Page 344 - Bigotry: The Dark Danger

Bigotry:
The Dark Danger

The Value Placed on Mothers

Motherhood is praised in the Qur'an. Respect for parents, treating

them well and protecting and watching over them in their old age, as
at all times, are particular responsibilities imposed on true believers
in the Qur'an, and there are a number of verses on the subject. Some
of these read:

We have instructed man to honor his par-

ents, ... (Qur'an, 29:8)

Your Lord has decreed that you should worship

none but Him, and that you should show kind-
ness to your parents. Whether one or both of

them reach old age with you, do not say
"Ugh!" to them out of irritation and do not be

harsh with them but speak to them with gen-

tleness and generosity. (Qur'an, 17:23)

In the Qur'an God advises Muslims to treat their parents with
respect and kindness; yet mothers are especially valued. God reveals
in another verse that:

We have instructed man concerning his parents.

Bearing him caused his mother great debility and

the period of his weaning was two years: "Give
thanks to Me and to your parents. I am your fi-

nal destination." (Qur'an, 31:14)

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