MATERNAL QUALITY RELATIONSHIP
by Siti Aishah Hassan [View Writer's Profile]

Abstract
The aims of this paper are to discuss Maternal Quality Relationship (MQR) according to Islamic perspectives and Bowlby’s attachment theory. The researched method employed was library search on Islamic domains literature that inclusive the Qur’anic verses, the prophetic traditions ( hadith) and western scholarly journals and books. The findings suggest that having the needs fulfilled through positive communication, helps the child to stand strong and perceive the world as an avenue that is worthwhile to be ventured and should they needs any help or face any difficulty, they are not left alone and alienated. Hence mothers need to posses certain good characteristics in order demonstrate loves towards the children. As a result quality relationship between mother and child is form.

MATERNAL QUALITY RELATIONSHIP

One of the key features of Maternal Quality Time is the quality relationship between mother and child¹ . The quality of the relationship of mother-child has been indicated as positively related to children's academic performances. New brain research by Gurian and Hanley² suggests that young children learn best when they learn from someone with whom they are intimately attached. If a child is securely attached to the mother (personal caregiver), he learns more, not only from that individual but also in his total learning competency. Hence, it is considered pertinent for Muslims to explore the literature on relationships of mother-child from the Islamic perspectives. Additionally, the western theory of Bowby's attachment theory is integrated in this paper.

Islamic Perspectives of Maternal Quality Relationship

In Islam, there is a reciprocal relationship between mothers and children. The duties of a child are the mother's rights and vice versa³ . Basically, every child has the rights for his or her needs to be fulfilled⁴ . In parallel to Maslow's hierarchical needs⁵ , Islam recognizes the needs of a child to be fed, clothed and protected till they grow up to adulthood which is primarily, the duty of a father. However, a mother may provide help should the father fail to do so. Protection is not only for the physical but also intellectual, emotional, spiritual and social well-being⁶ .

Besides the rights for the physiological needs, a child has the right to be loved according to Islam. Love is categorized by Maslow as psychological need, which is clearly inline with the Islamic perspective. Prophet Muhammad s.aw. often invited his daughter Fatimah r.a. to be seated on his lap⁷ . Similarly, he often showed his love towards his grand children, Hasan and Husin by kissing them⁸ .

Accordingly, a child has the right to be educated according to Islam. Education is considered as a necessity in order to actualize the child's potential that has been bestowed upon him. The need to fulfil one's unique potential is the peak of Maslow's hierarchy of human needs. In Islam, a mother is known as the first educator⁹ . Hence, the most important duty of a mother towards the child is to educate them. Education in Islam is not limited to bookish knowledge but is comprehensive, covering all aspects of life¹⁰ . A mother's duty concerning education starts as early as she chooses or accepts the father of the child. Since the father is a dominant figure in the family, thus having the right father for the child is a form and a means of child's education. As the child is conceived, there are various activities a mother may practice such as reciting Al-Qur'an. Then, when the child is born they are to be named and called with beautiful names and have many other rights that are to be observed¹¹ .