Women are the foundation of nations. When we delve into the pages of history, we find that behind every influential figure stands a great woman. The mother is the first teacher, the nurturer, and the role model. No matter how times change, a mother’s impact remains eternal and enduring. In fact, societies that recognize and seek to strengthen this role thrive and flourish.
Neglecting Mothers Impact on Their Children
The mother plays a pivotal role in shaping a child's mental and psychological health. In the United States, data from the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) indicate that children who experience maltreatment are at a significantly higher risk of developing substance use disorders later in life. The study found that individuals who suffered childhood maltreatment had a 30% higher likelihood of developing alcohol use disorders, while those subjected to childhood sexual abuse had a 40% increased risk of alcohol dependence. Additionally, children who experience neglect or abuse are four times more likely to develop severe mental illnesses, including psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
Each year, the U.S. Child Protective Services receives approximately 3.6 million reports of child abuse, with neglect cases accounting for 75% of these reports. On a global scale, six in ten children under the age of five regularly suffer from physical punishment or psychological violence at the hands of their parents or caregivers.
This alarming data underscores the critical role of parents, especially mothers, in providing a nurturing and protective environment for their children.
But if a mother is alone, can she truly fulfill this responsibility? Can she single-handedly raise men who can lead the nation?
Book Review: “The Contemporary Muslim Woman: Commitment and Dawah” By Haidar Quffa
Great Women in Islamic History
The Mother of Al-Zubair ibn Al-Awwam
The esteemed companion Safiyyah bint Abdul Muttalib رضي الله عنها set a remarkable example in nurturing and education. She raised her son, Al-Zubair ibn Al-Awwam, courage and valor, instilling in him the spirit of chivalry and bravery. Unlike other children, he did not waste time in idle play but instead practiced sharpening arrows and repairing bows.
She actively pushed him to face dangers without hesitation or fear so that weakness would never find a place in his heart. As a result, Al-Zubair grew into a courageous knight, becoming the first to draw his sword in defense of Islam. He earned the title of the “Hawari (disciple) of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ” and became one of the great companions known for their bravery in battle. His mother’s upbringing molded him into a man who never feared hardships and faced adversity with unwavering strength until he died a hero in the path of Allah.
The Mother of Imam Al-Awza‘i
Imam Al-Awza‘i grew up as a poor orphan under the care of his mother, who spared no effort in raising and educating him. She traveled with him from one place to another, seeking knowledge from scholars and guiding him to study Islamic sciences and ethics.
Through her unwavering dedication, he became a devout scholar who feared Allah deeply. He attained a status unmatched by many princes and rulers, emerging as a symbol of knowledge and piety in his time.
His mother’s upbringing was instrumental in shaping his character. He was known for his wisdom, and his words were always worth recording. Al-Dhahabi mentioned in Siyar A‘lam al-Nubala’ that Al-‘Abbas ibn Al-Walid once said: “Kings have failed to discipline themselves and their children as Al-Awza‘i did with himself.” Thus, the great upbringing of his mother bore fruit in the form of a scholar whose influence remained immortal in both this world and the Hereafter.
The Mother of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, who preserved Islam and stood firm against the ordeal of the Khalq al-Qur’an (Quranic createdness), did not waver in his faith despite severe persecution. This steadfastness was a result of the extraordinary upbringing provided by his mother, Safiyyah bint Maymunah.
He was raised as an orphan after his father passed away when he was only three years old. His mother took on the responsibility of raising him, ensuring he memorized the Quran at a young age. She never discouraged him from seeking knowledge despite their extreme poverty. Instead, she worked in weaving to support him in attending scholarly circles. She continuously encouraged and motivated him. Imam Ahmad himself said: “She used to wake me up before Fajr prayer, heat water for me, and then accompany me to the mosque, fearing for my safety.”
She would wait for him until he finished his studies before bringing him back home. When he turned sixteen, despite her deep concern for his well-being, she encouraged him to travel to seek hadith’s knowledge, saying: “Traveling for the pursuit of hadith is migration to Allah, the One and Only.” She reassured him: “My son, if something is entrusted to Allah, it is never lost. I entrust you to Allah, who never loses His trust.”
The Mother of Imam Sufyan Al-Thawri
Although the name of Imam Sufyan Al-Thawri’s mother remains unknown, her legacy is profound. She was a devout woman of immense ambition who recognized her son's potential early on. After her husband’s passing, she took it upon herself to finance his education entirely through her own labor. She told him a timeless statement: “My son, seek knowledge, and I will provide for you through my spinning.”
True to her words, she continued working as a spinner, selling her handmade goods to fund his education. This allowed him to dedicate himself fully to acquiring knowledge, and he eventually became one of the most renowned scholars of his era. Al-Muthanna ibn Al-Sabbah once said: “Sufyan is the scholar and worshiper of this nation.”
His mother also advised him with these profound words: “My son, if you write ten words, examine yourself—has your fear of Allah, your patience, and your dignity increased? If not, know that knowledge is harming you rather than benefiting you.”
Through this guidance, she instilled sincerity in his pursuit of knowledge, ensuring that he not only learned but also practiced what he learned. Her unwavering efforts bore fruit in the form of a scholar whose wisdom filled the world.
The Mother of Imam Malik ibn Anas
Imam Malik ibn Anas, the scholar of Medina and the founder of the Maliki school of thought, was raised by his mother, Al-‘Aliyah bint Sharik Al-Azdiyyah, a righteous and wise woman. She instilled in him the love of the Hereafter over worldly matters.
As a child, Malik leaned towards music and singing, but his mother wisely redirected him, saying: “My son, if a singer is ugly, no one will pay attention to his song. Leave singing and seek Fiqh instead.”
He followed her advice and began attending scholarly gatherings. She prepared him for this path of knowledge by dressing him in the attire of scholars and encouraging him to sit in the circles of great teachers.
She also emphasized manners before knowledge, instructing him: “My son, go to the assembly of Rabi‘ah (a great scholar) and learn from his demeanor and etiquette before you learn from his knowledge of Hadith and Fiqh.”
This profound upbringing had a lasting impact on Malik’s character. He became a revered scholar, known for his humility and respect for knowledge, all of which were the fruits of his mother’s dedication and wisdom.
History is filled with countless examples of such extraordinary women, who recognized the crucial role of motherhood and its impact on the rise of nations. Women like Al-Khansa’, the mother of Imam Al-Bukhari, the mother of Imam Al-Shafi‘i, and the mother of Al-Hafiz Ibn Asakir all sacrificed and strived with every ounce of strength to raise great men who changed the course of history, leaving behind a legacy inscribed in gold.
I’m Not Obligated to Anything!
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- Mahasin al-Islam Encyclopedia
- Islamway
- Alukah.net
- Islamweb
- The Role of Women in Raising Nations – Sheikh Samir Mustafa
- Nabulsi Encyclopedia
- Siyar A‘lam al-Nubala’
