MAY 12 — In every stage of our lives, there is one figure whose love often goes unnoticed because it is given so naturally and unconditionally: a mother. From the moment a child is born, a mother begins a lifelong journey of sacrifice, placing the happiness, safety, and future of her children above her own needs and dreams. A mother is not only the heart of the family but also the soul of a place called home.

As mothers ourselves, we have come to understand more deeply the meaning of sacrifice, patience, and unconditional love. The responsibilities of raising children are not merely physical, but also emotional and spiritual. A mother carries worries that are often unseen by others, yet she continues to remain strong for the sake of her family. Through our own journeys as mothers, we now better appreciate the countless sacrifices made by our late mothers, whose love and guidance shaped the people we are today. The older we become, the more we realise how much our mothers gave without ever asking for anything in return.

We miss our mothers dearly, especially in moments when we wish we could once again hear their advice, feel their comforting presence, or simply sit beside them. A mother’s absence leaves a space in the heart that can never truly be replaced. Even when a house remains standing, it no longer feels the same without the warmth of a mother’s presence within it.

A mother’s sacrifice is not always seen in grand gestures. Sometimes, it is hidden in the sleepless nights she endures when her child is ill, the worries she silently carries, or the countless prayers she whispers for her children’s success and protection. Many mothers work tirelessly, balancing careers, household responsibilities, and emotional support, often without expecting recognition or appreciation. As a child, we always look forward to coming home.

The Malay community has long recognised the noble role of mothers through the proverb, “Syurga di bawah telapak kaki ibu”; heaven lies beneath the feet of mothers. This beautiful saying reflects the immense respect and honour accorded to mothers in both culture and faith. It reminds children that serving and respecting one’s mother is among the highest virtues in life.

This teaching is further strengthened in Islam through the well-known hadith of Prophet Muhammad. When a man asked the Prophet who deserved his best companionship, the Prophet replied, “Your mother.” The man asked again, “Then who?” The Prophet replied, “Your mother.” He asked a third time, and again the Prophet answered, “Your mother.” Only on the fourth time did the Prophet say, “Then your father.” This hadith beautifully illustrates the elevated status of mothers because of their sacrifices, patience, and endless devotion towards their children.

In today’s fast-paced world, children sometimes become too occupied with studies, careers, and technology that they forget the people who stood beside them from the very beginning. Yet behind every successful child, there is usually a mother who once sacrificed her comfort, time, and personal ambitions to ensure her children had opportunities she herself may never have had.

Respecting our mothers should not only happen during celebrations such as Mother’s Day. Respect must be shown daily through simple actions: speaking politely, listening attentively, helping them when they are tired, spending time with them, and appreciating their efforts while they are still with us. As children grow older, the roles often reverse; parents who once cared for us begin to rely on us emotionally and physically. This is the moment when gratitude must be transformed into responsibility.

In many cultures, mothers are regarded as the heart of the family. They teach values, shape character, and become the first educators in a child’s life. Their sacrifices help build not only strong families but also compassionate societies. A society that honours mothers is a society that values humanity, kindness, and respect.

Unfortunately, some children only realise the depth of a mother’s love after they have lost her. Regret then becomes a painful reminder of words left unsaid and appreciation never expressed. Therefore, while there is still time, children should cherish every moment with their mothers and never take their sacrifices for granted.

A mother may not ask for wealth or expensive gifts in return for her sacrifices. Often, all she hopes for is love, respect, and the reassurance that her efforts were meaningful. The greatest gift a child can give is not material wealth, but sincere gratitude and care.

As we reflect on our own journeys in life, let us remember that many of the paths we walk today were first paved by the sacrifices of our mothers. Their love is one of life’s greatest blessings; quiet, enduring, and immeasurable. May we continue to honour them, pray for them, and treasure them while we still can.

While Mother’s Day is a meaningful occasion to honour and appreciate mothers, our love and respect for them should never be limited to only one day in a year. A mother’s sacrifices happen every single day: quietly, sincerely, and endlessly. Therefore, the celebration of mothers should also be reflected daily through our actions, words, care, and prayers for them. Sometimes, a simple phone call, a warm embrace, kind words, or spending time together mean far more than expensive gifts. True appreciation is shown not through annual celebrations alone, but through continuous love and respect throughout their lives.

May we never wait until our mothers are gone to realise their true value in our lives. Celebrate them not only on Mother’s Day, but every day, for their love is the foundation upon which our lives are built and the true meaning of a place called home.

Since our beloved mothers have already returned to their Creator, we can now only continue to honour them through prayers, remembrance, and the good deeds we carry forward in their names. We pray that Allah SWT forgives all their shortcomings, showers them with His endless mercy, and grants them the highest place in Jannah. Though they are no longer physically beside us, their love, sacrifices, and teachings remain alive in our hearts forever. May Allah SWT grant all mothers, especially those who have departed from this world, eternal peace and the rewards of Jannah for every sacrifice they made in raising their children with love, patience, and sincerity.

* Associate Professor Sr Dr Zuraini Md Ali is from the Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya, and can be reached at zuraini_mdali@um.edu.my, while Assistant Professor Datin Dr Nor Hayati Hussain is from the School of Architecture, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), and can be reached at nhayati@tarc.edu.my.

** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.