“We have to respect our elders. We have to listen to our elders. We have to do good deeds. This is what it says in the Qur’an.” – Maliha

Lessons from the Qur’an

Respect Our Elders

Kate: Maliha, do you feel part of why you’re able to take such good care of people is because of your faith and practice?

Maliha: Yes, because in the Qur’an it says you have to take care of people if they need help.

We have to respect our elders. We have to listen to our elders. We have to do good deeds. This is what it says in the Qur’an. We have to follow that direction and lead our life according to the Qur’an. That’s really important.

A Good Word Is Like a Good Tree

Do you not see how Allah presents a parable?
A good word is like a good tree –
its roots are firm,
and its branches reach the sky.
— Surah Ibrahim 14:24

Also, in my religion it says we shouldn’t say bad or harsh words to other people, especially older people.

And, actually even younger people — even if they are younger than you, don’t say anything unkind; don’t yell or raise your voice. The Qur’an prohibits yelling of any kind — even parents yelling at their children when disciplining them — this is not allowed.

We are only supposed to act with love and affection. And we are never to speak angry words with anyone. We are supposed to speak softly and slowly, to use a gentle voice with others.

Live & Work with Honesty & Honor

“We have to put [our elders’] needs before our own.” – Maliha

And another thing that is very important — you have to be honest and honorable with other people. Honesty and integrity are two very important teachings from the Qur’an.

Kate: Maliha, if you were going to give someone who was just starting out as a caregiver advice for their first day, what would you say?

Maliha: The advice I would give them is to be nice to our friends, to help them, to be honest with them. If you are honest and honorable and respect our friends, I think that’s very important.

Kate: Why are honesty and respect and being honorable so important?

Maliha: We have to honor and respect our patient. Whatever he asks or she asks, we have to do for them. We are here to take care of him or her so that he is or she is happy.

We have to make sure they are comfortable. We have to be honest. We have to be honorable. We have to be caring. We have to be respectful. We have to put their needs before our own.

More from Coral Tree

• Gratitude for Our Caregivers: Mother Maliha
• The Poetry, Magnificence & Power of the Qu’ran, an excerpt from an interview with Karen Armstrong
• A Coral Tree Life Lesson from Desmond Tutu: Parenthood Is a Constant Practice of Forgiveness
• A Coral Tree Life Lesson from Our Friend Bob: Practice Patience & Trust
• Coral Tree Life Lesson # 1: Wisdom from Our Friend Doris
• Care Conversations | 9 Reasons Families Choose Caregivers at Home