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The family, which
is the basic unit of civilization, is now
disintegrating. Islam’s family system brings the rights
of the husband, wife, children, and relatives into a
fine equilibrium. It nourishes unselfish behavior,
generosity, and love in the framework of a
well-organized family system. The peace and security
offered by a stable family unit is greatly valued, and
it is seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its
members. A harmonious social order is created by the
existence of extended families and by treasuring
children.
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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