Family & marriageFrom the masjid's own video, Aug 22, 2026.
Older people deserve respect and care
“We shouldn't look at them as being a burden.”
In one sentence
Muslims should honor and actively care for older people, especially their parents, through respect, humility, mercy, and practical support.
The khutbah in 7 steps
- Introduces respect for elders as a religious obligation in the mosque.
- Gives practical examples of accommodating elderly worshippers and prioritizing their needs.
- Uses Yusuf’s story and human weakness across the life cycle to illustrate elder care.
- Urges listeners to repay parents’ care by honoring, assisting, and not abusing them.
- Applies humility and mercy to elderly people and other vulnerable community members.
- Clarifies that parents deserve respect but cannot be obeyed in religious wrongdoing.
- Closes by urging listeners to call, visit, and care for their parents now.
Try this week
Let older people go first and give them priority in mosque access and parking.
Accommodate elderly worshippers by reducing physical barriers such as stairs.
Call and visit your mother and father regularly.
Express gratitude, love, and appreciation to parents while they are alive.
Care for elderly parents with patience, mercy, and practical assistance rather than arguing or abusing them.
Eat well, exercise, and seek appropriate treatment for illness.
Quotes
In the khateeb's words
“Every time a person is older than you. They deserve your respect. Even if they don't have white.”
“So when people around us get old like that. We shouldn't look at them as being a burden.”
“What takes us so long to reach out to our mothers. To give them love. And to give them respect. To say thank you ma. Appreciate you ma. I love you ma.”
Talk about it at home
For the dinner table
The khutbah teaches that respecting older people is a serious part of Islam, especially in the mosque and within our families. Our parents cared for us completely when we were helpless, so we should return that kindness when they become weak. We should not treat elderly relatives as burdens or respond to them with anger, neglect, or abuse. We should show mercy, call and visit them, and tell them that we love and appreciate them. We honor parents deeply, while still refusing respectfully if they ask us to disobey Allah.
- How could we make an older person feel respected this week?
- What is one way we can show Grandma, Grandpa, or another elder that we appreciate them?
- How can we help an elderly relative without making them feel like a burden?
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