How are the elderly treated in Islam? Do they have a special status? Do they receive the care that suits their health needs?

Of course, as individuals continue to age, the regular challenges of daily life can become more and more daunting. Increased weakness, decreased motor capacity, and possibly other confounding health issues can make the elderly even more vulnerable. Unfortunately, it is found that sometimes individuals may become hesitant to support those in old age. This can often lead to feelings of isolation and depression and may result in many negative impacts on their mental and physical health.

As I said earlier, Islam is not just a religion; it is a way of life, a roadmap that contains the basic principles that one has to take into account when planning his life to guarantee success in this worldly life and then in the hereafter. This is why Islam has left nothing that has to do with human life without giving the proper instructions on doing it right.

All life begins with weakness in childhood and ends with weakness in old age. Our elderly have raised us when we were young and took care of all our needs while making sacrifices of their own for the next and upcoming generation of families. Islam did not only make this obligatory for the elderly, who are immediate family members, but for the elderly in general.

In Islam, the responsibility of children to care for their parents and treat them kindly is compulsory. If elderly people do not have children, nor do they have immediate family members, the responsibility to care for them is transferred to society as a whole.

The Quran, as one of the main two sources of teaching Islamic manners, unequivocally commands believers to be kind and respectful to their parents, especially as they age. The Quran says in chapter 17:

“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 “Of!” (a word of disrespect) or scold them, but say a generous word to them (be kind 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 a child.” [Qur’an, 17:23-24]

In this verse, it is imperative to note (and observe) that the main message (theme) of the Islamic faith is “monotheism.” The Oneness of God. Prophet Mohammad’s message was to guide people to worship Allah, the One and the Only to be worshiped. So from within the framework of Islam, to accompany the main message of Islam with the importance of taking care of one’s parents is a heavyweight message and clear evidence on the importance of this command (being nice and kind to one’s parents).

The scripture instructs believers not to utter even a word of disrespect towards their parents, emphasizing the profound debt of gratitude owed to them for their sacrifices and nurturing throughout life. This duty of care extends beyond immediate family members to encompass the elderly in general, reflecting Islam’s emphasis on communal responsibility. The word “Of!” (which is a sign of disrespect) is the shortest word with the meaning of disrespect in Arabic. A great scholar said: If there were a shorter word, Allah (may He be praised) would have used it to show how important the rights of parents (and the elderly) are in Islam.

The Quran also says,

“We have commanded people to honor their parents. Their mothers bore them in hardship and delivered them in hardship. Their (period of) bearing and weaning is thirty months. In time, when the child reaches their prime at the age of forty, they pray, “My Lord! Inspire me to (always) be thankful for Your favors, which You blessed me and my parents with, and to do good deeds that please You. And instill righteousness in my offspring. I truly repent to You, and I truly submit (to Your will).” [Quran 46:15]

In another chapter, chapter 13, the Quran says:

“And We have commanded people to (honor) their parents. Their mothers bore them through hardship upon hardship, and their weaning takes two years. So be grateful to Me and your parents. To Me is the final return. [Quran 31:14] It then continues: “But if they pressure you to associate with Me what you have no knowledge of, do not obey them. Still keep their company in this world courteously and follow the way of those who turn to Me (in devotion). Then to Me you will (all) return, and then I will inform you of what you used to do.” [Quran 31:15]

These three verses, which apply to both sons and daughters equally, clearly define the rights of parents over their offspring. It is impossible to overestimate the importance of the final verse, especially in light of Islamic beliefs. Specifically, the idea of the Oneness of God, or Monotheism. This final verse especially talks about circumstances in which parents try to steer their kids away from monotheism by encouraging them to worship deities other than God, the Almighty. In these situations, Islam does not support rudeness or conflict; instead, it counsels kids to not follow their parents’ foolish instructions. This order, however, is not intended to break family bonds or to disrespect the support and companionship of parents. Rather, it promotes preserving relationships that are courteous and kind with parents, even in disagreement over matters of faith.

Prophet Mohammad further reinforced the importance of treating the elderly with kindness and compassion. Among the teachings of Prophet Mohammad is that he said, “Good (or blessings) accompany your elderly.” In another Hadith (Hadiths are the sayings and teachings of the prophet Mohammad), Prophet Mohammad also said: “This who does not respect our elderly and has no mercy on our youngsters is not from among us.” That is, an individual who treats the elderly disrespectfully is not considered a true Muslim.

To conclude:
In Islam, the treatment of the elderly is not merely a social courtesy but a religious obligation deeply rooted in compassion, respect, and communal responsibility. By upholding the Quranic instructions and following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, we can cultivate a society that values and supports its elderly members, ensuring they live with dignity and honor.

Pubblished on Stillwater News Press on Feb 10, 2024.