Why is there No-Retirement age ISLAM by Maulana Syed

Jummah Khutbah Excerpts (1st November 2024):
In Duʿāʾ Makārim al-Akhlāq, attributed to Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS), the fourth Shia Imam, age is presented as insignificant when compared to the cultivation of virtuous character (akhlaq) and sincere devotion to Allah. This supplication, found in Sahifa Sajjadiya, emphasizes the primacy of ethical refinement, humility, and spiritual growth over physical or worldly attributes, including age.
Why Age Does Not Matter in Duʿāʾ Makārim al-Akhlāq:
Focus on Inner Growth, Not External Attributes: Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS) prays for Allah to guide him to the highest virtues and noble traits, such as:
"O Allah, bless Muhammad and his Household and make my faith reach the most complete faith, and make my certainty the most excellent certainty."
(Sahifa Sajjadiya, Duʿāʾ Makārim al-Akhlāq)
This demonstrates that spiritual completion is independent of one's physical age. Instead, it is tied to faith (iman) and certainty (yaqin), which can be attained by individuals at any stage of life.
Request for Refinement of Akhlaq: The Imam repeatedly asks for refinement in character traits like humility, patience, and gratitude, rather than focusing on external or age-related factors:
"And raise me not a single degree before the people unless You have lowered me an equal amount in myself."
(Sahifa Sajjadiya, Duʿāʾ Makārim al-Akhlāq)
This shows that one's worth is tied to humility and the quality of their soul, not the number of years they have lived.
Equal Opportunity for Spiritual Excellence: The supplication underlines the fact that Allah’s mercy, guidance, and opportunities for attaining excellence are accessible to all, regardless of age. It encourages believers to strive for perfection in moral and spiritual conduct, as mentioned:
"And let me live as long as my life is a free gift in obeying You, but if my life should become a pasture for Shaytan, seize me to Yourself."
(Sahifa Sajjadiya, Duʿāʾ Makārim al-Akhlāq)
Here, the Imam indicates that the value of life lies not in its duration but in how it is spent in obedience to Allah and away from sinful influences.
Youth and Old Age Are Opportunities Alike: The Duʿāʾ teaches that both youth and old age are merely phases in the test of life. Imam Sajjad (AS) prays for:
Strength to remain virtuous in youth.
Gratitude for past blessings in old age.
These invocations suggest that the quality of one’s actions matters more than their temporal state.
Universal Relevance of Virtue: The invocation to Allah for traits like contentment, reliance upon Him, and good behavior applies universally, transcending age. The Imam’s repeated emphasis on achieving "the most noble of morals" implies that personal development is a lifelong endeavor, not bound to a particular stage of life.
Conclusion:
In Duʿāʾ Makārim al-Akhlāq, Imam Sajjad (AS) underscores the idea that age is secondary to the cultivation of virtue, faith, and obedience to Allah. Whether young or old, what truly matters is the sincerity of one's devotion and the effort to achieve spiritual and ethical perfection.