet and said: O Messenger of Allah! Who from amongst mankind warrants the best companionship from me? He replied: "Your mother." The man asked: Then who? So he replied: "Your mother." The man then asked: Then who? So the Prophet replied again: "Your mother." The man then asked: Then who? So he replied: "Then your father." (Sahih Bukhari 5971 and Sahih Muslim 7/2)

So where does that leave someone like me who is far from their mother. The greatest I know I can do is pray for her and my  fathers' good life. These are a few prayers that we might use:

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• However the prayer that our heart makes are all acceptable in the eyes of our Almighty Creator who surely loves sincerity.

The most wonderful present for me is to know that my parents are happy , safe and in good health. The knowledge that there is someone that can bring greater happiness to my parents than I ever can is deeply uplifting and suddenly on realizing this I do not miss my parents any longer knowing that my prayers can always be there with them and that they are in the care of the ultimate care-taker . That is true peace and satisfaction!

Adios to blind  Western commercialization of motherhood for now. The promise from Allah the Almighty is unpretentious and  oh-so-cheap, not to forget most sincere of them all as it will benefit them in ways that material presents can never do. To all the kids far away don't lose heart just pray for your mothers, everyday or whenever it is that you want.To all the Mothers may you have a truly happy motherhood. To all the kids living with your mum I have no qualms against any celebrations but take it from another mother- please do not forget to wash those dishes she is fumbling with right now or even laying the table before that meal !