By: Qari Usama bin Abdul Salam
In the Shari‘ah, an elderly man is generally expected to have dignity, wisdom, and a greater sense of turning back to Allah. This is because he has experienced the world and is closer to meeting his Lord. However, if in old age he still carries bad morals, he is counted among the worst of Allah’s creation.
The Prophet ﷺ specifically condemned elderly people who fail to respect the demands of their age.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"ثَلاثَةٌ لا يُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللَّهُ يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ، ولا يُزَكِّيهِمْ، ولهم عَذابٌ أَلِيمٌ: شيخٌ زانٍ، ومَلِكٌ كَذَّابٌ، وعائلٌ مُسْتَكْبِرٌ"
(Narrated by Muslim, Hadith 107)
Translation:
"There are three people whom Allah will neither speak to on the Day of Judgment, nor purify them, and for them is a painful punishment:
① An old man who commits fornication,
② A lying king,
③ A poor man who is arrogant."
① An old man who commits fornication (شَيْخٌ زَانٍ)
② An old man who is arrogant
③ An old man who lies or oppresses
④ An old man who remains heedless of religion
⑤ An old man who is shameless
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"من شابَ شيبةً في الإسلامِ كانت له نورًا يومَ القيامةِ"
Translation:
"Whoever’s hair turns white in Islam, it will be light for him on the Day of Judgment."
(Tirmidhi)
An old man who is adulterous, arrogant, a liar, a sinner, heedless of Allah, and shameless — is counted among the worst of Allah’s creation. His age calls him to piety, wisdom, and goodness, yet he chooses the path of Shaytan.
Expectation from Old Age in Islam
In the Shari‘ah, an elderly man is generally expected to have dignity, wisdom, and a greater sense of turning back to Allah. This is because he has experienced the world and is closer to meeting his Lord. However, if in old age he still carries bad morals, he is counted among the worst of Allah’s creation.
The Prophet ﷺ specifically condemned elderly people who fail to respect the demands of their age.
The Old Man Who Is Among the Worst of Allah’s Creation
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"ثَلاثَةٌ لا يُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللَّهُ يَوْمَ القِيَامَةِ، ولا يُزَكِّيهِمْ، ولهم عَذابٌ أَلِيمٌ: شيخٌ زانٍ، ومَلِكٌ كَذَّابٌ، وعائلٌ مُسْتَكْبِرٌ"
(Narrated by Muslim, Hadith 107)
Translation:
"There are three people whom Allah will neither speak to on the Day of Judgment, nor purify them, and for them is a painful punishment:
① An old man who commits fornication,
② A lying king,
③ A poor man who is arrogant."
Lessons from the Hadith
① An old man who commits fornication (شَيْخٌ زَانٍ)
- In youth, the dominance of desire is understood, but in old age, if a man still follows his lusts, his character is among the worst.
- This is even more disgraceful because age should bring more taqwa and fear of Allah.
② An old man who is arrogant
- If an elderly person becomes proud due to wealth, experience, or knowledge and looks down upon others, he is severely disliked in the sight of Allah.
③ An old man who lies or oppresses
- If in his old age, he lies for personal gain, abuses his power, or commits injustice towards his children, wife, or community, he is also among the worst people.
④ An old man who remains heedless of religion
- When death is near, yet he is neglectful of Allah’s remembrance, abandons prayer, and continues in sin, he wrongs himself and his family.
⑤ An old man who is shameless
- If in old age he is still indecent in speech, stares at women, pursues immorality — he is not only sinful but also dangerous for society.
In Contrast: The Praiseworthy Old Man
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"من شابَ شيبةً في الإسلامِ كانت له نورًا يومَ القيامةِ"
Translation:
"Whoever’s hair turns white in Islam, it will be light for him on the Day of Judgment."
(Tirmidhi)
Conclusion
An old man who is adulterous, arrogant, a liar, a sinner, heedless of Allah, and shameless — is counted among the worst of Allah’s creation. His age calls him to piety, wisdom, and goodness, yet he chooses the path of Shaytan.
