LOSING PARADISE   Mother is the most influential person in the life of every individual. She is a very hard-working person who holds the most honorable position next to the Almighty. She plays a crucial role in the holistic development of her child and always caters to the basic needs of her family.   Many sensitive souls like me must have been saddened and shocked to hear the news recently, a mother; road to paradise, reportedly stabbed to death by her son in Kashmir. With yet another shocking case of homicide hitting the headlines, the gravity of the crime in Kashmir is once again in the limelight with speculations around to find any linkage between growing indiscipline, immodesty, substance abuse with its manifestations as crime.   The tragic act of a son killing his mother is indeed a deeply disturbing and heartbreaking occurrence that goes against the core teachings of any religion and the fundamental values of respect, honor, and kindness towards parents, especially mothers. The killing of a mother by her own son is a reprehensible act that defies the very essence of human decency and morality. In Islam, such an act is not only condemned but considered one of the gravest sins, as it violates the fundamental teachings of respect, honor, and kindness towards parents, particularly mothers. The Quran and teachings of Islam stress the utmost reverence and care for parents, particularly mothers, who are given exceptional status for their sacrifices and contributions in nurturing and raising their children. Such heinous acts not only violate the sanctity of human life but also undermine the very fabric of society and moral values.   The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of treating parents with kindness, respect, and utmost care. One of the most striking verses in this regard is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24), where Allah says:"And your Lord has decreed that you do not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'" This verse underscores the profound respect and reverence that Islam teaches towards parents, especially mothers, who endure immense hardships in childbirth, nurturing, and raising their children.   Instances like these highlight the importance of addressing social issues such as mental health, family dynamics, and societal pressures that may contribute to such unimaginable acts of violence. It's imperative for communities to come together to promote empathy, support, and understanding, especially towards those experiencing difficulties or distress. Furthermore, education and advocacy about the teachings of Islam regarding the treatment of parents and the sanctity of human life are essential in preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future. By fostering a culture of compassion, empathy, and respect, we can strive to uphold the dignity and honor of every individual, particularly those who have sacrificed so much for their children's well-being. The act of killing one's own mother is considered one of the most heinous crimes in any culture or religion.   My previous two pieces published In Rising Kashmir, “When Will Stars Shine In Our Paradise! (Rising Kashmir, September 2023) and,"Has Our Paradise Changed? How Much Is "Too Much", published on December 2023 editions, I tried to raise awareness. Rising crime in youngsters, moral decline, and indiscipline, is witnessing an alarming rise. The latest report of an "alleged homicide by a son of his mother," exposes the gravity of the situation in the region. The buck stops where? It's important to recognize that addressing rising crime among youngsters that requires collaboration and coordination among all these stakeholders   To condemn the killing of a mother by her son in the strongest terms possible, one could express sentiments such as: "This act of matricide is an abhorrent betrayal of the most sacred bond between a mother and her child. It defies the teachings of Islam, which unequivocally condemn such heinous acts of violence. We unequivocally denounce this despicable crime and call for justice to be served swiftly and decisively. Our hearts are filled with sorrow and outrage at the loss of a precious life, and we stand in solidarity with all who seek to uphold the sanctity of human life and the values of compassion, respect, and honor towards parents."   In Islamic tradition, such actions are not only condemned but are considered a severe violation of the fundamental principles of faith and morality. Sufi and saintly traditions also emphasize love, respect, and obedience towards parents, considering it a pathway to spiritual enlightenment and closeness to God. The notion of attaining paradise through such abhorrent acts is entirely contradictory to the teachings of Islam and all true spiritual traditions.   Strong words to condemn such an act could include: Abhorrent:  The act of killing one's mother is utterly abhorrent and reprehensible. Unforgivable: There can be no forgiveness for such a heinous crime against one's own mother. Despicable: The murder of a mother by her own son is a despicable and vile act. Inhumane: Such an act goes against the very essence of humanity and is completely inhumane. Betrayal: It is the ultimate betrayal to harm or kill the one who gave you life and nurtured you. Barbaric: This act is nothing short of barbaric and savage, devoid of any ounce of decency or humanity. Disgraceful: The perpetrator brings disgrace upon themselves and their family through such an egregious act. Wicked: The wickedness of killing one's mother cannot be overstated; it is a sin of the highest order. Repugnant: The very thought of a son murdering his mother is repugnant and revolting to the core. Evil: This act epitomizes pure evil, defying all moral and ethical standards         Disobeying parents is one of the major sins in Islam. Indeed, disrespecting mothers or parents in any religion or society is universally condemned, as it strikes at the core of human decency and moral values. The trend of declining moral, religious, and educational values in society poses significant challenges, but there are steps that can be taken to address and counteract this trend:   Education and Awareness Promoting education about the importance of family values, respect for parents, and the consequences of disrespectful behavior can help raise awareness among individuals, families, and communities.   Role Modeling Encouraging positive role modeling by public figures, religious leaders, educators, and parents themselves can have a profound impact on shaping societal attitudes and behaviors.   Strengthening Family Bonds Emphasizing the importance of strong family bonds, open communication, and mutual respect within families can help foster a culture of love and support, reducing the likelihood of disrespectful behavior.   Religious Teachings and Ethics Drawing upon the teachings of various religions and ethical traditions that emphasize the importance of honoring parents can provide moral guidance and reinforce values of respect and compassion.   Community Support Establishing community support networks and resources to assist families in crisis, providing counseling services, and promoting community cohesion can help address underlying issues contributing to disrespectful behavior.   Legal Measures Implementing and enforcing laws that protect the rights and dignity of parents, particularly vulnerable or elderly parents, can serve as a deterrent and provide recourse for victims of disrespect or abuse.   Media and Entertainment Encouraging responsible portrayals of family relationships and respectful behavior in media, entertainment, and popular culture can influence societal norms and perceptions.   School Programs Integrating values education and character development programs into school curricula can help instill moral and ethical principles from a young age, promoting empathy, kindness, and respect for others.   Community Engagement Encouraging community involvement in promoting positive social norms, organizing awareness campaigns, and fostering dialogue on issues related to family values and respect can create a sense of collective responsibility and ownership.   Parental Guidance Providing support and resources for parents to nurture positive parent-child relationships, communicate effectively, and set positive examples for their children can empower families to counteract negative influences and instill strong moral values.   By addressing these aspects comprehensively and collaboratively, societies can work towards reversing the trend of declining moral, religious, and educational values, fostering a culture of respect, compassion, and integrity.   Not only in Islam, disrespect towards a mother is viewed as a grave transgression against both human dignity and divine commandments in all faiths and civilized societies.  It is considered a betrayal of the profound sacrifices and unconditional love that mothers offer to their children. Any act of disrespect or harm towards a mother is not only condemned in this world but is also believed to incur severe consequences in the Hereafter. Therefore, Islam stresses the utmost importance of treating mothers with kindness, compassion, and reverence, recognizing their unparalleled role in shaping individuals and society as a whole.   (Author besides being a medical doctor, is very active in positive perception management of various moral and social issues. He can be reached at: drfiazfazili@gmail.com & twitter @drfiazfazili)