Reflecting on the unparalleled love, sacrifices and wisdom of mothers

You and I will meet again
When we’re least expecting it
Somewhere in some far-off place
I will recognize your face
I won’t say goodbye, my mom
For you and I will meet again

Most of our precious memories are nothing but a fleeting glimpse into a world long gone—whispers carried away by the wind or footprints washed away by the tide, leaving behind only an echo, a faint trace of what once was. But, even in their transience, these memories hold immense power and can transport us back in time and make us feel alive once more.
Reflecting on the memories, I am reminded of her unwavering love and the impact she had on my life. I am talking about my mother-in-law, “Rahat-ul-Nissa,” who left this transient abode on 9th April 2020 at her residential home in Malikpora Pulwama. In her infancy, at just 5 years old, she lost her parents and three elder sisters. After losing her family, she was taken care of by her maternal uncles, and at the age of 13, she got married. But adversity followed her there too after marriage. At a very young age, she lost her husband, leaving the responsibility of the home on her shoulders.
In these times of great responsibility and stress, she bore the burden willingly, forgoing her own comforts, and devoted herself to nurturing, guiding, and supporting her children to provide them with good food, clothing, and education. Despite being an unschooled woman, her influence went beyond mere caregiving; she instilled good manners, and values, fostered growth, and prepared her children to face the world. I deeply respect and hold my mother-in-law in the highest regard, not merely due to her motherhood, but for her unparalleled devotion and incredible sacrifices that enabled all three of her sons to secure positions in different government sectors.
As I reminisce about the moments shared with her, a flood of emotions overwhelms me, and her words of wisdom still echo in my mind, urging me to persevere and embrace life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
I remember the first time when we met, and she wrapped her arms around me, saying, “I know I’m not your real mom, but if you ever need one, I’ll be one for you, and I hope you will always keep my daughter happy and ignore her small mistakes if any.” I almost burst into tears but somehow kept it together. She was an inspiring soul, the most loving, humble, compassionate, understanding, hardworking, fiercely independent, brave-hearted woman, and one of the most beautiful souls one could ever meet.
Her home was open to everyone, and she always helped needy people with her kind words, financial assistance, and wise advice, making them feel important. I wish she could just come over and play with my children to make them super flowers.
“Although you have left this heavenly abode, you have a special place in my heart and prayers, and your love and braveness still give me strength in tough times. One day, I hope to be as wise as you were and raise my children as wonderfully as you did yours. I also thank you for handing me your daughter as my soul mate, a beautiful, adorable, caring, kind, compassionate, magnanimous, and strong woman I will ever meet in this world, and that is to your credit.”
The content in my article is not only a tribute to my mother-in-law but to all those mothers whose endless and incredible sacrifices are unforgettable and remarkable. Even my own mother, an unschooled homemaker, sold her jewellery to meet my education expenses and raise me to my present position.
The Holy Quran and the sayings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) about the status of mothers in Islam serve as a testament to the universal importance of mothers throughout history.
The Prophet Muhammad (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Your Heaven lies under the feet of your mother.” (Ahmad, Nasai).
A man came to the Prophet and said, ‘O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship? The Prophet said: Your mother. The man said, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man further asked, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man asked again, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your father. (Bukhari, Muslim).
Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that to be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age (while) with you, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: ‘My Lord! bestow on them Thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood. Quran (17:23–24)
Motherhood can be described as a continuous act of sacrifice, and this essence of selflessness embodied in motherhood is a natural and remarkable quality found within mothers, offering guidance throughout their journey. A mother plays an important role in nation-building by making her children better citizens with the fragrance of good manners.
Every year, Mother’s Day is celebrated in many countries worldwide to express love, gratitude, and appreciation towards mothers for their unconditional love, support, and sacrifices. But, in its truest sense, it is a significant holiday that honours mothers and motherhood, celebrates the importance of maternal bonds, and calls attention to issues affecting mothers and families.
You may have gone through many inspirational stories of mothers who changed the world and shaped history. Thomas Alva Edison’s mother’s letter is one among them. One day, Thomas Edison came home and gave a letter to his mother. He told her, “My teacher gave this letter to me and told me to only give it to you.” His mother’s eyes were tearful as she read the letter out loud to her son: Your son is a genius. This school is too small for him and doesn’t have enough good teachers to educate and train him. Please teach him yourself. After many, many years, after Edison’s mother died and he was now one of the greatest inventors of the century, one day he was looking through old family things. Suddenly he saw a folded paper in the corner of a drawer in a desk. He took it and opened it up. On the paper was written: Your son is addled (mentally ill). We won’t let him come to school any more. Edison cried for hours and then he wrote in his diary: “Thomas Alva Edison was an addled child that, by a hero mother, became the genius of the century.”
In conclusion, mother is not simply a word but a whole universe in itself, and there is no better word than mother. A mother’s selfless, unconditional, and eternal love is a sacred and blessed bond that shapes lives and moulds destinies, as well said by Moulana Rumi: “How can I not love my mother — when she carried me first in her body, then in her arms, and then for a lifetime in her heart.”
Through sacrifices, she acts as a trusted advisor ensuring her child’s welfare and success in every aspect of life. We must hold and give our mothers the highest regard, acknowledging their unparalleled motherhood and the extraordinary sacrifices they make for us. Let us cherish, value, and respect our mothers every day, as their love is truly unparalleled and irreplaceable.
The writer is a lecturer in Chemistry at the J&K School Education Department. He can be reached at [email protected]

Dr Nisar Farhad