*    Avoiding walking ahead of them.

*    Addressing them with respectful titles rather than just their names.

*    Keeping our voice low in their presence.

*    Valuing their opinions and taking their advice seriously.

In short, we should consider our elders as deserving of respect in all situations, keeping them in a position of honour and always prioritising them.

5. Following the Sunna

Dear Islamic brothers! Another virtuous deed that earns one the companionship of the Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم in Paradise, is acting upon his blessed Sunna.

In a hadith, the Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم advised Anas رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ:

O my son! If you are able, make your mornings and evenings such that there is no malice in your heart towards anyone. O my son! ذٰلِكَ مِنْ سُنَّتِيْ - This is from my Sunnah. وَمَنْ اَحْيَا سُنَّتِيْ فَقَدْ اَحَبَّنِيْ، وَمَنْ اَحَبَّنِيْ كَانَ مَعِيَ فِي الْجَنَّةِ And whoever revives my Sunna has loved me, and whoever loved me will be with me in Paradise.”^[1]

Mufti Aḥmad Yār Khan NaꜤīmī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه explains this teaching of the Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, “Let there be no malice in your heart,” in the following way:

Having a pure heart, free from grudges in worldly matters towards one’s Muslim brothers. Such purity invites the lights of Medina into one’s heart. A tarnished mirror and a polluted heart cannot reflect honour. Just as performing physical Sunna