• In Western societies, the elderly spend their final years in care homes, whereas Islam emphasises honouring and caring for one’s mother.
• Two Muslim sons went to court to care for their mother, exemplifying Islam’s teaching that serving your mother leads to Paradise.
Western, liberal individualistic societies often struggle to uphold the dignity of their elderly, who are tragically placed in care homes and spend their final years away from their children and grandchildren.
In 2023, 1.3 million seniors aged 65 and above were residing in care homes in America. The largest group were 85 and above, who make a disproportionately large share.
In Islam, the importance of honoring one’s parents is emphasised, with a special regard for the mother. Consequently, caring for and showing her utmost respect carries immense reward.
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) emphasised this when he said:
“Paradise lies beneath the feet of your mother.”
Reported by al-Nasā’
Muslims take care of their aging parents far more diligently than is typical in western societies. But we are not without fault. In recent times, Shaytan often sows discord, stirring greed over financial gain and rivalry within families. Family courts have seen disputes over land and inheritance among siblings.
That is what makes the story of the Al-Ghamdi family in Saudia Arabia so remarkable. It is a rare example of love for a mother triumphing over all worldly desires. Moreover, it has illuminated the profound Islamic ethos of filial piety and has served as a reminder of the sacred duty Islam places upon honoring one’s parents.
The elder son Hizam of the Ghamdi family and his younger brother both attended the courtroom in order to gain full responsibility for caring for their elderly mother.
Hizam, who had long served his mother, attending to her needs, passionately expressed before the judge that his mother was “his very life,” insisting on continuing what he regarded as a sacred trust. His younger brother, however, equally devoted, argued that Hizam had grown older and deserved rest, while he, with greater strength, was better suited to handle the demanding physical care required.
The emotional scene reflected vividly the Qur’ānic command:
“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you show excellence to your parents… and do not say to them even ‘uff’, but speak to them with noble speech.” — Sūrat al-Isrā’ (17:23–24)
In another ḥadīth, a man sought permission for to enter the battlefield, to which the Prophet (s.a.w) responded:
“Is your mother alive?”
The man replied yes.
The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said:
“Then remain with her, for Paradise is at her feet.”
— Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān
These teachings were manifest before the judge that day, as both sons, through tears, competed not for inheritance or gain from the transient world but for the honour of looking after their mother in her final years.
Unable to decide, the judge turned to the mother herself. Her response was profoundly moving: she declared she could not choose, for both sons were “like her left and right eyes,” capturing a her profound love for both sons.
Since the mother could not choose, the judge ruled based on practical considerations, granting the caregiving responsibility to the younger son due to his physical strength. The verdict was reasonable but Hizam immediately wept. His tears were not of resentment or defeat; they were the tears of a man who felt he had lost a priceless spiritual opportunity to serve the woman who carried him in her womb, raised him, nurtured him and prayed for him.
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said:
“May he be humiliated, may he be humiliated, may he be humiliated—the one who finds his parents in their old age, one or both of them, and does not enter Paradise (through serving them).”
— Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim
The Al-Ghamdi case is more than a legal anecdote, it is a profound reminder of Islam’s timeless moral vision. In a world often preoccupied with self-interest, this story shines as a testament to love, dedication to Allah’s laws and the importance of our mothers.
