How to Memorize Quran: Tips for
Aug 26, 2025
Napoleon Bonaparte once declared, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” This profound truth resonates deeply within Islamic teachings, where motherhood transcends mere biological function to become a sacred trust that shapes the very fabric of civilization.
Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the great philosopher-poet of the East, captured this essence perfectly:
“Behind every civilized nation stands the strength of a civilized mother.”
These words echo through the corridors of history, reminding us that the character of nations is forged in the gentle hands of mothers who understand their divine responsibility.
The Quran elevates motherhood to extraordinary heights, honoring two remarkable women whose maternal dedication gave birth to prophets who changed the world. Sayyeda Maryam (Mary), mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus), was chosen by Allah above all women of her time:
“O Mary! Surely Allah has selected you, purified you, and chosen you over all women of the world” (Surah Al-Imran: 42).
The mother of Prophet Musa (Moses) demonstrated such profound maternal love that Allah immortalized her story, showing how a mother’s heart beats with divine wisdom even in the most challenging circumstances.
Islam places parents, particularly mothers, in a position of honor second only to Allah Himself. This isn’t merely poetic language, it’s a fundamental principle woven throughout the Quran and Hadith. Consider these divine commandments:
“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good.” (Surah An-Nisa: 36)
“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment.” (Surah Al-Isra: 23)
The renowned Islamic scholar Ibn Kathir explained that these verses demonstrate how Allah has “joined the command to be dutiful to parents with the command to worship Him alone.” This divine pairing isn’t coincidental, it reveals the sacred nature of the parent-child relationship as a reflection of our relationship with our Creator.
The Quran specifically acknowledges the unique sacrifices mothers make:
“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years.” (Surah Luqman: 14)
“His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months.” (Surah Al-Ahqaf: 15)
These verses paint a vivid picture of maternal sacrifice, nine months of pregnancy followed by two years of nursing, totaling thirty months of physical and emotional dedication. As the great scholar Al-Qurtubi noted, “Allah mentions the mother’s role specifically because her burden is greater and her sacrifice more evident.”
One of the most powerful testimonies to a mother’s status comes from this beloved hadith:
Abu Hurairah reported that a man came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) asking, “Who among people is most deserving of my fine treatment?” The Prophet replied, “Your mother.” The man asked, “Who next?” “Your mother,” came the reply. “Who next?” “Your mother.” Only on the fourth inquiry did the Prophet say, “Then your father.” (Sahih Muslim: 2548)
This hadith has been quoted by scholars across centuries. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, the great hadith commentator, explained: “The mother deserves three times the honor of the father because of her greater suffering in pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing.”
The Prophet’s warnings about neglecting parents are equally striking:
“Let him be humbled into dust; let him be humbled into dust.” When asked who he meant, the Prophet said: “He who sees either of his parents during their old age or he sees both of them, but he does not enter Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim: 2551)
The great scholar An-Nawawi commented on this hadith: “This shows that serving one’s parents in their old age is among the greatest acts of worship, and neglecting them is among the gravest sins.”
Throughout history, great minds have recognized the pivotal role of mothers in shaping character. Abraham Lincoln famously said, “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” Winston Churchill declared, “There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues are created, strengthened, and maintained.“
In Islamic history, we find countless examples of mothers who raised extraordinary children. Fatimah bint Asad, who raised both Ali ibn Abi Talib and served as a mother figure to Prophet Muhammad, exemplified this role. The Prophet honored her so deeply that he gave her his own shirt for her burial shroud.
Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, the renowned Islamic scholar, wrote in his masterwork “Tuhfat al-Mawdud”: “The corruption of the child often stems from the parent’s neglect and their failure to teach him the obligations and practices of the religion. They abandon him in childhood, so he benefits neither himself nor his parents in adulthood.”
This observation aligns with modern research. Dr. James Dobson, a respected child psychologist, notes, “The health and vitality of a civilization depends on the strength of its families, and the strength of families depends largely on the dedication of its mothers.”
The first act of parental responsibility begins with choosing a beautiful name. The Prophet said: “The most beloved of names to Allah are Abdullah and Abdur-Rahman.” (Sunan Ibn Majah: 3728)
Islamic scholars emphasize that names carry energy and influence personality development. Ibn al-Qayyim wrote, “Names have a mysterious connection to their bearers, influencing their character and destiny.”
“Mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 233)
Modern science has confirmed what Islam taught 1,400 years ago, breast milk provides optimal nutrition and immunity for infants. Dr. Ruth Lawrence, a leading pediatrician, states, “Breast milk is uniquely suited to the human infant’s nutritional needs and is a live substance with unparalleled immunological and anti-inflammatory properties.”
The Prophet emphasized the crucial role of parents in religious development: “Every child is born with a true faith of Islam, and his parents convert him to Judaism or Christianity or Magianism.” (Sahih Bukhari: 1385)
This hadith underscores that children are born with an innate inclination toward monotheism (fitrah). The mother’s role is to nurture this natural tendency rather than corrupt it.
