بزرگوں کی نگہداشت کے اسلامی اور مغربی تصورات: ایک تقابلی و تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Abstract

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا [i]

Human civilization currently faces a profound paradigm shift regarding the treatment of its aging population. Modern Western frameworks evaluate elderly individuals predominantly through the lens of economic productivity and utilitarianism. This materialistic philosophy isolates the aged, systematically shifting their care from the familial sphere to commercialized institutions like old age homes. Such institutionalization triggers severe social death, stripping the elderly of emotional warmth and existential purpose. The Islamic epistemological worldview presents a radically different foundation for elderly care. Aging is recognized as a period of immense spiritual reverence rather than a phase of economic burden. Caring for the elderly, especially parents, is an uncompromising legal and moral obligation intertwined with divine worship. The Prophetic teachings position the elderly as anchors of familial blessings and societal stability. This study analytically compares these two divergent concepts. It examines classical Islamic jurisprudence and modern sociological theories to dissect the psychological and ethical consequences of Western institutional care. The research establishes that the Islamic Kafalah system, which mandates physical proximity and deep emotional engagement, offers a superior, humane alternative. Developing hybrid models like adult daycare and reviving state-funded Bait-ul-Mal initiatives provides a pragmatic Shariah-compliant solution to contemporary urbanization challenges. These measures ensure dignity for the elderly without dismantling the sacred family unit.

[i] Al-Isra, 17:23