198TH EDITION OF VOICE OF THE MIMBARR 05-05-1448 AH/16-10-2026 CE: WHAT SENIOR CITIZENS MUST KNOW_ BY DR RAZAQ BOLAWAYE UTHMAN
We give glory to Allah Allah (SubhanaHu Wa Ta'ala (SWT)) on all favours including keeping us alive on the pedestal of goodness. We bless the personality of the noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW)) and the entire community of true guidance till the final Day. Not minding the enormous schedule of activities and scarce means of sustenance, a Mumin (believer) should always be thankful. He began walking across infancy, toddler, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. Each of these stages was not without critical challenges which he summoned. Standing tall to be called Senior Citizen is nothing but a privilege on which Allah (SWT) stands glorified.
In excerpt, Allah (SWT) declares in the Glorious Qur'an that as a mankind, his creation is symbolic and it has a semblance of a seed passing through germination, on-boarding, flowering, fruit bearing and of course productivity. The inevitable stage sets in with downward trend of almost everything. Except for the ardent servants of Allah, dementia becomes incalculable. The travail of life as a whole should be devoid of acrimony and atrocity. It is only on that life at old age becomes suiting and relaxing. Above all, the period after climax is a time to return towards Allah in all ramifications.
Allah (SWT) in parable declares that: 'O mankind! if you have a doubt about the Resurrection, (consider) that We created you out of dust, then out of a leech-like clot, then out of a morsel of flesh, partly formed and partly unformed, in order that We may manifest (Out power) to you; and We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term, then do We bring you out as babes, then (foster you) that you may reach your ahe of full strength; and some of you are called to die, and some are sent back to the feeblest old age, so that they know nothing after having known (much). And (further), you see the earth barren and lifeless, but when We pour down rain on it, it is stirred (to life), it swells, and it puts forth every kind of beautiful growth (in pairs) (Qur'an 22:5)'.
This Ayah (verse) of the Glorious Qur'an is further interpreted by many Exegetes with much realistic dictates of life to the imagination of the Senior Citizens i.e 60 years old and above. In this case, this edition is out to treat us to modern day intricacies of the Ayah, even though it might be referential to Western and advance nations life style. Since there exists neither Eastern nor Western phase to knowledge of worth. This is the central theme of Sayyid Aliy bn Abi Talib's statement saying: 'Wisdom is a lost treasure of a Believer; he amasses it anywhere he finds it'.
A renown retired Professor of Harvard University coded the following points for the well being of Senior Citizen. Addressing mind to the following is important. They are: 1. Let not your children know the balance in your account where it observed that such children feel extremely entitled. This would forestall unnecessary jealous among them just as playing loose could send you to untimely grave and cause litigation in your absence. 2. Quarrel not with your spouse and that in case of any rift, try as much as possible to resolve it.
Further more, 3. Limit using your money to train grand child. This could be true where the real father is alive rather allow him to be grossly responsible. Else, he may become utterly ungrateful. 4. In case you happen to be living alone at this age, rush not to re-marrying but choose your freedom and be happy instead. In this respect, Islamic Scholars are not unanimous of remaining in solitary. 5.Holding on to your house is important. Rush not to sell your house for your comfort is essential for your refuge. 6. Learn to be independent from reliance on others but empathise with and show love to others. He calls this 'Crowl & Cushion' approach.
In addition, 7. If you must visit your children's place, spend not more than three days before coming back to your place. Keeping distance in this manner is to avoid causing them inconvenience. 8. When your child is married, ask not for too much to avoid being a burden on the child. Even if the Shari'ah concerns a child with the wholesome welfare of his parents when they get old and pray for them. This is treated with strict caution in the Western part of the globe where Islam is regarded as second class way of life. There is nothing in Islam preventing parents from staying under the same roof with a child for close monitoring.
Not only that, 9. Keeping not unresolved worry is as good as having emotional freedom. Being in bandage is a slow poison and it should be avoided. 10. A believer must realise his limit, should rest when necessary and should not walk himself into extinction. 11. Antithetical, he should not miss out life joy in entirety. Doing what makes him happy like recreation, gaming and travel. It enhances his health status. 12. Sleeping more and avoid staying up late is essential at old age.
More importantly, 13. Avoiding naive mistakes by interfering in children's romantic except when invited to do so. 14. Lending not money for giving it out is easy but retrieving such might be difficult if at all it comes back. Engage not in financial investment for income, it amounts to an error in relationship. Neither gamble nor bet at this age. 15. Engage not in harsh words, bear no grudges and always look naturally young and good. Being compassionate and fear not going older and being alone. Ask not anyone of his age, title and finances as it does matter as a number, happiness and achievement. Celebrate your joy and free yourself from unnecessary entanglement. These and the likes make a believer appreciate the blessing of Allah on him. Till we meet in another edition, Jum'at mubarakah.
©DR RAZAQ BOLAWAYE UTHMAN, IMAM & MISSIONER ANSAR-UD-DEEN SOCIETY OF NIGERIA IPAJA BRANCH LAGOS STATE NIGERIA.
2026
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