Is Celebrating Mother’s Day Haram?

In the tapestry of celebrations that adorn our calendars, Mother’s Day occupies a special place. This day is not just a date on the calendar; it’s a profound recognition of the roles that mothers play in our lives.

From birthdays to anniversaries, and even the quiet moments in between, the influence of maternal figures remains constant, making Mother’s Day a tribute to more than just a single day.

Key Takeaways

Evolution of Mother’s Day Celebrations

The roots of Mother’s Day extend deep into history, intertwining with diverse cultures and traditions. Beyond its historical beginnings, the celebration has adapted and transformed across the globe. From its humble origins to its modern incarnation, Mother’s Day stands as a testament to the universal desire to honor and appreciate maternal figures in our lives.

In ancient Greece, the festival of Cybele, the Mother of the Gods, celebrated the nurturing and life-giving aspects of the maternal figure. Similarly, the Romans honored their mother goddess, Juno, during the Matronalia festival.

The modern concept of Mother’s Day, however, emerged in the early 20th century. The efforts of Anna Jarvis in the United States led to the official establishment of Mother’s Day as a national holiday in 1914. Jarvis’s vision was to create a day for children to honor their mothers and express their appreciation for their sacrifices and love.

As Mother’s Day gained traction, different countries adopted their own variations of the celebration. In the UK, Mothering Sunday had already been observed as a day for children to return to their ‘mother church’ for a special service, which eventually aligned with the idea of celebrating mothers.

In other parts of the world, the dates and customs associated with Mother’s Day differ. For example, in many Arab countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the first day of spring, while in Thailand, it’s observed in August, coinciding with the birthday of Queen Mother Sirikit.

The celebration of Mother’s Day has also been influenced by various cultural practices. In Mexico, for instance, Mother’s Day is a festive occasion with music, food, and flowers. In Japan, it’s customary to give carnations as a symbol of love and gratitude.

Religious Perspectives on Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day’s significance goes beyond religious boundaries, transcending cultural and spiritual affiliations. While not inherently rooted in religious doctrine, the celebration of maternal figures has found its place within the tapestry of various faiths.

In Christianity, the concept of motherhood is intertwined with sacred narratives. The Virgin Mary, revered as the mother of Jesus Christ, embodies the virtues of love, compassion, and sacrifice – qualities often associated with mothers.

As a result, Mother’s Day resonates deeply within Christian communities. The celebration harmonizes with the spirit of Christmas, a time when the birth of Jesus is commemorated, underscoring the sacredness of maternal roles.

In Islam, respect for mothers is enshrined in the teachings of the Quran and the Hadiths. While there is no specific holiday akin to Mother’s Day in Islamic tradition, the duty of honoring and respecting one’s parents, especially mothers, is deeply ingrained. The essence of Mother’s Day aligns with these teachings, as Muslims are encouraged to express gratitude and kindness toward their mothers throughout the year.

Judaism, too, upholds the importance of honoring parents. The commandment to honor one’s mother and father is a fundamental pillar of Jewish ethics. While there isn’t a dedicated Mother’s Day in the Jewish calendar, the appreciation for maternal figures resonates with traditions and values that emphasize family bonds and gratitude.

The celebration of Mother’s Day also finds resonance in other faiths. In Hinduism, the concept of “Matru Devo Bhava” (respect your mother as a god) emphasizes the significance of mothers in one’s life. In Buddhism, the emphasis on compassion and kindness aligns with the spirit of honoring maternal figures.

Interestingly, Mother’s Day can intersect with other religious observances. For example, the introspection and renewal associated with New Year’s Eve can be coupled with expressions of gratitude towards maternal figures. Similarly, the love shared on anniversaries can serve as a reminder of the love and sacrifice that mothers provide.

Is Celebrating Mother’s Day Haram?

From the Islamic perspective, observing Mother’s Day is considered “mubah,” which means it is permissible. This practice serves as a means to express gratitude and perform acts of kindness towards both parents, with a particular emphasis on honoring mothers.

In the compilation of fatwas, particularly noteworthy is the affirmation by Sheikh Dr. Ali Jum’ah, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, and the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar As-Sharif, regarding the permissibility of observing Mother’s Day.

