ISLAM
Treating elders with respect and dignity
British Muslim doctor’s shocking findings and message
to youth worldwide :
Recalling his experience after working in numerous hospitals in
Britain, this Muslim doctor had this to state: “I have been asked to
share my experiences of the elderly as a doctor or more importantly as a
young Muslim doctor, working in today’s modern and fast paced world.
When I start writing of my experiences, the first and foremost thought
that jumps into my mind is the dua that we are all taught from an early
age - O lord have mercy on them both as they cared for me when I was
little (17:24) ”
An elderly laughing in the street |
Giving the elderly a helping hand |
My understanding of this very poignant yet simple dua will come to
light as I continue throughout my conversation. From a young age, by the
grace of Allah, it is our parents who nourish, care, nurture and help us
become the young adults we are today. It is often very easy for us to
forget the struggle and sacrifices our parents have been through, so
that we are able to become the well rounded individuals we are today.
It is their love that guided us through the rough waters of
childhood, our teenage years and then adulthood and beyond to make us
the educated and privileged individuals of today. It is these thoughts
that enter my mind on a daily basis when I encounter elderly patients in
my day to day work.
We live amongst an ageing population, whereby almost half of the
patients I encounter on a daily basis are what we would define as being
elderly. The majority of these patient’s are usually admitted from
nursing homes or sheltered housing or live at home with little or no
support.
When I come across patient’s that are now old, I find it immensely
saddening when they are then dumped at the doors of the hospitals at the
mercy of the medical staff, especially those who have no relatives.
These patient’s a lot of the time are demented, ie have little or no
reasoning, intellect or personality. They are immobile, have no control
over their bowels or bladder and they cannot feed or care for
themselves. They have no social stimulation in hospital and as a result
can become very depressed and hence generally have a very poor quality
of life which may ultimately, in conjunction with their medical
problems, lead to their demise.
However what I find deeply disturbing is those of the elderly are
admitted to hospital not as a result of any medical problem but because
they live alone and are no longer able to care for themselves.
Individuals who may have had otherwise thrived at home if they were
looked after appropriately, are admitted to hospital because they are
not coping at home and hence become unwell.
An elderly lady thinking about her life |
Wondering where life has brought her |
These patient’s are extremely dependent on the staff around them for
support, ie to help them eat, to take them to the toilet or mobile
toilets are brought to their bedside and because a lot of the patient’s
are demented, they are catheterized so that they can empty their bladder
straight into a bag. These patients are also fitted with a pad, in much
the same way a baby is, so that they do not soil themselves when passing
bowel motions. As they are unfamiliar with their surroundings, they
become confused and agitated especially at night when they are unable to
sleep and hence require medication to settle or sedate them.
Medically these patients have a wide and varied set of problems from
chest infections to heart attacks, strokes to cancers, illnesses that
sometimes require prolonged treatment but due to their fragility, many
are not suitable for intensive care treatment and hence treatment that
would be offered to an otherwise younger patient, is not an option for
them.
The ceiling of treatment for such elderly patient’s is much lower and
in many circumstances patients are seen to be in a vegetative state
whereby they are being kept alive by medical treatment and if this
support was withdrawn, they would die. In such cases medical treatment
is stopped and no further attempts are made to resuscitate a patient
should their heart stop beating or should they stop breathing. At the
end of this journey, the soul leaves the body and the doctor along with
other members of the medical team are left to certify the death.
As a Muslim, from the moment such a patient comes under my care, I
always ponder on what kind of life the patient had lived previously.
Obviously this fragile, dependant, confused person in front of me at
some point was a child, a sibling, a spouse, a parent or a grandparent.
They were young once and had the same aspirations or dreams as me. They
lived life and probably spent a lot of their energy for this world,
dunya, and now those that they spent their wealth, energy and time on,
those that they nurtured and cared have abandoned them in their time of
need and left them alone and helpless.
The heedlessness and vigour of youth makes us forget that one day
Insha’allah we are all going to reach that stage. My fear is that as
time progresses and the world moves on, we as Muslims may adopt the ways
of the non Muslims, whereby our elders especially our mums and dads end
up in a similar fate as to mentioned above. As Muslims, we believe that
reckoning regarding your youth will begin in your grave whereby you will
be asked by Allah (swt) how you spent your youth and how we prepared for
the hereafter. Islamic obligations such as Hajj are advised when we have
energy and vigour, ie when we are young but part of our obligation is
also to bring up our children with the best possible Islamic teachings
and moral. Giving them the best of religion and world, so that tomorrow
when it is our time of need and when we revert back to that stage of
helplessness, our children are not only there for us as we were for them
but they become a source of sadaqah jariah for us, so that we are able
to reap the rewards of their upbringing after our death.
Mothers, grandparents trying to find a way |
I have to admit that had if it hadn’t been for the profession I am in
today, I probably would not have the insight nor understanding as to
exactly what state a human being is reduced in old age and how dependant
we will all become.
My message to the Muslim youth of today would be to treat your elders
with respect and dignity because by the will of Allah (swt), they have
naturally progressed to a state of fragility and sensitivity and they
have a wealth of knowledge and experience that you will only come to
know with time and yes go and make the most of your life.
Within the boundaries of Islam always remember your youth will never
last forever, learn from you elders around you and harness your energy,
resources and time for the good of mankind, while you still have your
faculties intact. Keep your mind active with the remembrance and zikr of
Allah and ultimately pray to Allah (swt) that He has mercy on all of us
when we reach old age so that we can pass through this stage in a
dignified manner.
