My Mother, My First teacher

From holding my hands to teach me how to walk,

To teaching my heart - the path on which to walk,

My mother was my first teacher, My constant radiant cheer - A silent light - A silent guide.

She wakes before the morning sun,

Her countless duties just begins,

From waking us up for the fajr Salah,

To leading us towards Sirat al Falah (way of Success),

Before I learned to read a page,

She taught me faith from a tender age,

Not always through words and great displays,

But through the way she lives each day.

My mother - the architect of my character.

It is often said that kids learn less from words and far more from what they see & what they hear. In the age of innocence where the understandings are still limited, a small world of ours and a small exposure, the righteousness of our mother were deep rooted and left great impressions that lasts longer. 

“And if mothers love something their children become the heirs of that love”

Seeing my mother never miss a single prayer, listening to the soothing recitation of the Qur'an as she put us to sleep, and witnessing her unwavering passion to both learn and teach instilled in me a deep love for faith and knowledge. When she values knowledge we value it too, She taught me that seeking knowledge is a life long journey and it's purpose is fulfilled when it is shared with others. Her actions became a constant source of inspiration, motivating me to pursue excellence while remaining firmly rooted in the values of Islam.

Perhaps, she is my comfort zone, never quick to judge, never quick to criticize instead gently moulded and shaped through wisdom and compassion. Rather than correcting with harsh words, she taught through quiet guidance.

"As the twig is bent, so grows the tree"

It's true that when we were kids, she used to scold us and correct us when we go off-course, but every time she does that, the next moment is filled with love as she is the very person we run back to - for the comfort. As a kid those moments might have been bitter but realising that they were acts of sincere love and care. Her gentle yet firm discipline instilled in us a sense of responsibility, accountability, and self-control. It was through these corrections we learnt the difference between right and wrong, learnt to accept our mistakes and to become humble and sound.

Certainly she is my first Madrasa!

The silent selfless sacrifices of my mother, the silent hard work of hers for us, her patience, love and compassion that filled us with comfort and guidance, her gestures of encouragement, small gifts of motivation are in fact a catalyst for our growth and positive change.

One of the great lesson my mother taught was justice wrapped in love. She never measured one child with the other nor compared one strength with the other - which always made us comfortable!

The world teaches many things but our mothers teaches what matters the most.

Strength with humility

Leadership with mercy

Confidence with taqwa.

Respect for others.

The value our mothers nurture today becomes the character we carry tomorrow.

We observed the beauty of humility through the way she behaves, with lowering the voice and humbling the tone in presence of elders and youngers. Reacting and responding with dignity and respect even when things are unfair. Her manners spoke louder than words.

 Every guest who entered our home was welcomed with warmth and served with sincere care. She showed me that hospitality is an act of generosity and a reflection of one's character.

Her hijab was more than a garment—it was a symbol of her haya (modesty), reminding me that true dignity comes from honouring Allah, even in a world where modesty is often misunderstood or mocked.

Household chores aren't just chores - they're life skills - my mother insists, teaching me life lessons to be done with responsibility and Ihsan (excellence).

For a mother not just raise a child but she nurture generations. She not just leaves memories behind - she leaves behind values, faith & lessons. She is like a lamp lit for the sake of Allah - through her flames she lightens not just the family but the light passes to the next generation and in every righteous act of her children lives a part of her legacy, a reward that continues - a sadaqa that goes on.

 If I possess any goodness today, it is because I was first taught by a mother who educated not only my mind but also my heart through the silent eloquence of her example.

As prophet (SAW) emphasized the status of mother when, upon being asked who deserves the best companionship he replied “your Mother” thrice then “your Father”. This highlights the immense sacrifices and unmatched care of a mother, while also affirming the noble and indispensable role of the father. My Father! By standing beside my mother, supporting her at every step, and sharing the responsibility of nurturing our family, he played an invaluable role in shaping the person I am today.

Indeed, they are the greatest blessings of my life for my Jannah is beneath my mother's feet and My father is the middle of the gates of Paradise and my lord's pleasure is in their pleasure for me.

Now it is for me to uphold the values and qualities that my parents have instilled in me and ask Allah to show mercy on them as they showed mercy on me!

رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

Author: Aamina Sabah, Unit President, GIO Royepettah.

Date: 07 August 2026

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