Showing mercy to the young and honoring the rights of elders was the Prophet's counsel.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) declared that whoever does not show mercy to the young and does not honor the rights of elders is not one of us. To a man who, upon seeing him kiss his grandson Hasan, said that he had never kissed any of his ten children, he replied that whoever shows no mercy will receive none. When he came upon children at play he would sometimes greet them, and when the first fruit of the season was brought to him he would give it to the youngest child present. Balance and respect between the generations is among the most basic requirements of a healthy society.
What is the hadith source of this sunnah?
This sunnah rests on the following hadiths. The reference gives the collection, chapter and number where the hadith appears.
- D4943 Ebû Dâvûd, Edeb, 58.
- D4943 Ebû Dâvûd, Edeb, 58 .
- M6028 Müslim, Fedâil, 65.
- M3335 Müslim, Hac, 474 .
- M6378 Müslim, Fedâilü's-sahâbe, 145
More sunnahs in Everyday Courtesy
As a table with references: Everyday Courtesy sunnahs.
- Alhamdulillah When Sneezing: Saying "Alhamdulillah" when you sneeze is a short remembrance the Prophet taught.
- A Smile Is Charity: Smiling at your brother's face is charity. The Prophet's own laughter was a smile.
- Removing an Obstacle from the Road: Removing something harmful from the road is charity.
- Answering an Invitation: Going where you are invited is a sunnah that gladdens the one who invited you.
- Turning with the Whole Body: When turning to someone, turning your whole body and not just your head shows them your full attention.
- Asking Permission Before Entering: Giving the greeting and asking permission before entering a door is a fine lesson in the etiquette of the sunnah.
- Suppressing a Yawn: When a yawn comes during prayer, holding it back as much as one can was the Prophet's counsel.
- Being Self-Sufficient: Meeting your own needs without asking anything of others is safeguarding your dignity.
- Bismillah in Daily Tasks: Remembering Allah's name while closing a door and in daily tasks is beginning one's work with Bismillah.
- Walking with Purpose: Walking with quick, decided steps and a slight forward lean was the Prophet's way of walking.
- Running and Sport: On a journey, the Prophet raced on foot with his wife Aisha.
- Not Judging by Appearance: Allah looks not at forms and wealth but at hearts and deeds. Judge no one by appearance.