A Letter to My Mother

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).

Dear Mama,

I remember when I was growing up, I’d have arguments with you, usually it’s because I would always complain and whine about something-- whether it’s because we had the same thing for dinner again, or how you would pick me up a little late from school or how you didn’t allow me to buy the same things my friend had at school. At times, you’d be exasperated and finally say to me, “One day, you’ll understand once you become a mother.”

And you were right.

Looking back at how you and Papa raised me, I am forever thankful that you raised me with love-- tough love. You didn’t give me everything I wanted even though you could but you gave me everything I needed.

You taught me about kindness, sincerity and honesty. You played with me at home, despite how tired you were from work. You provided me with education and gave me all the necessary tools so I could concentrate on my studies and do well in school, despite the financial challenges you may have faced.

You didn’t spoil me rotten, you wanted me to learn how difficult life is.

You wanted me to understand that life never comes easy-- that money doesn’t grow on trees.

You wanted me to experience what hard work means.

You wanted me to be a resilient, strong woman.

And at the same time, you gave me all the love you had. You were there for me when I needed your support but you were also firm with me whenever you needed to.

Thank you for teaching me values. For teaching me the difference between wrong and right.

Thank you for teaching me that the most important thing is doing the right thing, despite the hurdles that we may need to overcome. Thank you for instilling the fear of Allah and always reminding me since we were little, that He sees everything we do and that all our deeds get recorded.

Being a young mother myself, only now do I understand the challenges of raising not just one child but a family. For all these years, you have been the fort that protected us all from harm. I am just taking care of two children and yet I always feel tired. I don’t know how you were able to do it with four children and a full time job.

Sometimes, I feel like throwing in the towel especially when I am physically and emotionally tired.

But I know what I am experiencing today is nothing compared to what you had to go through.

I am sorry for not understanding you when I was younger.

For being so stubborn.

For being so blinded.

Thank you for giving me everything I needed. Thank you for loving and raising me. You made me the person I am today.

Happy mother’s day <3

Love,

Your daughter

#mothersday #omardanhana #mothersday2018 #islamicparenting