Respect your Elders

Allah says in the Holy Quran:

“Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: “My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.”” (Surah Al Isra’ 17:23-24)

“We have enjoined on the human beings to be kind to his parents. In pain did their mother bore them and in pain did she give them birth.” (Surah Ahqaf 46:15)

“Respect the womb that bore you.” (Surah Nisa 4:1)

“You have to be kind to your parents.” (Surah A’nam 6:151)

In Hadith:

Narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-‘As: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Those who do not show mercy to our young ones and do not realise the right of our elders are not from us.”” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book #41, Hadith #4925)

Narrated by Abu Musa al-Ash’ari: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Glorifying Allah involves showing honour to a grey-haired Muslim and to one who can expound the Quran, but not to one who acts extravagantly regarding it, or turns away from it, and showing honour to a just ruler.”” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book #41, Hadith #4825)

Narrated by Abu Huraira: A man came to Allah’s Apostle and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?” The Prophet said, “your mother.” The man said. “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “your mother.” The man further said, “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “your mother.” The man asked for the fourth time, “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “your father.”  (Sahih Bukhari, Book #73, Hadith #2)

Action Plan for muslims:

• Offer to help the elderly. Take good care of them and their needs.
• Listen to advise of the elderly.
• Show interest in their lives and listen to their life stories.
• Be patient with them.
• Be tolerant.