Serving mothers, speaking with respect, supporting necessary care, and avoiding deliberate mistreatment are important responsibilities. عُقُوق includes serious disregard for a parent’s rights. Respect does not mean complying with an unlawful instruction; one must respond appropriately without abuse.
وَأْدُ الْبَنَاتِ names a specific cruel practice. The wider ethical lesson is the protection of daughters’ lives, dignity, and lawful rights.
Example 1: Arrange suitable care and support for an elderly mother.
Example 2: Do not deny a daughter deserved education or respect on account of her sex.
الْأُمَّهَاتِ is plural “mothers,” and الْبَنَاتِ is plural “daughters.”