Hadith #4911

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The solemnity of an elderly person is a light and an embellishment.

Let us delve into the meaning of this beautiful saying and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (waqar) "وَقارُ" in Arabic refers to the dignity, honor, and respect that is associated with old age. It signifies the wisdom, experience, and maturity that come with the passage of time. The transliteration of this word is "waqar." Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of respecting and honoring the elderly in several verses of the Quran.

In Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (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.

This verse highlights the significance of treating parents with kindness and respect, especially when they reach old age. It emphasizes the noble conduct that Muslims should adopt towards their elderly parents, recognizing their wisdom and experience.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-An'am, Allah says, (Quran 31:14)

And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.

This verse reminds Muslims of the immense sacrifices made by their parents, particularly their mothers, and emphasizes the obligation to be grateful and respectful towards them. It highlights the importance of recognizing the honor and dignity that come with old age.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement further asserts that the solemnity of an elderly person is not only a light but also an embellishment. The word (noor) "نُورٌ" in Arabic refers to light, enlightenment, and guidance. It signifies the wisdom and knowledge that an elderly person possesses, which can illuminate the path of those around them. The transliteration of this word is "noor."

In Surah An-Nur, Allah says, (Quran 24:35)

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things.

This verse beautifully illustrates the concept of divine light and guidance. It emphasizes that Allah is the ultimate source of light, and He guides whom He wills. Similarly, the wisdom and knowledge possessed by an elderly person can serve as a source of guidance and enlightenment for others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of valuing and respecting the elderly in our society. It reminds us that their wisdom, experience, and knowledge are invaluable assets that can benefit the entire community. By honoring and seeking guidance from the elderly, we can gain insights and perspectives that can help us navigate through the challenges of life.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect upon the consequences of neglecting or disrespecting the elderly. When we disregard their wisdom and fail to recognize their worth, we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to learn from their experiences and benefit from their guidance. This can lead to a loss of valuable insights and hinder our personal and collective growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us to appreciate and honor the elderly. Their dignity and wisdom are not only a light that can guide us but also an embellishment that adds beauty and richness to our lives. By valuing and respecting the elderly, we uphold the teachings of the Quran and embody the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the value of the elderly and to treat them with the respect and honor they deserve.