ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE ON OLD AGE & ELDERLY CARE
Zeeshan Rasool Khan
The 1st of October is globally celebrated as the
International day of older people. In 1990, UNGA decided to devote this day to
the old-aged to draw public attention to the problems that they are facing.
People celebrate this day with great enthusiasm, organize seminars and
conferences, and post relevant content on social media to make an impression,
as if the whole world is concerned about older people and only a meager
population exists that needs to be enlightened. However, the ground reality is
contradictory. We see there has been a mushrooming of old-age homes everywhere.
The idea of old-age homes is not bad. They protect a vulnerable group of
elderly people, particularly those who remain single without marriage, and
those who have no one to take care of. But, the swell in the number of old-age
homes unveils another grim reality that the rights of old-age people are being
trampled on. Because not all the elders enrolled in OAHs are, single or do not
necessarily lack caretakers. In most cases, elders are sent to the old-age home,
as their family does not want them. They are maltreated, do not get what they
deserve, and are considered a burden.
In point of fact, a
rapid increase in the number of Old age homes is not a sign of progress. It
reflects our moral decadence and dead conscience that allows us to skirt the
responsibilities towards parents, who had a major role in bringing us up. It
exposes our level of regrettable forgetfulness. We forget their sacrifices and
no longer bring to our memory that these were people who would not sleep to
make us sleep, who would strangulate their desires for ours, would kill their
hunger for feeding us on time. In addition, would work hard to ensure our
education, proper guidance, and best future etc. It is also important to note
that their least, or zero - contribution towards our growth does not warrant
their disrespect.
Also, there are many
elders who neither land in old-age homes nor are respected in their own homes.
They suffer and face the worst. They find none to share their woe. They are
literally voiceless. Their shocking
tale remains unspoken and unheard, and they eventually leave this world with a heavy heart.
Moreover, being a relative
is not a prerequisite for respecting elders/ old-aged. Whether a family member
or not, did they play any role in our nurturing or not, are they familiar to us
or not, every elder deserve esteem at any rate.
In the Indian
subcontinent, the majority of people believe in religion, and to be factual,
every religion denounces the act of dishonoring others, parents, and elders.
The religion of peace and compassion i.e, Islam, also guides us on this matter.
It has made it obligatory for Muslims to revere older people.
Quran clearly explains
the status of parents. Almighty Allah says; ‘Treat parents with benevolence’
(17:23). This is a general command. However, when Allah talks about old-aged
parents, He elucidates the ‘way of treatment’ and says; ‘If either or both of
them attain old age in your presence, then do not say even ‘ugh’ to them, nor
reproach them. And always speak to both of them submissively (17:23). This verse illustrates
the special station that old-aged parents hold. It states that if your parents
reach old age, you should not utter a single word of contempt before them,
regardless of whether you are pleased or annoyed with their saying and no
matter how hurtful it is. It becomes evident that treating parents kindly is
obligatory but extra care needs to be taken when they are old. Any sort of contempt
is tantamount to Allah’s disobedience.
Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh)
also stressed respecting elders and said; He is not one of us who is not merciful to our youngsters
and does not respect and honor our elders’ (Tirmidhi-1919). Prophet (pbuh) outrightly excludes the people from
believers who do not show reverence for elders.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) exhorted that
elders should be valued in social matters. Their opinion must be primarily
considered and youngsters must respect their age, maintain a reverent silence
before them, and allow them to speak first. Sahl Abu Hathma and Rafi' b. Khadij reported that once Muhayyisa bin
Mas'ud and 'Abdullah bin Sahl went towards Khaibar and they separated near the
palm trees. 'Abdullah bin Sahl was killed. They accused the Jews (for this
act). The brother of the slain person 'Abd al-Rahman and his cousins Huwayyisa
and Muhayyisa; went to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and talked to him about the
murder of his brother. Since
Abd al Rahman was the youngest among them, Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said; ‘show regard for the greatness of
the old and let the eldest begin speaking’ (Sahih Muslim 1669).
According
to Allah’s apostle (pbuh) honoring the elders is part of Allah’s glorification. Abu
Musa al-Ashari narrates that the Prophet said: Glorifying Allah involves
showing ‘honor to a grey-haired Muslim’ (Abu
Dawud 4843).
Truthful
Messenger, Muhammad (pbuh) assures youngsters that if they will respect the old-aged
person they will certainly be honored in their old age. Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said, ‘If a
young man honors an elderly on account of his age, Allah appoints someone to
honor him in his old age (Tirmidhi 2022).
In the contemporary world, the old-aged are generally treated
as a botheration, but the teachings of the Prophet (Pbuh) should wake us up.
Holy Prophet (pbuh) related them with benediction and declared, ‘Elders are a source
of ‘blessing’, so he who does not show mercy to the young and respect ‘elders’
is not among us (Tibrani 7895).
In another Hadith, the Last Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said;
Allah grants you respite, however, If there are
no prostrating old-people, humble youth, infants, and animals present among you;
you will be caught in deep trouble (Tibrani
7085).
Tailpiece: - When
exhibiting mercy towards elders/ old-aged is a religious obligation and has
become the need of the hour, then people must understand its significance.
Especially we Muslims, who believe that Islam provides a complete and perfect
code for them to live, need to abide by its principles and teachings. Elders/
Old-aged should get due respect from us. We must serve as role models for
others in this case as well. This will not only result in our success but will
also help in social reformation. And through this, we can uphold the glory of
Islam.
Writer: Zeeshan Rasool Khan,
writes on different issues and can be mailed @mohdzeeshan605@gmail.com
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