Page 128 - Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman

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to You, and I am truly one of the Muslims." (Surat al-Ahqaf: 15)
Every mother suffers for many months and displays great devotion

in order to give birth. As Allah reveals, this is an agonizing process for
her. After this period, she adopts a selfless devotion and begins to feed
and nurture her child. Allah reminds people of this reality and points
out that mothers are very special beings. In addition, He advises people
not to forget their parents' selfless devotion to them and to treat them
equally well when they reach old age and become dependent:
Your Lord has decreed that you should worship none but Him, and that
you should show kindness 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; rather, speak to them with gentleness and
generosity. Take them under your wing, out of mercy, with due humili-
ty and say: "O Lord, show mercy to them as they did in looking after me
when I was small." (Surat al-Isra': 23-24)

As we all know, old age means the loss of physical strength, dy-
namism, health, and energy. Such people become dependent on other
people's care, protection, and help. Their mental faculties decrease, and
they come face to face with memory loss and other problems. Muslims,
as required by Allah, treat their elderly parents with compassion, un-
derstanding, and care.
In the verses cited above, Allah reveals how Muslims should treat
their elderly parents. As we see, He forbids Muslims to show even the
slightest disrespect toward their parents and commands them to say
nice things and treat them gently so that they will have no reason to be-
come upset. As a result, Muslims are very understanding, considerate,
and careful with their elderly parents. They do their best to make their
parents comfortable and continue to love and respect them. Considering
the difficulties and complaints associated with old age, Muslims try to

provide for their parents' needs before being asked to do so. Whatever

Mary: An Exemplary Muslim Woman