Embracing Mercy and Respect
📖Sunan Abi Dawud 4943
Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-‘As: The Prophet ﷺ said: “Those who do not show mercy to our young ones and do not realise the right of our elders are not from us.”
This Hadith is a clear warning: If your heart lacks mercy and your manners lack respect – you are not acting on the Prophet’s way.
It’s not about your beard, your hijab, or your quotes – if you’re arrogant to elders or cruel to kids, you missed the message.
- Children deserve love, gentleness, and guidance.
- Elders deserve dignity, patience, and honor.
Islam is not just about worship – it’s about how you treat people. Mercy is the real proof of Imaan.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 17:23
“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], ‘uff,’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.”
→ Even a sigh of annoyance to the elderly (especially parents) is rejected by Allah.
📖Quran 16:70
“And Allah created you, then He causes you to die. And among you is he who is reversed to the worst of age so that he will not know after [having had] knowledge a thing. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Competent.”
→ Old age comes with weakness — Islam teaches us to handle that stage with mercy, not mockery.
📖Quran 6:151
“…Do not kill your children for fear of poverty — We provide for you and for them…”
→ Shows the value of the young — they’re not a burden, they’re a trust.