RELATIONSHIPS MATTER – ELDERLY REQUIRE MORE THAN PHYSICAL CARE

It is worth noting that the concept of family in Islam is not just limited to members of a single home. | Fiji Times Online

Tahir Hussain Munshi

Naib Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Fiji.

IN the name of modernization, the State is now, more than ever before, expected to look after the aged in its society.

The shifting of responsibility from the children and the family to the government is becoming apparent.

This critique is intended to provoke the thought process of the current able-bodied as their inevitable time to taste the bitter medicine of old age is not far off.

The State may be able to provide for the physical needs of the aged but it can never buy the aged the much needed peace of mind and contentment nor can the rest homes for the old eliminate the feeling of having been rejected by the society, especially by the children and next of kin.

In predominantly Muslim countries, and even in traditional village set-ups, many values have deteriorated and the condition which prevails in the rest of the contemporary world is unthinkable.

[In Islam,] It is considered a disgrace and dishonour to treat their aged and dependents with disrespect. The Holy Quran states, "Thy Lord has commanded, 'Worship none but Him, and show kindness to parents. If one or both of them attain old age with thee, never say onto them any word of disgust nor reproach them, but always address them with excellent speech. And lower to them the wings of humility out of tenderness." And say, "My Lord, have mercy on them even as they nourished me when I was a little child." (Ch 17: Bani-Israel:24-25).

These verses are the most noteworthy on the subject. The quotation shows that after the concept of Unity of God, mankind should, through their attitude of love, affection and kindness, give priority over all other things to their parents who have reached old age. It is worth noting here that the concept of family in Islam is not just limited to members of a single home and parents, but also encompasses their next of kin.

For future generations, the Holy Quran educates society that in order to achieve the best relationships between you and your children, it is extremely crucial that the relationships between man and wife should also be excellent.

* The author is the National Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Fiji.

Also read here: Relationship matter - Fiji Times Online

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