they too replied. They then stood there waiting for some space to be made for them, but no one offered them any space. The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم was hurt by this so he صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم made the ones sitting close to him move so that the companions of Badr could sit there. Those that were told to move found this difficult upon themselves. Then this verse was revealed: O believers! When you are told to make space (for your brothers to sit) in gatherings, so make space; Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will give you space (by giving you respect and prosperity); and when it is said, ‘Stand up (for Salah or Jihaad),’ then stand up; Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will raise the ranks of the (excellent) believers amongst you and those who have been given knowledge. And Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ is Aware of your deeds. (Tafseer Khaazin, part 28, Surah Mujaadalah, under the verse 11, vol. 4, p. 258, selected)

Honouring the righteous is a Sunnah of Mustafa

Dear Islamic brothers! From the cause of revelation of the aforementioned verse, we have come to learn that leaving a seat for the righteous people and to honour them is permissible, in fact it is a Sunnah, so much so that they will even be honoured in the Masjid. In the Hadith it has been commanded to honour Islamic leaders and teachers. (Tafseer Siraat-ul-Jinaan, part 28, Surah Al-Mujaadalah, under the verse 11, vol. 10, p. 45, selected) The Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has said: adopt humility before those from whom you acquire knowledge and those who you teach knowledge to, and do not become an obstinate scholar. (Al-Jami’-li-Akhlaq Al-Raawi, p. 230, Hadith 802)

Looking out for the old is beloved to Allah Almighty

Honouring old people and looking out for them is very beloved to Allah Almighty. The honourable Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said: honouring an old Muslim, honouring a memoriser of the Quran that does not exaggerate in the Quran beyond the limit and acts upon its commandments, and honouring a just king is included in honouring