Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمه الله)
Chapter: Standing for Elders and the Virtuous as a Mark of Respect
He reported:
"When the people of Banu Qurayza accepted the judgment of Sa'd bin Mu'adh, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent for him. Sa'd came riding on a donkey, and when he approached, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Stand for your leader.' "
[Agreed upon: Bukhari (3043), Muslim (1768)]
❀ Narration by Ka'b bin Malik (رضي الله عنه):
He narrated the story of his repentance during the Tabuk expedition and said:
"When I received the glad tidings of acceptance of my repentance, I went to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). People came to meet me in groups, congratulating me on Allah's acceptance of my repentance. When I entered the mosque, Talha bin Ubaidullah (رضي الله عنه) came running toward me, shook my hand, and congratulated me. None of the other Muhajirun stood to greet me except him, and I will never forget this act of Talha."
[Agreed upon: Bukhari (4418), Muslim (2769)]
❀ Narration by Aisha (رضي الله عنها):
Chapter: Standing for Elders and the Virtuous as a Mark of Respect
The Permissibility of Standing in Honor for Respectful Reasons
In Islamic teachings, standing as a form of respect for elders, leaders, or virtuous individuals is permissible when done out of courtesy and honor, not as an act of veneration or excessive reverence.Examples from Hadith
❀ Narration by Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (رضي الله عنه):He reported:
"When the people of Banu Qurayza accepted the judgment of Sa'd bin Mu'adh, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent for him. Sa'd came riding on a donkey, and when he approached, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Stand for your leader.' "
[Agreed upon: Bukhari (3043), Muslim (1768)]
❀ Narration by Ka'b bin Malik (رضي الله عنه):
He narrated the story of his repentance during the Tabuk expedition and said:
"When I received the glad tidings of acceptance of my repentance, I went to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). People came to meet me in groups, congratulating me on Allah's acceptance of my repentance. When I entered the mosque, Talha bin Ubaidullah (رضي الله عنه) came running toward me, shook my hand, and congratulated me. None of the other Muhajirun stood to greet me except him, and I will never forget this act of Talha."
[Agreed upon: Bukhari (4418), Muslim (2769)]
❀ Narration by Aisha (رضي الله عنها):
She reported:
"I have not seen anyone more similar in demeanor, character, and conduct to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) than Fatimah, the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). When she would come to him, he would stand for her, kiss her, and seat her in his place. Similarly, when he visited her, she would stand, kiss him, and seat him in her place."
[Sahih: Tirmidhi (3272), Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad (947)]
Key Lessons
- Permissibility of Respectful Standing:
- Standing for someone as a mark of respect is permissible when it does not involve excessive veneration or arrogance.
- It is a gesture of honoring relationships, celebrating achievements, or welcoming someone.
- Balance in Respect:
- While standing for respect is allowed, it should not become a habitual practice leading to arrogance, nor should it mimic customs of excessive reverence resembling worship.
- Prophetic Example:
- The Prophet (ﷺ) demonstrated the practice of standing out of love and respect, as seen in his interaction with his daughter Fatimah (رضي الله عنها).
- Congratulating and Welcoming:
- Standing to welcome someone, especially after a significant achievement or event, is encouraged, as shown in the case of Talha (رضي الله عنه) standing for Ka'b (رضي الله عنه).