Motherhood

[kayra]

When I was pregnant I downloaded some freely distributed booklets suggested for Muslim motehrs to read to their children. One was titled "These are Baba's Feet" or something, and taught Muslims children about parts of the body from a Muslim perspective.

Some of the things they mentioned I haven'T read anywhere else. In particular, this booklet taught children that everyday things which mothers do have huge rewards in heaven - every time they breastfeed, it is equal to so-an-so, and every time they stay awake through the night to tend to their sick child, it is equal to so-and-so (I can'T remember the good deeds, but they were big ones like Umrah and reading the entire Quran from start to finish, etc.

Were all these just sweet stories, or does anybody know if they have basis in any Hadith? I think one of them - housework being equal to jihad - had basis in a hadith because some of the sisters have also mentioned it. But how about breastfeeding, losing sleep, and so on?

[kayra]

Just found them! I'd like to share some of them with my sisters Insh'Allah, and also invite any of you to inform me of their authenticity.

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Taken from The Rights and Virtues of Women in Islam by Shaikh Mohammad Iqbal:

The Prophet (sallallaho alaihi wasallam) has said; "Homemaking (Allah-willing) raises the station of a woman to the level of those who make Jihad “ (Kanz)

The Prophet (sallallaho alaihi wasallam) has said: "The birds in flight, the fish in the rivers, the angels in heaven and the animals in the jungles seek repentance for the woman who is obedient and submits to her husband."

The Holy Prophet (sallallaho alaihi wasallam) said: "From the instant of conceiving up to the delivery and nursing of the baby, the woman gets the same reward as the one who has been appointed to guard the boundaries of Islam and remains steadfast for Jihad. If she dies during this period, she gets the reward of a martyr." (Kanz)

The Holy Prophet (sallallaho alaihi wasallam) said: "Each time the baby sucks milk the nursing woman gets the reward as of giving life to a mortal and when she completes the feeding the angels pat her on the shoulders and declare that all her past sins have been forgiven." (Kanz)

Minor sins are implied in this hadith, but this too is no small favor.

Addressing Salamah (radhiallaho anha), the nurse of his son Ibrahim (radhiallaho anho), the Prophet (sallallaho alaihi wasallam) said, "Does it not please any one of you that if she conceives by her husband and he is satisfied with her that she receives the reward of fasting and vigil for Allah's sake. And none of the dwellers of Heaven or Earth know about the coolness of her eyes (a unique repose) she will get for the labor pains she suffered. When she delivers, not mouthful of milk flows from her and not an instance of the child's suck, but that she receives for every suck and mouthful, the reward of a good deed. If she is kept awake by her child during the night she receives the reward of freeing seventy slaves for the sake of Allah."

The Prophet (sallallaho alaihi wasallam) then said: "O Sallamah do you know which women are being referred to? Those who despite piety and enjoying a respectable position obey their husbands and do not belittle them." (Al-Tabarani)

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[peacepro]

Such are the beautiful teachings of Islam,Alhamdulilllah.
As muslims,it is easy to understand the importance of Mothers when the Prophet (pbuh) ,spoke about Paradise lying beneath the feet of our mothers.that is ,in maintaining their happiness and welfare lies our very own eternal bliss.
These teachings instill deep respect and admiration for the most deserving members of our society.
The hand that rocks the cradle,rules the world. Indeed..

[skibatshir]

JazakAllah Great post! It's very nice and userful. Thank you so much for your post.

[mariadin]

Assalamualaikum,

JZK for sharing all the posts n links.

Wassalam.

[niazali]

JazakAllah

Mother is a blessing of allah and we all must give the utmost care and love to our mothers