The same question could be asked about these Ahadith; Why the father and not the mother? Abu Darda' narrates: I heard Rasulullah saying: A father is the best gate of the gates of Paradise; so it is up to you, either you lose that gate (by disobeying him), or protect it (by obeying him). (Tirmidhi) 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar narrates that Nabi said: Allah's pleasure lies in a father's pleasure and Allah's displeasure lies in a father's displeasure. (Tirmidhi)