‘Lessons for Life’ – Respect and Affection

LESSONS FOR LIFE – Respect and Affection

Iman Sadiq (a.s) says :

لَيْسَ مِنَّا مَنْ لَمْ يُوَفَّرْ كَبِيرَنَا وَ لَمْ يَرْحَمْ صَغيرَنَا

‘One who does not respect the adults and does not display affection to the children, does not belong to us’.

Brief description

Human societies are comprised of people who are all continually evolving and progressing through life’s many stages. Infants are born, children grow up, adults become old, and the elderly die. No-one is exempt from journeying through the perpetually moving wheel of life.

Adults are usually more experienced, insightful and productive in societies than children. They usually contribute their skills, time, and aptitude to enhance and further the welfare of a society. Hence, it is natural and appropriate that they should be respected, particularly by the youth who grow and thrive within families and societies designed, developed and maintained by adults.

Whilst adults are the pillars upon which a strong and stable society is built, children are the light and hope upon which a society’s future depends. Hence, children should be nurtured and guided with love, wisdom, and gentle care so that they grow into mature and upright adults who will then further advance the well-being of a society.

A healthy and progressive society is predicated on both honouring the role and contributions of adults and lovingly nurturing the potential and skills of children. Hence, love and respect are integral to maintaining healthy relationships and furthering the well-being and advancement of all members within a society.