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Wives and husbands
What does Islam say? :
A married couple |
And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among
yourselves, that you may live in tranquility with them, and He has
brought between you love and mercy. Truly, in this are signs for those
who reflect. (Qur’an 30:21)
Marriage is based on mutual love and respect. The Islamic marriage is
a sacred contract between a willing woman and willing man. There can be
no coercion, and each party is free to include its own terms. The bride
keeps her family name and her marriage gift from the groom. A Muslim
marriage is completed with public festivities reflecting culture and
customs.
Husbands and wives are protectors of each other. They are equal
partners and best friends, remaining faithful to one another.
The husband provides, maintains, protects and is responsible for the
family. He fulfills his duties with consultation and kindness. While the
wife is not required to share her wealth and earnings, she may help her
husband. Both spouses work together in the home - cooking and cleaning -
and in raising good children.
If couples are unable to live with one another peacefully, amicable
divorce is permitted as a last resort. Mothers are given priority in the
custody of children.
Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of God be upon him) said:
“Treat women well and be kind to them, they are your partners and
committed helpers.”
Views of Muslims:
Elders, death and the afterlife
Muslims by faith, are expected to respect and care of the elderly. It
is quite common to find children, parents, grandparents and sometimes
great grandparents all
A family having dinner |
living together in one home.
In Islam, serving one’s parents is a duty second only to worshipping
God. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through
no fault of their own, the old become difficult to handle.
God says in the Qur’an Your Lord has decreed that you worship none
but Him, and be kind to your parents. If either or both of them reach
old age with you, do not even say ‘uff’ to them or scold them, but speak
to them in terms of honour and kindness. Lower to them the wing of
humility, and say, ‘My Lord! Have mercy on them, for they did care for
me when I was young.’ (Qur’an 17:23-4)
When a Muslim dies, he or she is washed, usually be a family member,
wrapped in a clean white cloth, and buried with a prayer, preferably the
same day.
Muslims believe that the present life is only a trial for the
hereafter. God says in the Qur’an, Every soul shall taste death. And you
will be given your dues on the Day of Judgment. Only the one who is
removed from the brink of Hellfire and admitted into Paradise has
ultimately won; and life of this world is nothing but a material
illusion. (Qur’an 3:185)
Everyone should be treated equally |
Every child has the right to learn |
How does Islam guarantee human rights?
According to the Qur’an, God has created all humankind equal and has
given each the right to pursue their own destiny. The life, honour and
property of all people in a Muslim society are considered sacred,
whether the person is Muslim or not. Racism, sexism and prejudice of any
sort are unacceptable in Islam.
The Qur’an speaks of human equality in the following terms:
O humankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into
nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one
Racism is still there around the world |
another. Truly, the most honoured of you in God’s sight is the
greatest of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (Qur’an 49:13)
The right to life is the most basic of human rights - the Qur’an
equates the unjust killing of a single person to killing all of
humankind – And whoever kills a soul, should be as though he has killed
all of humankind. (Qur’an 5:32)
Dealing equitably and protecting the rights of every individual is
the cornerstone of a Muslim society. God further states in the Qur’an, O
you who believe! Stand up firmly for God, as witnesses to fair dealing,
and let not hatred of a people invite you to act inequitably, act
justly, that is nearer to piety, and be conscious of (your duty to) God,
surely God is aware of all that you do. (Qur’an 5:8).
Answers of the Holy Prophet (PBUH )
A traveller once came to the masjid to see Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
and after greeting the Prophet, he was asked where he was from. The
traveller replied that he came from very far just to get a few questions
answered.
Traveller: I do not want
adha’b (punishments) to be written in my account.
Prophet: Behave well with
your parents
Traveller: I want to be
known amongst people as an intelligent person.
Prophet: Fear Allah (Jalla
Jala’l), always.
Traveller: I want to be
counted amongst Allah’s favourites.
Prophet: Recite the Quran
every morning and evening.
Traveller: I want my heart
to always be enlightened. ( Munawer )
Prophet: Never forget
death.
Traveller: I never want to
be away from Allah’s blessing.
Prophet: Always treat
fellow creatures well.
Traveller: I never want to
be harmed by my enemies.
Prophet: Always have faith
in only Allah.
Traveller: I never want to
be humiliated.
Prophet: Be careful of
your actions.
Traveller: wish to live
long.
Prophet: Always do
goodness towards blood telations
Traveller: I want my
sustenance to increase.
Prophet: Always be in
ablution
Traveller: I
wish to stay free of adha’b in the grave.
Prophet: Always
wear pure clothes.
Traveller: I
never want to be burned in hell.
Prophet:
Control your eyes and tongue.
Traveller: How
do I get my sins forgiven?
Prophet: Always
ask forgiveness from Allah with a lot of humility.
Traveller: I
want people to respect me always.
Prophet: Never
extend your hands of need at people.
Traveller: I
want to always be honoured.
Prophet: Never
humiliate or put down anyone.
Traveller: I don’t want to
be squeezed in the grave
Prophet: Recite Surat Al
Mulk (The Dominion) often.
Traveller: I want my
wealth to increase.
Prophet: Recite surat el
Waqiah (The Inevitable) every night.
Traveller: I want to be
safe and at peace on Day of Judgment.
Prophet: Praises of
Allah,dikr, from dusk to night.
Traveller: I want to be in
full attention and concentration during prayers.
Prophet: Always do
ablution with concentration and attention. |