By Salawati Haji Yahya –
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, OCT 4 – The more people age, the shorter their life expectancy and the closer they are to death, with the change of these phases will be passed.
At the time of old age, you will naturally be in a lack compared to youth, whether in terms of physical strength, memory and also emotions, and at this age God will pull favors one by one.
This is one of the contents of the Friday sermon titled Caring for and Protecting the Elderly delivered by today’s preacher.
Khatib explained, there are several natures of life that need to be passed through if you are blessed with a long life, which starts with the phase from the mother’s womb, then the birth phase, then the child phase, adulthood and finally will go through the aging phase.
In the Islamic religion, he explained, being blessed with a long life is not a problem or a burden, but it is a normal process and aims among other things to test the level of faith as a servant in facing certain situations.
In addition, it is also related to the basic framework of Islamic teachings, namely morals, beliefs and sharia.
He added that the Islamic religion has regulated the issue of morals in a systematic and detailed manner, including the command and duty to treat and respect the elderly, especially towards both parents.
“Elderly citizens have the right to love and respect, where each individual has to play a role as a guardian especially when they suffer from a certain illness whether physical health or begin to weaken their mental capacity.
“It requires patience and tenacity and in this regard the Prophet SAW ordered his people to respect the elderly and protect their rights,” he said.
Khatib went on to explain that for those who live in this country, we should be grateful because the government of His Majesty the Sultan and the Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam is very concerned about the welfare of the elderly.
The elderly in this country, he explained, are not neglected, rather they are given care with appropriate assistance.
Khatib also reminded about the responsibility towards the elderly which the trust is not only the duty of the government to care for but everyone is involved, especially the children.
“The elderly should not be treated as a burden and their welfare neglected, because there is nothing more meaningful to be given to the elderly as they age other than being given attention and love by their children,” he said.
At this age, said the preacher, usually parents who reach old age want and need attention and love from their children.
As a child, there are times when there are various difficulties faced in taking care of parents and in facing this situation, the preacher explained, a child should patiently serve their difficulties.
“Never scold, scold, bully and hit the elderly because that act will hurt their hearts,” he stressed.
Their services and sacrifices in caring for and raising children cannot be repaid even with their lives, property and money.
The preacher in his sermon reminded that the Al-Quran places the duty of devotion to parents including when they reach old age immediately after the command to believe in God and not associate with Him.
Accordingly, we must respect and care for the welfare of the elderly by giving love and ensuring the perfection of their lives.
“Don’t ignore and waste them. They are the previous generation who have sacrificed a lot and contributed to the family and society,” he said.
The preacher in the sermon reminded everyone to pray for their well-being and may they always receive protection from God.
