Respecting older people is a social duty and an important teaching of Islam. An article in Our Islam for the International Day of Older Persons says the elderly have spent long lives serving their families and society, and that in the Quran Allah commands respect for elders.
In verse 23 of Surah Al-Isra, Allah commands that none be worshipped but Him and that parents be treated with kindness; if one or both reach old age, one must not say even 'uff' to them nor scold them, but speak to them honourably. The article explains that although the verse names parents, it extends to grandparents and all who are older.
The Hadith also stresses kindness to the elderly. The article quotes the Prophet (peace be upon him), citing Tirmidhi (1356): honour the elderly and teach the young, and there will be peace and unity in society.
Its advice is to stand by the elderly in the helplessness of old age, check on them without being asked, sit with them, ask what they need and listen to them, so they never feel neglected. Their long experience is valuable to the young, and their advice can be sought in any difficulty.
Photo: 5h4m6u / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Source: Our Islam
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