Pearls of Wisdom No: 28 -Respecting Elders

Pearls of Wisdom: No.28

"Food for the Soul"

 

Subject:  Respecting Elder's

Allah, The Most Exalted, says:

"Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents. If one or both of them reach old age with you, do not say to them a word of disrespect, or scold them, but say a generous word to them. And act humbly to them in mercy, and say, 'My Lord, have mercy on them, since they cared for me when I was small." (Qur'aan-17: 23-24)

The Noble Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said:

"He is not of us who does not have mercy on young children, nor honour the elderly"
(Hadith-Al-Tirmidhi)

Note:  The duty of caring for one's parents and elderly in our society in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honour and a blessing and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. In Islam, it is not enough that we only pray for our elders especially our parents, but we should act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children, they preferred us to themselves. When peoples reach old age, they are treated mercifully, with kindness and selflessness. In Islam, serving elderly, in particular one's parents is a duty second to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become weak and vulnerable.

For an inspirational story on RESPECT FOR ELDERS please visit:

http://eislaminfo.blogspot.com/2013/04/respect-for-aged.html