“There is no gift that a father gives his son more virtuous than good manners.”
(Mustadrak al-Hakim: 7679)
Character formation begins in infancy. The great educator Maria Montessori observed, “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” Islamic mothers carry the responsibility of transforming this hope into reality through consistent moral guidance.
The Prophet warned against the subtle ways children can dishonor parents: “A man abuses his parents by abusing the father of another man, who in turn abuses his father.” (Sahih Muslim: 90)
This profound insight teaches that even indirect disrespect toward parents is forbidden. Children must learn that honoring parents extends beyond their own family to respecting all elders in society.
The Prophet demonstrated balanced discipline: “Command your children to pray when they become seven years old, and beat them for it when they become ten years old.” (Sunan Abi Dawud: 495)
Modern child psychologists like Dr. Diana Baumrind have validated this approach, showing that “authoritative parenting“, combining high expectations with high responsiveness, produces the most successful children.
“Three supplications are answered without doubt: the supplication of the oppressed, the supplication of the traveler, and the supplication of the parent for his child.” (Sunan Tirmidhi: 1905)
This hadith reveals the extraordinary spiritual power mothers possess. Their prayers become a shield of protection and a source of blessings for their children throughout life.
“Modesty is part of belief. Belief is in Paradise. Foul language is part of coarseness, and coarseness is in the Fire.” (Sunan Tirmidhi: 2009)
In an age of increasing moral confusion, mothers serve as guardians of dignity and propriety. They teach children that true strength lies in self-respect and respect for others.
Islam teaches absolute respect for parents while maintaining allegiance to Allah as supreme. The Quran provides clear guidance:
“But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in this world with appropriate kindness.” (Surah Luqman: 15)
The story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) exemplifies this balance. Despite his father’s polytheism, Ibrahim addressed him with utmost respect: “O my father,” demonstrating that courtesy and kindness toward parents never cease, even in religious disagreement.
History’s greatest leaders often credit their mothers for their success. The mother of Imam Abu Hanifa, founder of one of Islam’s major schools of jurisprudence, was known for her piety and dedication to his religious education. She would often say, “I raised Abu Hanifa to be a scholar before he could even speak properly.“
Modern research supports these ancient wisdoms. Harvard sociologist Dr. Robert Sampson found that “neighborhood effects on children’s outcomes are largely mediated through family processes, with mothers playing the central role in transmitting values and expectations.“
Transform your home into a sanctuary of faith:
Contemporary mothers face unique challenges. Dr. Ingrid Mattson, former president of the Islamic Society of North America, advises: “Islamic mothers today must be bridges between tradition and modernity, helping children navigate contemporary challenges while remaining rooted in timeless values.“
With technology dominating children’s lives, mothers must become digital mentors. Set boundaries, monitor content, and create tech-free family times for meaningful connection and spiritual growth.
The Prophet promised: “The Lord’s pleasure is in the parent’s pleasure, and the Lord’s anger is in the parent’s anger.” (Sunan Tirmidhi: 1899)
When mothers fulfill their duties with love and wisdom, they become conduits of divine blessing for their families.
Islamic scholars unanimously agree that faithful mothers receive ongoing rewards for their children’s good deeds throughout their lives. Every prayer their children offer, every act of charity, every moment of remembering Allah becomes a source of continuous reward for the mother who planted these seeds of righteousness.
As we reflect on the sacred role of Islamic motherhood, we’re reminded that mothers are not merely caregivers, they are civilization-builders, character-shapers, and spiritual architects. Every lullaby carries the potential for future prayers, every bedtime story plants seeds of moral strength, and every act of maternal love reflects the mercy of Allah Himself.
The great scholar Al-Ghazali wrote: “The mother is the first school of the child, and if she is righteous, the child will be righteous.” In our modern world, this truth remains as relevant as ever.
To every mother reading this: recognize the extraordinary nature of your calling. You hold in your hands not just a child, but the future of our ummah. Your patience in the middle of sleepless nights, your wisdom in moments of guidance, your prayers whispered in quiet moments, all of these are acts of worship that reverberate through eternity.
And to the community: honor your mothers, support them in their sacred mission, and never underestimate the power of a righteous woman raising righteous children. As the African proverb wisely states, “It takes a village to raise a child,” but it takes a mother to raise a village.
May Allah grant all mothers the strength, wisdom, and patience to fulfill this most noble of roles, and may our children rise to become the light that illuminates the world with Islamic values and universal human dignity. Ameen.
For mothers seeking to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their practice, these resources provide ongoing support and guidance. Remember, investing in your own Islamic education is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children.
“The best of people are those who learn and teach.“ – Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Visit specialized Islamic bookstores and educational websites to continue building your library of Islamic parenting resources. Your commitment to learning today shapes the leaders of tomorrow.
