Islam teaches us to respect the elderly whether they are parents, relatives or any other persons. The word elderly has been used in the Qur’an to mean: Shaikh, kabir, ‘ajooz, arzalil ‘umur, kibar, etc.

 In all these cases, we are informed that the elderly may end up with the following characteristics:

  1. Many of them may lose their biological potency
  2. The majority may lose their physical vitality
  3. Some of them may lose their mental capacity
  4. A large number of the elderly may increase their emotional feelings beyond limits.

As far as the loss of biological potency is concerned, Allah gave us two examples in the Qur’an about Prophet Zakaria and the wife of Prophet Ibrahim. Concerning Prophet Zakaria, the Qur’an states the following about his biological impotency in Surah Al Imran: He said, O my Lord! How shall I have a son, seeing I am very old, and my wife is barren?” “Thus,” was the answer,” Doth God accomplish what He willeth.” Qur’an 3: 40)

While in Surah Mariam, Zakaria is said to have asked the following about getting a child:” He said:O my Lord! How shall I have a son, when my wife is barren and I have grown quite decrepit from old age?” (Qur’an 19: 8).

Concerning Prophet Ibrahim, Allah informed us that he was also shocked when he was told about having a child. In Surah Al-Hijr the Qur’an states the following about his biological impotency: “He said,’ Do ye give me glad tidings that old age has seized me? Of what, then, is your good news?”’ (Qur’an 15: 54)

The wife of Prophet Ibrahim was even shocked when she was informed about having a child. She knew that she was an old lady and she could not bear children anymore. In Surah Hud, the Qur’an states the following: “Seeing I am an old woman and my husband here is an old man? That would indeed be a wonderful thing!”

As far as the loss of physical vitality is concerned, an old person can’t do much of the hard work that a young man is able to do. The Qur’an informs us about Prophet Shu’aib who was an old person. He could not do the hard work anymore. His daughters had to take the animals to the spring for water and also to raise them. In Surah Al-Qasas, the Qur’an states the following: “…They said: we can not water our flocks until the shepherds take back their flocks and our father is a very old man.” (Qur’an 28: 23)

The Qur’an also informed us about Prophet Zakaria who admitted his old age and his lack of physical ability. In Surah Mariam, Allah says: “Praying: O my Lord! Infirm indeed are my bones, and the hair of my head doth glisten with grey.” (Qur’an 19: 4)

As far as the loss of mental capacity is concerned, Allah informs us in the Qur’an that any old person may lose most of his mental capability. Hence he may become senile. In Surah Al-Hajj and Surah Al-Nahl, Allah informs us about the senility of the elderly ones. In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah says the following: “…And some of you are called to die, and some are sent back to the feeblest old age, so that they know nothing after having known much.” (Qur’an 22: 5)

As far as the emotional feelings are concerned, Allah informs us about Prophet Ya’kub and his sentimental feelings toward his two lost sons: Yusuf and Benjamin. His emotions, his love, his concern, his sympathy, and his sentiments were too high to the extent that he cried and wept extensively until he lost his sight.

The climax of this anecdote is summarized in Surah Yusuf as follows:” And he turned away from them, and said: ‘How great is my grief for Joseph! And his eyes became white with sorrow, and he fell into silent melancholy.” (Qur’an 12: 84)

In all these cases we are taught as Muslims, that we should respect the elderly even if they are senile. Our respect to the elderly is more confirmed toward our parents. In Surah Al-Isra’, Allah says to us: “….And that ye be kind to parents. Where 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 term of honour.” (Qur’an 17: 23). (To be continued)

(Prepared by Abdul Muhaemin Karim)