Old Age Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) Reference: The Great Muslim Scientist and Philosopher, Jafar As-Sadiq

Two types of diseases Jaber asked: “Why do we get old?” Imam Sadiq replied: “Diseases are of two kinds: Acute and chronic. Acute:- These diseases come all of a sudden. They are either cured or they kill the patients. Chronic:- These diseases are also of two kinds: 2(i) Some of them have a prolonged life. 2(ii) Some are incurable. Old age is a chronic disease, which is incurable.”

A Benefit of following the commands of Allah Jaber said: “It is the first time I hear from you that old age is a kind of chronic disease.” Imam said: “All of us suffer from this disease.” “Some at an early age and some at an advanced age.” “People who obey the commands of Allah and abstain from the things prescribed under the Islamic code, take a long time to age, but others get old soon.”

Do we become childish in old age? Jaber asked: “Why do we become dull minded and childish in our old age?” Imam replied: “It is not a general rule. Everyone does not become dull minded in his old age.” “Some people are dull minded and stupid when they are young, but because of their blooming age no one takes much notice of their stupidity. But as they grow older it becomes apparent and noticeable.” “Those people who are intelligent and wise when they are young, remain so in their old age. However, they do not retain physical strength of their youth. The store of knowledge of the learned people may not be very big when they are young, but increases with age and becomes very big in old age.” “Moreover, in old age, their wits become sharper, views become balanced, and judgement becomes impartial. They always side and support the just cause.”

Do we become forgetful in old age? Jaber asked: “It is said that we become forgetful in our old age. Is it a general rule?” Imam replied: “No. Its not the old age which makes one forgetful.” “It is the decrease in the power of memory. The power of memory is just like any other power of human body. Every power, which is not used, becomes weak. A young man, who does not use his memory, becomes forgetful.”

Factors which can cause forgetfulness in old age Imam continued: “Old people will become forgetful if: they confine themselves within the four walls of their houses, do not pay any attention to their environment, do not take any notice of the events and happenings of the world, and add nothing to their reservoir of memory.” “These people start losing gradually what they had stored in their memory till they forget everything!” “Sometimes they do not even recognise their own grandchildren!” “But a person, who does not let the weakness of old age deteriorate his power of memory, will find that his memory is even stronger compared to when he was young.” “Since he has been using his memory throughout his whole life, he finds it at its zenith in his old age.” Hence, it is important that we continue to use our memory, keep learning and remain active even in our old age.