I said: Apostle of Allah! to whom should I show kindness?
He replied: Your mother, next your mother, next your mother,
and then comes your father, and then your relatives in order of relationship. - Sunnan Abu Dawud Book 41, Number 5120
Often we hear the word Umi, an affectionate term one uses when referring their mother but how often do we actually take the time to reflect upon whom she really is? The wearer of many hats, she easily slides between roles as needed, seamlessly weaving the threads of the family into an intricate communal cloth of social and familiar stability, providing warmth and comfort for all.
As the foundation of home life she is most often the cornerstone of keeping the household functioning on its day to day basis. A personal chef, a tailor, launderer and maid Umi is the one who does all of those things we take for granted.
The proverbial nurturer Umi acts as a doctor, nurse and counselor mending and fixing our needs at the times we need her most. From the comforting hug, or tender caress she eases our pain and always makes us feel better.
Peacekeeper, gardener, personal shopper her titles go on and on, but in the end there is only one title that encompasses all – Umi. So respect her, love her, and cherish her, because she offers so much in return for so little.
