The Status of Mothers in Islam: Reactions from Non-Muslim Mothers
The Status of Mothers in Islam: Reactions from Non-Muslim Mothers
I. Introduction
In this video from the “Aisha Rosalie” channel, Aisha and her friend Rebecca—both British converts to Islam—invite their non-Muslim mothers to watch and react to a powerful lecture by Mufti Menk regarding the status of parents, specifically mothers, in Islam.
II. Key Points from Mufti Menk’s Lecture
The lecture focuses on the biological and spiritual debt children owe their mothers:
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Divine Selection: Mufti Menk emphasizes that you did not choose your mother, nor did she choose you. Allah selected this specific relationship as a test and a blessing for both.
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The Priority of the Mother: He references the famous Hadith where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was asked who deserves the most companionship. The Prophet ﷺ replied, “Your mother,” three times before mentioning the father once.
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The Hardship of Pregnancy: The lecture details the physical toll of motherhood. While the baby is “comfy and floating” in the womb, the mother suffers from morning sickness, heartburn, lack of sleep, and physical pain. Yet, the heavier the baby gets, the happier the mother becomes.
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Success and the Mother: Mufti Menk notes that most successful people in this world—both financially and spiritually—maintain a strong, respectful bond with their mothers.
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Kindness to the Elderly: He highlights that as mothers age, they don’t want your money; they simply want your time, a phone call, or for you to listen to them.
III. The Mothers’ Reactions
The reaction of the two non-Muslim mothers was overwhelmingly positive and emotional:
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Appreciation for the “3-to-1” Rule: Both mothers were pleasantly surprised and touched by the Islamic teaching that grants the mother three times more rights to companionship than the father.
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Validation of Sacrifice: Rebecca’s mother agreed with the description of physical sacrifice, noting that a woman’s body is never the same after giving birth, and this sacrifice deserves the high status Islam provides.
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Birthdays vs. Motherhood: One mother shared a unique perspective, saying she always viewed her children’s birthdays as a celebration of her hard work in giving birth. Aisha noted that this fits beautifully with the Islamic focus on honoring the mother rather than just the individual.
IV. Reflections from Aisha and Rebecca
The daughters discussed the practical impact Islam has had on their relationships with their parents:
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Positive Behavioral Change: The mothers noted that since converting, their daughters have become “calmer” and more respectful. Rebecca’s mother mentioned she no longer worries about her daughter because of the stability Islam provides.
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The “Care Home” Fear: Aisha shared that her mother’s biggest fear is being put in a care home. Aisha reassured her that in Islam, it is a religious obligation to care for parents at home, which provided her mother with great peace of mind.
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Encouraging Prayer: Interestingly, Aisha’s mother (despite not being Muslim) often reminds her to pray when she hears the Adhan (call to prayer) on Aisha’s phone, showing her support for the positive discipline Islam brings.
Conclusion
The video concludes that Islamic teachings on parents serve as a powerful tool for Dawah (invitation to Islam). By showing the “real side” of how Islam honors women and mothers, it dispels common Islamophobic stereotypes and strengthens the bond between converts and their non-Muslim families
