That is why it is said that, “Paradise is at the feet of the mothers.

That is why it is said that, “Paradise is at the feet of the mothers.” The three types of rights mentioned for the father, equally apply for the mother also. Rather in some ways, the rights of mothers are superior to that of fathers.

Hakim bin Hizam asked the Prophet, “O Messenger of God, to whom should I do good?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” Hakim asked, “And then who?” The Prophet again said, “Your mother.” Hakim asked the same question for the third time, and the Prophet again answered that “Your mother.” When Hakim asked the fourth time, only then did the Prophet say, “Your father.” Why is so much importance given to the rights of mothers?

Imam Zaynu ‘KAbidin (a.s.) says: “It is the right of your mother that you should appreciate that she carried you [in her womb] as nobody carries anybody, fed you the fruits of her heart which nobody feeds anybody, protected you [during pregnancy] with her ears, eyes, hands, legs, hair, limbs, [in short] with her whole being, gladly, cheerfully and carefully.

She patiently suffered all the worries, pains, difficulties and sorrows, till the hands of God removed you from her and brought you to this world.

Then she was most happy feeding you forgetting her own hunger; clothing you, even if she herself had no clothes; giving you milk and water, not caring for her own thrist; keeping you in the shade, even if she had to suffer from the heat of the sun; giving you every comfort with her own hardships; lulling you to sleep while keeping herself awake...Therefore, you must remain thankful to her accordingly, and you cannot do so except by the help from Allah.” 2.

Parents’ Rights in the Qur’an As the children step into adulthood, parents proceed towards old age. The children, in their childhood, need the protection of their parents; and the parents, in their old age, need the kindness of their children.

Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala, says: “If We grant long life to any, We cause him to be reversed in nature (i.e., from strength to weakness).” (36:68) The three types of parents’ rights mentioned earlier are based on the following verses of the Qur’an: Your Lord has decreed that you should worship no one but Him and that you should • be kind to your parents; • and if one or both of them attain old age in your life [and become angry with you for some reason], then do not even say to them ‘Oh’ [in contempt], nor should you repel them.

Instead, you should address them in respectful manner.