With regard to the article "Old people's homes in Jeddah dilapidated, neglected" (Apr. 3), the Holy Qur'an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) make it absolutely clear how people should treat their parents. The treatment of the elderly is the foundation on which the future of any civilization stands. Its prosperity, growth, health, culture and its strength are all dependent on this single most important factor. The greatest affliction of the elderly, especially after the death of a spouse, is loneliness which is a killer of the body, mind and soul. The bottom line is that old people's homes are an anathema to Islam. Muhammad Sarmad Alamgir Dar., Online response