Source: The Malta Independent, Wednesday 13 February 2013.
By Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta, amjmalta@gmail.com
Life is one continuous change; new generations replace the older generations; yesterday’s children are today’s youth, and today’s youth are tomorrow’s aged people, and thus life goes one. This is a natural circle of life which human beings experience during their life time.
The elderly people are an integral part of our society and they need our special attention and care. It is highly essential and we all need to learn that charity begins at home and therefore for many of us or rather for all of us, our passion for service must begin at home. Looking after the needs of our parents or elderly people and treating them with love and respect is an excellent example of service.
It is very important to take care of the elderly, paying them due respect, and never neglecting them. It is our moral, social and religious duty to always be at their service and give them a helping hand during their old age.
Some people describe the elderly as a burden on society and on the national economy, and some even feel their parents or elderly impinge on their family life and thus, they leave them in old houses and rarely pay them a visit.
I believe that elderly people are not a burden but their existence in our homes and societies is a blessing. Their prayers, good wishes, exemplary character become a role model for the young generation. Their presence with young generation teaches them how to face the hardships of life and how to face the challenges of life.
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