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حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَاصِمٍ، عَنْ بَهْزِ بْنِ حَكِيمٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ جَدِّهِ، قُلْتُ‏:‏ يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ، مَنْ أَبَرُّ‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ أُمَّكَ، قُلْتُ‏:‏ مَنْ أَبَرُّ‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ أُمَّكَ، قُلْتُ‏:‏ مَنْ أَبَرُّ‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ أُمَّكَ، قُلْتُ‏:‏ مَنْ أَبَرُّ‏؟‏ قَالَ‏:‏ أَبَاكَ، ثُمَّ الأَقْرَبَ فَالأَقْرَبَ‏.‏
Translation
'Ata' ibn Yasar said that a man came to Ibn 'Abbas and said, "I askeda woman to marry me and she refused to marry me. Another man asked her andshe agreed to marry him. I became jealous and killed her. Is there any wayfor me to repent?" He asked, "Is your mother alive?" "No," he replied. Hesaid, "repent to Allah Almighty and try to draw near Him as much as you can."So I went and asked Ibn `Abbas why he inquired about the man's mother. He replied

"I don't know of a deed closer to Allah, Exalted and Majestic, other than dutifulness to the mother."

Comment

Hadith Commentary

This profound narration from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 4 emphasizes the unparalleled status of dutifulness to one's mother in Islamic teachings. The wording "I don't know of a deed closer to Allah" indicates that from all acts of worship and righteousness, kindness to one's mother holds the most elevated position in divine acceptance.

The Mother's Special Status

The specific mention of the mother, rather than both parents, highlights her unique position due to the unparalleled hardships she endures during pregnancy, childbirth, and nurturing. Scholars note that the mother's rights are emphasized repeatedly in Islamic texts due to her exceptional sacrifices.

Spiritual Proximity Through Obedience

The phrase "closer to Allah" signifies that dutifulness to parents, particularly the mother, is a means of attaining divine pleasure and spiritual elevation. This obedience is considered among the most beloved deeds to Allah, ranking alongside fundamental acts of worship in its spiritual reward.

Practical Implications

This teaching obligates Muslims to honor their mothers through kind speech, financial support when needed, regular visitation, and seeking their pleasure in permissible matters. The hadith serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize maternal relationships in one's spiritual journey.