Abu dhabi: The Muslim Council of Elders, under the leadership of His Eminence Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasized the significance of celebrating the International Day of Older Persons on October 1. The council highlighted that this day serves as more than just a symbolic event, but rather as a reminder of the high regard in which older individuals are held. It is an opportunity to honor their lifelong contributions and recognize their essential role in society-building, nurturing generations, and upholding cultural values.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Council released a statement on its website to commemorate the occasion, stressing that Islam grants a high and respectful status to the elderly. The Muslim Council of Elders underlined the necessity of preserving the dignity of older persons, viewing them as the living memory of humanity and the custodians of its identity and collective wisdom. The statement highlighted the importance of passing down wisdom and experience across generations to fortify societies during crises and to lay the foundation for a balanced and resilient future. The Council called for laws and policies ensuring a dignified life for the elderly, with access to comprehensive health, social, and psychological care, as well as programs that encourage their active participation in community life.
Furthermore, the Muslim Council of Elders reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights of older persons. Earlier in May, in collaboration with the Catholic Church and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the Council launched a global document supporting the dignity and rights of older persons. This initiative aims to create a unified vision to bolster collective efforts to support the elderly, protect them from discrimination, abuse, exploitation, and neglect, and provide effective remedies for any violations. The initiative also seeks to empower older individuals to make informed decisions for themselves and their families, and to ensure they have access to high-quality healthcare that caters to their needs and respects their preferences.