Paradise on the earth

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. — Abraham Lincoln

The world around us — its mountains and plains, oceans and skies, flora and fauna — all reflect the magnificent artistry of the Creator. Since childhood, we have heard the guiding words: "Hell for the sinner and Paradise for the winner", reminding us that our actions in this world determine our fate in the hereafter.

The idea of Paradise lost or gained is rooted in obedience or disobedience. According to the Holy Scriptures, Paradise is described as a blissful abode — a realm of true honour and eternal peace. It is adorned with rivers of water, milk and honey, and filled with gardens, fruits, and rewards beyond human imagination. Truly, the vision of Paradise as depicted in religious texts is breathtaking.

When I ponder on the verses of the Qur'an, I sometimes feel that I am already experiencing a taste of Paradise — right here on Earth. I live in a kingdom filled with honour, warmth and unconditional love. That kingdom is my mother's love. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Al Jannah Tahta Aqdam a- ummahat" i.e. "Paradise lies beneath the feet of your mothers." This divine prediction, found in the Hadiths and Sunnah over 1,400 years ago, captures the essence of what it means to be truly loved.

A mother's love knows no boundaries. It rises to the heavens when she conceives, carrying the child for nine months, enduring pain and discomfort with every passing day. The suffering she endures during pregnancy and childbirth is beyond any repayment. How can one ever repay even a single sleepless night of a mother?

From birth to infancy, through sleepless nights and tireless days, a mother nurtures her child with milk, care and unwavering affection. Medical science recommends 6-8 hours of sleep for good health, yet mothers forgo their rest for the sake of their children. Their sacrifices begin at birth and never truly end.

A mother shapes her child not only physically but morally and emotionally. From the early years to adolescence (ages 7 to 14), she plays a crucial role in guiding the child's social, academic and emotional development and helps the child in navigating early adolescence. She stands like a shield against the world's challenges, a lighthouse in the darkest storms.

Throughout history, maternal love has stood tall. From Jochebed, the mother of Moses (AS), who risked everything to save her son, to Maryam, the mother of Jesus (AS), who bore her divine child with grace, to Hajra, the mother of Ismail (AS), who ran between Safa and Marwa in search of water, and so beloved was her act that it became a ritual for all believers to perform it. Mothers across all eras have faced pain to provide peace and comfort to their children, making their arms feel like paradise on the earth.

While there is no single day that can encapsulate a mother's love, the month of May — especially the second Sunday — is dedicated worldwide as Mother's Day, a time to honour and celebrate these incredible women. From flowers to gifts and heartfelt greetings, people express their gratitude and affection in beautiful ways.

Yet, no words can ever fully capture the depth of a mother's love. The world may be divided by wealth and status, but a mother's love is universal — unparalleled, unconditional and divine. To every child, a mother is the world, and in her presence, we find paradise on the earth. Even the poor mother does not let her child know the pangs of hunger caused by poverty. To fulfil the desire of her child, she resorts to any extent.

So, love your mother in every form. Cherish her, salute her dignity, and recognise that in her presence, you are already living in a glimpse of eternal bliss. Isn't it paradise on the earth?