In Islamic teachings, the role of mothers is held in high esteem, demonstrated by the numerous references to mothers in the Qur’an.
Surah Maryam verse 32 and Surah Luqman verse 14 both emphasise the significance of honouring one’s mother.
However, the terminology used to describe mothers in these verses differs, providing insights into the diverse meanings of motherhood in Islam.
Surah Maryam, verse 32:
وَبَرًّۢا بِوَٰلِدَتِى وَلَمْ يَجْعَلْنِى جَبَّارًۭا شَقِيًّۭا
“And [made me] dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant.”
Surah Luqman, verse 14:
وَوَصَّيْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ بِوَٰلِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُۥ وَهْنًا عَلَىٰ وَهْنٍۢ
“And We have commanded people to ˹honour˺ their parents. Their mothers bore them through hardship upon hardship.”
The verses employ distinct terms for “mother”: Surah Maryam uses والِدَة (waalidah), while Surah Luqman employs أُمّ (Umm).
These words carry unique connotations and implications.
The term أُمّ (Umm) signifies the source, origin, or foundation of something and can apply to any entity from which subsequent things or beings originate. It is not limited to the one who gives birth but can also refer to the one who birthed her, such as the grandmother. For instance, Allah refers to certain verses of the Qur’an as أُمّ الكتاب (Umm al-Kitaab) in Surah Al-Imran, Makkah as أُمّ القُرى (Umm Al-Quraa) in Surah Al-An’aam, and the Prophet’s wives as وَأَزْواجُهُ أُمَّهاتُهُم in Surah Al-Ahzab.
Conversely, الوالِدَة (al-Waalidah) specifically pertains to the one who gives birth. This term is utilised in contexts where acknowledging that the child is born of the mother is vital, emphasising the strongest degree of kinship. Consequently, unique laws and obligations accompany this word, such as righteousness, obedience, and breastfeeding.
When examining the context of the verse in Surah Maryam, it was uttered by Prophet ‘Isa (pbuh ) in relation to his mother Maryam (pbuh), who indeed gave birth to him. This verse is mentioned in conjunction with the precept of being dutiful to his mother. In contrast, the verse in Surah Luqman pertains to the general concept of motherhood.
And Allah knows best.