Companions رَضِیَ اللهُ عَنْهُم, once stated: Explain what kind of tree has leaves which do not fall, and is the example of a Muslim.

The son of Sayyiduna Umar Farooq-e-A’zam رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ, Sayyiduna Abdullah Bin Umar رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ was present during this, and he states: The answer which arose in my heart was the date tree, but I did not consider it suitable to reply in the company of other prestigiously honourable Companions, so I remained silent. Then, the Messenger of Allah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم himself stated the answer, that it indeed was the date tree. Upon returning, I mentioned to my father, Sayyiduna Umar Farooq-e-A’zam رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ concerning the answer to the question. I explained how I indeed knew the answer to the question, but out of respect and admiration for other Companions, I remained silent. (Tirmizi, vol. 4, p. 394, Hadith 2874)

This is indication of the honour and respect the honourable Companions رَضِیَ اللهُ عَنْهُم would treat their elders with, and their high level of knowledge in these matters. Despite knowing what to say, out of respect for their elders they would not present their answer, as to not deface the elder’s honour or embarrass them. They would even consider the act of speaking in an elder's presence, to be disrespectful! Such was their level of honour and manners.

But sadly, nowadays, the love and respect between young and old is not in this state. Examples of such modesty between young and old are seen few and far between. There is no affection from the elders towards the young, and no respect from the young towards the old.

Oh, devotees of the Messenger! Do you know why good sentiments between young and old have ceased to exist? Why does nobody respect one another, why do the young not have kindness towards the elderly or respect any elder figure? Why do those in higher positions not have affection and kindness on those below them? The central,