A MOTHER's duty is to raise a child with a sound upbringing that instills awareness and knowledge while promoting good conduct. A mother is supposed to raise her children to become good people who are useful to family, society and the nation as a whole. A mother is the first school for children where they acquire values that will stay with them for life. A mother's love, affection and concern for her child is unmatched. However, it is unfortunate that some mothers who have embraced extremist ideologies are instrumental in leading their children to destruction by encouraging them to join terrorist outfits.
There are mothers in Saudi society who actively urge their children to travel to conflict zones and fight when their children should be in school and provided for by their parents. Experts say there should be an intensive campaign to enlighten these women to abandon any extremist views and concentrate on raising their children to become productive and peaceful members of society. Tareq Al-Habeeb, consultant psychologist, said no one exercises as much influence in the life of a child as his or her mother does. “The influence of the mother is crucial in a child growing up to become a good citizen or a person with bad and immoral habits. Women who are sympathetic to deviant ideologies or extremism are encouraging their children to join terrorist organizations. Only a woman who is brainwashed or has defective mind would encourage her children to kill innocent people,” he said. Al-Habeeb called on parents to develop friendly and strong relationships with their children and said they should teach them qualities such as tolerance and compassion. “Apart from parents, the concerned government bodies have to play a constructive role in this regard,” he said while calling on the government to create a separate ministry for youth and family affairs. Dr. Haya Al-Manie, member of the Shoura Council, said the turning point in the fight against extremism was when it became apparent that women were embracing deviant ideologies. She said it is imperative that local communities reject any form of extremism and do everything in their power to reach out to those who may be most vulnerable to being influenced by extremist groups. Al-Manie also said mothers play a paramount role in inculcating morals and values in their children.
“There are video clips being circulated on social media websites that feature women encouraging their children to go to conflict zones and take part in battle under the banner of militant groups. It is quite disturbing that some of these women express delight and pride in doing this,” she said. The Shoura member said mothers who encourage their sons to go to the battlefield and risk their lives fighting alongside other people who have no connection to Islam. “These militants are the real enemies of Islam and Muslims, and these women are supposed to take care of their children and ensure them a safe and secure life with better education and career prospects. But these militant women are negligent in performing the noble role of a mother,” she said. Al-Manie urged educational and cultural organizations to play a great role in preventing mothers from embracing deviant ideology. “These organizations shall shoulder the responsibility of protecting families from slipping into extremism. Women shall be enlightened on true values of tolerance and compassion and there shall be programs to empower them as well as to avoid marginalizing them.” Khaled Al-Dous, a community researcher who specializes in family and social issues, noted that Islam and all other religions regard motherhood in high esteem. “Islam honored mothers and it clearly states that Paradise lies at the feet of mothers. It also considers respecting parents and treating them well next to worshipping Allah.” He noted that mothers are a permanent source of happiness for children. “Whether young or old, healthy or handicapped, troublesome or obedient, the child is still beloved to the mother. This love may be displayed in various forms. Allah has granted mothers special physical and mental capabilities that enable them to shower a child with infinite love, affection, endurance, patience and sacrifice. “Mothers shoulder the bigger responsibility of raising their children. It is important to assure a child that he is always loved, even when his behavior warrants disciplinary measures. Such a child becomes confident and happy and will never seek solace elsewhere. “A mother has to play a decisive role in preventing children from going astray and falling into the trap of militants. A woman who embraces deviant ideology will have a disastrous impact on her children,” he added. Um Abdul Ilah, a mother of four boys, said a real mother could not be convinced to send her children to join terrorist groups. She described such actions as “a kind of suicide or killing.” She called for strict punitive actions to be taken against such women and supported institutionalizing them until they change their views.
