Whether celebrating Mother's Day is haram (forbidden) in Islam is a debated topic, with no single, definitive answer agreed upon by all scholars. The answer is nuanced and depends on the specific interpretation and practice.
Here's a breakdown of the arguments:
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Arguments Against Mother's Day (Considered Bid'ah):
- Innovation (Bid'ah): Some scholars argue that Mother's Day is a bid'ah (innovation in religious matters) because it was not practiced during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or by his companions. They believe that introducing new religious practices is generally discouraged in Islam.
- Singling Out One Day: Critics also point out that Islam emphasizes honoring and respecting parents, especially mothers, every day of the year, not just on a specific day. They see dedicating a single day as potentially diminishing the constant respect and care that should be given. The reference point that this behavior is discouraged and muslims should cherish their mothers everyday of the year.
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Arguments For Mother's Day (Permissible with Conditions):
- Intention and Context: Other scholars argue that if Mother's Day is celebrated with the right intention—to show appreciation and kindness to one's mother—and does not involve practices that contradict Islamic teachings, it can be permissible.
- Cultural Expression: They may view it as a cultural expression of love and gratitude, similar to other secular holidays, as long as it doesn't conflict with Islamic principles.
- No Religious Significance: This view considers that as long as the day is treated as a secular celebration and does not involve religious rituals or beliefs, it is acceptable.
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Islamic Emphasis on Honoring Mothers:
- Regardless of whether one celebrates Mother's Day, Islam places immense importance on honoring and respecting mothers.
- The Quran and Hadith contain numerous verses and sayings emphasizing the high status of mothers and the importance of treating them with kindness, love, and obedience.
- Islam elevates the status of mothers to the highest position. The honor Islam has given to mothers is beyond that found in any other religion, ideology, or culture.
- We must cherish our mothers and treat them with kindness everyday and not single out just one day a year to do so. Make them feel special everyday.
Conclusion:
Whether celebrating Mother's Day is permissible in Islam is a matter of differing scholarly opinions. Some view it as an innovation (bid'ah) and discourage it, while others consider it permissible if done with good intentions and without contradicting Islamic principles. The undisputed aspect is the high status and continuous respect that Islam mandates for mothers, to be shown every day.
