The Pillar of Society!
The foundation
of the tallest tower in the world is hidden, yet it is the most important part
of the building. A mother is indeed an important part of our society, yet her
role and contribution is seldom acknowledged!
A
man came asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) “ 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." (Hadith- Bukhârî )
The
secret of her importance lies in the tremendous burden and responsibility that
is placed upon her and the difficulties that she has to shoulder -
responsibilities and difficulties some of which not even a man bears. This is
why from the most important obligations upon a person is to show gratitude,
kindness and good companionship with her.
Quite
often and mainly to our social environment, the importance of mothers is
seriously downplayed and demoted to a menial job.
There
was once an officer at the driving license counter who asked the lady,
"what is your occupation ?" the woman seeking renewal of her license
seemed to be puzzled.
So
the officer said, "ma'am, are you employed....have your own business
or...."
The
woman replied, "oh, yes !! I have a full time occupation. I am a mother"
Officer
: "we don't have 'mother' as an option for occupation. I will write it
down as 'housewife'. That takes care of all questions."
This
had happened long ago, and was forgotten.
Years
later when the same lady went to get her license, the public relations officer
was a somewhat pompous woman.
"Your
occupation?" she asked in a rather authoritative tone.
The
lady just had an inspiration and replied, "I am a researcher in the field
of child development, nutrition and inter-personal relationships."
The
lady officer stared at her in amazement. She calmly repeated her statement, and
the lady officer wrote it down verbatim.
Then,
unable to conceal her curiosity, she politely asked, "what exactly do you
do in your profession, ma'am ?"
She
was feeling good about having described her occupation so calmly and
confidently. She replied, "my research projects have been going on for a
number of years (mothers never retire !!). My research is conducted in the
laboratory as well as in the field. I have a CEO and a senior Director (CEO is
Allah of course and the Director is my entire family). Have received two
honours in this field (a son and a daughter). My topic is considered to be the
most difficult part of sociology (all moms will agree!!). I have to work more
than 14 hours every day. Sometimes even 24 hours might not be enough and the
challenges are tougher than many other professions. My compensation is in terms
of mental satisfaction rather than money."
After
this brief introduction she could see that the officer was thoroughly
impressed. After completing the licensing formalities, she came to the door to
see her off.
This
new viewpoint about her occupation made her feel much better on her way back
home. She was welcomed by her 5 year old research assistant at the door. Her
new project (6 month old baby) was enthusiastically waiting to meet her.
She
had earned a small victory over the governmental red tape and society
stereotyping. She was no longer 'merely a mother'.
Instead she was now a highly placed functionary in a service vital for
humanity - motherhood !!!
'Mother'
- isn't it a great title. Fit to be added to the nameplate on the door or even
on your sporty car numberplate!!!
By
this standard, grandmothers deserve to be called senior research officers, and
great grandmothers qualify as 'research directors'. Aunts and other ladies of
that age group can be called 'research facilitators'.
Mothers
are indeed of noble stature in society and their position is elevated to the
highest position in Islam. The Noble Messenger of Allah(peace be upon him)
emphatically proclaimed;
“
Jannah (paradise) lies under the feet of your Mother!” (Hadith Ahmed,Sunan Ibn Mâjah).
Allah Ta’ala,
The Most Wise says;
"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 honour. 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)
We
don’t need to wait once a year and be commercially exploited on Mother’s Day to
recognize this great personality, celebrate her today, tomorrow and everyday!
