How Do Muslims
Treat the Elderly?
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In the Islamic world, one rarely finds
“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 a blessing
and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. In Islam, it is not
enough that we only pray for our parents, but we should act with
limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children,
they preferred us to themselves. Mothers are particularly honored.
When Muslim parents reach old age, they are treated mercifully, with
kindness and selflessness. |
In Islam, serving one’s parents is a duty
second to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered
despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own,
the old become difficult.
God has said:
 Your
Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to
your parents. If one of them or both of them reach old age with you, do not
say to them a word of disrespect, or scold them, but say a generous word 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 small.” 
(Quran, 17:23-24)
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, the Prophet of Islam
Sayings
