Danish Ashraf Khan
“A mother’s love is never measured or calculated. It flows naturally and endlessly, from the moment she carries a child in her womb to every stage of that child’s life. Even when children grow independent, a mother’s prayers continue to follow them wherever they go.”
Every year on March 8, the world observes International Women’s Day. Across countries and communities, people mark the occasion by sharing messages of appreciation, offering flowers and expressing gratitude for the women in their lives. Yet the significance of the day lies far beyond these gestures. It is also a moment for reflection — a time to recognise the sacrifices, patience and quiet resilience that define the lives of countless women. Much of what women endure and contribute often remains unseen, woven silently into the everyday rhythm of families and society.
When one reflects on the role of women, the first image that often comes to mind is that of a mother. Life itself begins with her. A mother carries a child in her womb for months, enduring pain and discomfort while nurturing hope and love. Yet the true journey of sacrifice begins after childbirth. From that moment onward, a mother dedicates herself entirely to the wellbeing of her children. She sacrifices her sleep so that her child may rest peacefully, sets aside her own hunger so that her child may eat well, and often places her own dreams aside in the hope that her children will fulfil theirs.
What makes a mother’s love extraordinary is that it is never measured or calculated. It flows naturally and endlessly. Even when children grow up and become independent individuals, a mother’s care remains unchanged. Her prayers follow them wherever they go, and her heart remains tied to their happiness and safety no matter how far life takes them.
Yet the story of a woman’s life extends beyond motherhood. A woman passes through many stages in life, each requiring courage, adaptability and patience. As a daughter, she grows up surrounded by affection and security within her parents’ home. Her father protects her with deep love, often treating her like a princess, while her mother understands her unspoken emotions. In that environment she lives freely, dreams freely and experiences the comfort of belonging.
Then arrives the moment that changes the course of her life — the day of marriage. On that day, a daughter leaves the home where she may have spent twenty or twenty-five years of her life. Every corner of that house carries memories of childhood and the warmth of the parents who cared for her since the day she first opened her eyes in this world.
Leaving home is never a simple matter. Many people travel abroad for work and spend a few years away from their families, and they understand how deeply separation can be felt. Distance often brings loneliness and longing for familiar faces and places. Now imagine the emotional weight carried by a young woman who leaves her home not for a temporary period but to begin a completely new life elsewhere.
She enters a new household with unfamiliar surroundings and people she barely knows. Their habits, expectations and ways of life may be different from what she has known all her life. Despite this uncertainty, she steps into the new phase with courage and determination, trying to build relationships and create a sense of belonging among those who were once strangers to her.
In her parents’ home she may have lived with comfort and ease. If she woke up late in the morning, her mother might gently say that there was no need to disturb her rest because she was still young. Her father might fulfil her wishes without hesitation. Such small gestures formed part of the warmth of her childhood.
In a new household, however, circumstances can be very different. Responsibilities may begin immediately. She may need to wake early, learn the routines of the house and adjust to the expectations of every member of the family. For many women, this period becomes a quiet journey of patience and adaptation. They strive to respect the traditions of their new family while holding on to their own values and identity.
Sometimes a woman is welcomed with kindness and understanding in her new home. When that happens, she gradually begins to feel safe and accepted, eventually embracing the house as her own. Warmth and empathy allow new relationships to grow into bonds of trust and affection.
Yet life does not always unfold in such ideal ways. In some circumstances, women struggle to find acceptance in their new environment. They may face criticism, harsh remarks or constant judgement. The same daughter who once lived freely and confidently in her parents’ home may suddenly feel that every action of hers is being scrutinised.
Such emotional transitions are never easy. A woman who once spoke openly to her father about her wishes may begin to hesitate before expressing even the smallest desire. She may feel that her voice is not always heard or valued.
Despite these challenges, many women continue to display remarkable patience. They try to maintain peace within the family and build relationships even when circumstances are not always kind. Their quiet endurance often becomes the foundation upon which family harmony rests.
This patience is one of the greatest strengths of women, though it is rarely acknowledged in its true measure. Some people still claim that women are weak, but a closer look at their lives reveals a very different reality. The strength of women is rarely loud or dramatic. Instead, it appears in quiet and steady forms.
A woman shows strength when she raises children with care, discipline and compassion. She demonstrates resilience when she faces hardship yet continues to smile for the sake of her family. She reveals courage when she sacrifices her own comfort so that others may live with happiness and security.
In Islam, women are granted dignity and respect, along with rights that safeguard their honour and future. Among these rights is the right to education — a principle that recognises women as individuals capable of learning, growing and contributing meaningfully to society.
Education is not the privilege of men alone. It holds equal importance for women. When a woman receives education, she becomes a source of knowledge and guidance for her entire family. An educated mother raises children who are thoughtful, aware and responsible. In this way, the education of a single woman can shape the future of an entire generation.
For this reason, society must encourage the aspirations of women rather than restrict them. When a girl wishes to study, she should be supported. If she dreams of pursuing higher education or building a professional career as a teacher, doctor, writer or any other vocation, she should be given the opportunity to do so. Limiting women’s ambitions does not merely harm individuals; it weakens the foundations of society itself.
Throughout history, women have played a profound role in shaping families and communities. Their influence is visible in the values passed on to children and in the compassion that binds families together.
Another defining quality of many women is their extraordinary patience. From early life to later years, they often face a combination of physical pain, emotional challenges and social pressures. Yet they continue to move forward with quiet determination.
In many ways, women fight silent battles every day. They may not stand on national borders or carry weapons on battlefields, yet they display the spirit of warriors in their own way. They struggle for the happiness of their families, endure hardships with patience and protect the dignity and unity of their homes.
In that sense, women can be seen as brave soldiers who guard the emotional foundations of society. A soldier protects the borders of a nation, but a woman protects the heart of a family.
When women are respected and valued, families grow stronger. Strong families, in turn, create stable and compassionate societies. But when women are neglected or treated unfairly, the balance of social life begins to weaken. Respect for women is therefore not only a moral responsibility but also a cornerstone of a healthy community.
The message of International Women’s Day should extend beyond symbolic celebrations. It should remind us of our collective responsibility to recognise the contributions of women and support their aspirations in everyday life. True respect cannot be limited to a single day in the year; it must be reflected in daily behaviour and attitudes.
Sometimes even the simplest gestures — a word of appreciation, a moment of understanding or an act of kindness — can have a profound impact. Every woman deserves dignity, respect and the freedom to live with confidence and hope.
A mother deserves gratitude for the sacrifices she makes for her children. A daughter deserves encouragement so that she may grow into a confident and educated individual. A wife deserves understanding and respect as she builds a new life within a different household.
When society truly begins to value women, the world naturally becomes more peaceful and balanced. The strength of a woman cannot always be measured through physical power. It is measured through patience, compassion and the ability to keep moving forward despite difficulties.
Women are not weak. They are pillars of strength who quietly hold together the fabric of our lives. And perhaps the most powerful truth is this: the courage of women is often silent, yet its influence is strong enough to shape generations.
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