Chapter 5.3. Walking With The Elderly

To illustrate this point, I will cite jurist 'Ali bin Mubarak Al-Karkhi (487H), who studied under Imam, Abi Y'ala Al-Hanbali, himself a jurist and judge and the chief Shaikh of the Hanbali School of Law: 'One day, Judge Abu 'Yala said to me, while walking with him: 'If you walked with someone you honour, where would you walk?' I said: 'I do not know.' He said, 'Walk to his right. Place him at the position of Imam in the prayer. Leave his left side clear in case he needs to spit or to get rid of dirt.'

An interesting story in this regard happened among three Muslim scholars. They were Judge Ahmad bin Omar bin Suriah (249-306 A.H.), Faqih Mohammad bin Dawood Al-Zaheri (255 - 297 A.H.), and Linguist Naftawih (244-323 A.H.). They were walking along together when they came to a very narrow passageway, and each wanted the other to go ahead. Ibn Suraih said, 'A narrow street brings ill manners.' Ibn Dawood responded, 'Though it points out status.' Naftawih said, 'When friendship prevails, formalities disappear.'

The story does not tell who went ahead of the others, but it is likely that it was Ahmad bin Suriah since he was a judge and a prominent Imam at the time and ranked above his two companions. He may have said 'A narrow street rings ill manners' apologizing out of politeness for going ahead. He could not have said it if any of the two moved ahead since that would have been impolite. There is a possibility that Naftawih went ahead since his words could be an apology for doing that since he is the least ranked. It is just wonderful to see such perfect behaviour and nice apologies.

• The Elderly Are To Lead Prayers
• The Elderly Are To Be Served First

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