ST F 13 5/11/26

Dear Mom,
I wanted to sit down and write this because sometimes it’s easier to get my thoughts out on paper than it is to say them out loud between school, sports, and everything else. We talk about Mother’s Day once a year, but lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what being a mother actually means in Islam, and it’s made me realize that I don’t say “thank you” nearly enough for everything you do.

In school, we learn about history and science, but at home, I’ve learned about heart and soul from you. There’s a famous Hadith that I’ve known since I was little: “Heaven lies under the feet of mothers.” When I was younger, I thought that was just a beautiful saying, but as I get older and see how hard you work, I’m starting to understand the weight of it. It means that my path to being a good person and earning God’s love is tied directly to how I treat you. It’s a huge responsibility, and I know I don’t always get it right.

I think about the story of the man who asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who deserved his best companionship. The Prophet said “your mother” three times before he ever mentioned the father. That’s a 75% share of honor just for you! It’s because of the “weakness upon weakness” the Quran mentions—the fact that you carried me, stayed up with me when I was sick, and still manage to know exactly what’s wrong just by looking at my face.

I’ll be honest, being in 8th grade is a bit of a rollercoaster. Sometimes when you ask me to do chores or tell me I can’t go out, I feel that “uff” feeling—that tiny sigh of frustration. But then I remember that the Quran specifically tells us not to even say that small word to our parents. It’s a reminder that even when we disagree, I owe you a “gracious word.”

You are my first teacher. Long before I had a favorite subject in school, you taught me how to share, how to be kind to people, and how to pray. You’re the “Madrasah” of our home. Every time I see you stop what you’re doing to help a neighbor or when I hear you making Dua for our family, I’m learning what it actually looks like to be a person of faith.

I know a store-bought card or a gift doesn’t really cover the years of sleepless nights you spent on me. In Islam, the best gift a child can give their mother is being a “righteous child” who prays for them. So, my real gift to you isn’t just for today; it’s a promise to try harder.

I want to be more patient when you’re giving me advice.

I want to help out more around the house without you having to ask three times.

Most importantly, I want to keep you in my prayers every single day, asking Allah to “have mercy on them as they brought me up when I was small.”

It’s amazing to think that the bond we have isn’t just for this life. Our religion teaches us that the love and respect I show you now actually follows us. You’ve invested so much of your life into making sure I grow up well, and I want to be the kind of person who makes you proud—not just in front of people, but in the eyes of God.
Thank you for being my rock, my first home, and my biggest supporter.

You do so much that goes unnoticed, from the meals you cook to the way you keep our whole lives running smoothly. I might be growing up and wanting more independence, but I’ll never outgrow the need for your Dua and your hugs.

I love you more than words (or an 1100-word essay) could ever really show.
With love and gratitude,
-Your Child, ST
“My Lord, grant me the power to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents…” (Quran 27:19)