Serving one’s mother

The first state that speaks for a person’s good nature is whether or not they honour their mother. In relation to Awais Qarni^ra, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, would often turn his face towards Yemen and say: ‘I can smell the fragrance of God coming forth from Yemen.’ The Holy Prophet^sa would also say: ‘He is heavily engaged in serving his mother and this is why he cannot come to visit me.’ Apparently it seems strange that the Prophet of God, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is present in his time but Awais^ra is unable to see him in person only due to his constant preoccupation in service and obedience to his mother. However, I find that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has instructed his people to convey his greetings of peace particularly to two people alone — Awais^ra and the Promised Messiah^as. This is a remarkable distinction which others have not been fortunate enough to receive. It is written that when Hazrat Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, went to visit him, Awais^ra said: ‘I remain engaged in tending to my mother’s needs and so the angels graze my camels.’ On the one hand, there were people like Awais^ra who strove so tirelessly in serving their mothers that they were blessed with such acceptance and honour; while on the other hand, there are those who engage in litigation over pennies, and speak of their mothers so disrespectfully that even ignoble and uncivilised peoples from among the scheduled caste do not act so inappropriately. What is our teaching? It is to inform people of the pure guidance of Allah and the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. If someone claims to have a relationship with me but does not act in accordance with this guidance, then why do they join my community at all? Those who act inappropriately turn others away from the right path. People will raise objections and say that these people are such that they do not even respect their parents.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad^as, Malfuzat, Vol. 2, pp. 16-17)