How Do Muslims Treat The Elderly

Question:

How do Muslims treat the elderly?

Answer:

In the Islamic world there are no old people's homes. The strain of caring for one's parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and blessing, and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. We, Muslims, should not only pray for our parents, but act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children they preferred us to themselves. Mothers are particularly honored in Islam: Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said that 'Paradise lies at the feet of mothers'. When they reach old age, Muslim parents are treated mercifully, with even more kindness and selflessness than ever, opposite to what usually happens in most of the Western societies.

In Islam, serving one's parents is a duty second only to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when the old become difficult and stubborn.

Allah says: "Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be kind to parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, do not say 'uff' (expressing anger) to them or chide them, but speak to them in terms of honor and kindness. Treat them with humility, and say, 'My Lord! Have mercy on them, for they did care for me when I was little." (QS Al-Isra:23)

Source: Islamonline.com