Islam highly values the elderly and encourages us to look after them with respect and dignity. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and respect to our elders.” It is a reminder that the elderly were once young and hard-working, and they deserve to be treated with kindness and compassion.
The family unit is the building block of human life and society. Islam places a significant responsibility on each person to look after their elderly relatives and neighbours. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The best of you are those who are kind to their parents, and I am the best of you to my parents.”
- “Whosoever would like to be delivered from the Fire and enter the Garden, he should die with faith in Allah and the Last Day, and should treat the people the way he would love to be treated.” (Bukhari)
In line with these teachings, the volunteers at Hockwellring masjid have set up a group that visits local care homes regularly. Sisters have taken the initiative in this by organising trips to local care homes along with children, bringing joy and comfort to the elderly.
It is important to remember that “whosoever would like to be delivered from the Fire and enter the Garden, he should die with faith in Allah and the Last Day, and treat the people the way he would love to be treated.” By showing respect and compassion towards the elderly, we can create a society that values and cherishes its elders and ensures that they are not neglected or seen as a burden.