:السُّؤَالُ
مَا حُكْمُ الْاِحْتِفَالِ بِعِيْدِ الْأُمِّ وَهَلْ هُوَ بِدْعَةٌ؟
:الْجَوَابُ
مِنْ مَظَاهِرِ تَكْرِيْمِ الْأُمِّ الْاِحْتِفَالُ بِهَا وَحُسْنُ بِرِّهَا وَالْإِحْسَانُ إِلَيْهَا وَلَيْسَ فِي الشَّرْعِ مَا يَمْنَعُ مِنْ أَنْ تَكُوْنَ هُنَاكَ مُنَاسَبَةٌ لِذَلِكَ يُعَبَّرُ فِيْهَا الْأَبْنَاءُ عَنْ بِرِّهِمْ بِأُمَّهَاتِهِمْ فَإِنَّ هَذَا أَمْرٌ تَنْظِيْمِيٌّ لَا حَرَجَ فِيْهِ

Question:
What is the ruling on commemorating Mother’s Day, does it include bid’ah?
Answer:
Part of the genuine way to honor a mother involves arranging a commemorative event in her honor and treating her with kindness. According to Islamic law (Shari’a), there are no restrictions on engaging in actions that align with these principles, actions that a child perceives as acts of obedience to their mother. Therefore, such organized activities are perfectly acceptable and free from any wrongdoing.

Nevertheless, in Islam, being devoted and grateful for the services of a mother is not limited to the commemoration of Mother’s Day, but every moment and throughout life, even when the mother has passed away.

Abu Usyaid Malik bin Rabi’ah radhiyallahu anhu narrated a hadith:

Final Thought

In conclusion, the celebration of Mother’s Day is widely viewed as “mubah,” signifying its permissibility within Islamic principles. This stance is rooted in the practice of expressing gratitude and displaying acts of kindness to parents, with a special focus on mothers.

While there may exist differing opinions, numerous scholars and communities concur that commemorating Mother’s Day can effectively align with Islamic tenets of respecting and honoring parents. As such, the observance of this day can be regarded as a means to uphold these fundamental teachings in Islam.

Allahu a’lam (Allah knows best)

FAQ

Is Mother’s Day related to religion?

Mother’s Day itself is not inherently tied to any specific religious observance. It is a secular holiday that is widely celebrated around the world to honor and show appreciation to mothers and mother figures.

While the holiday’s origins can be traced back to early Christian and pagan traditions, the modern celebration of Mother’s Day is generally regarded as a secular and cultural observance rather than a religious one. However, different religious communities may choose to incorporate their own beliefs and practices into how they observe or interpret Mother’s Day.

Is Mother’s Day forbidden in Islam?

The permissibility of celebrating Mother’s Day in Islam varies among scholars and interpretations. Some Islamic scholars and communities view Mother’s Day as a form of expressing gratitude and kindness towards mothers, which aligns with Islamic teachings of honoring parents. They consider it permissible (mubah) as long as the celebrations do not involve any forbidden (haram) activities or beliefs.

However, there are also conservative opinions within the Islamic community that might discourage or forbid the celebration of secular holidays like Mother’s Day due to concerns about imitating non-Muslim practices or potential cultural assimilation.

Is every day a Mother’s Day in Islam?

In Islam, the concept of honoring and respecting parents, especially mothers, is deeply ingrained. The teachings emphasize that kindness, care, and support towards parents should be a consistent and ongoing practice, not limited to a single day. Every day can be seen as an opportunity to demonstrate gratitude and love to parents, including mothers.

Many Hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ ) emphasize the importance of treating parents with kindness and fulfilling their needs throughout one’s life. So, while there isn’t a specific “Mother’s Day” in Islam, the principles of honoring and cherishing parents are relevant every day.

Do Arabic people celebrate Mother’s Day?

Yes, Arabic people celebrate Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day in most Arab countries is celebrated on March 21st, which is the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. The tradition of celebrating Mother’s Day in the Arab world dates back to ancient Egypt, where an annual festival was held to celebrate Isis, the goddess of motherhood, new life, and fertility.

The idea of celebrating Mother’s Day was later introduced in Egypt by journalist Mustafa Amin in his book Smiling America in 1943, and it was first celebrated in 1956. Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated across the Middle East on March 21st every year to honor the selfless love of mothers, their contribution to their families, and their influence on society in general.

Can Muslims celebrate Mother’s Day?

Yes, Muslims can choose to celebrate Mother’s Day based on their individual beliefs and interpretations of Islamic teachings. It’s important for individuals to ensure that any celebrations remain within the boundaries of Islamic ethics and values.

• Author
• Recent Posts

herry

I am a devoted Muslim entrepreneur and a firm believer. Now running multiple businesses while remaining dedicated to promoting Dawah Islam (the propagation of Islam).

I spend three enriching years at Darul Ulum Islamic Boarding School. Under the guidance of knowledgeable scholars, I delved into various aspects of Islamic studies.

From clarifying dietary guidelines and financial transactions to addressing ethical dilemmas, my content will be tailored to serve as a reliable resource for Muslims striving to align their lives with Islamic principles.

Latest posts by herry (see all)

• Is Lipstick Haram? Authentic Proof - September 14, 2023
• Is Keeping Long Nails Haram? Authentic Proof - September 14, 2023
• Are Fake Nails Haram? Muslim Women Should Know This - September 14, 2023