CONDEMN OLD AGE HOMES

وَقَضَى رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِنْدَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُلْ لَهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُلْ لَهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا

سورة بنیٓ اسرآئیل / الإسرَاء:023

اور تمہارے پروردگار نے ارشاد فرمایا ہے کہ اس کے سواء کسی کی عبادت نہ کرو اور ماں باپ کے ساتھ بھلائی (کرتے رہو) ، اگر ان میں سے ایک یا دونوں تمہارے سامنے بڑھاپے کو پہنچ جائیں تو ان کو اف تک نہ کہنا اور نہ ہی انہیں جھڑکنا اور ان سے بات 

ادب کے ساتھ کرنا

“And your Lord has commanded that you shall not serve (any) but Him, and that you shall show goodness to your parents.  If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) “Ugh” nor chide them, and speak to them a generous word.”

The Western Society long ago found a solution to the problem by opening up establishments that provide food, lodging and medical care to Senior citizens. They are specially designed to cater to their needs and take complete charge of them The younger lot is busy in carrier building, fun and frolic etc and does not have enough time or desires to  take out time for their parents. Life in Old homes is an accepted form of existence and their entity in the West is as normal as the entity of schools, universities and hospitals in the east. But  looking at the idea of Old Homes from the eastern perspective old homes  symbolize indifference and lack of regard for elders on the part of children .This needs arises when children decide to abandon their parents and send them away so that they do not have them in their way; carrying out activities suited to their own age.

But despite the marked cultural difference and emotional approach towards parents between the East and West it is surprising to observe that even societies other than the western are giving way to this form of life.

The situation evokes a number of questions !Why are  Old homes mushrooming up all over the world ?.Is it that the children are becoming negligent in their duty towards their parents and want to be relieved of bearing their responsibility and once such homes are opened  will unconsciously become lax and persuade many to throw their parents at such places? 

Is this would be suited to us if we would be neglected by our parents in childhood for their enjoyment, needs, and activities suited to them and throw you to maids, servant and care takers.Would you not feel neglected then how could you suppose that your parents like being living in old homes whether it prove to be fulfilling their all needs.

When our parents grow old they need same attention, care and kindness as one's child needs.

Imam as-Sadiq (peace be upon him) has said (in regards to one’s parents): “Do not cast your gaze upon them except with love and compassion; do not raise your voice above theirs; do not raise your hands above theirs; do not walk ahead of them.”