What is the meaning of the hadith: “We are not from one who does not honor our elder, show mercy to our young one, and recognize the virtue of our scholar . . . . . .”?

The Shaykh : This is one point, and a second point: the professor, may Allah reward him with good, has been going on at length about the meaning of a hadith, expounding on this meaning. So I remind you of it to balance the scales, so to speak. It is his saying (peace and blessings be upon him):

The Shaykh : Just as it is obligatory for the elder to show mercy to the young, it is obligatory for the young to show mercy to the elder. By “elder” is meant, first and foremost, the one advanced in age, then it includes the one who is described as an elder by age and who also possesses some knowledge. In that case, it is obligatory for the others to combine honoring him with acknowledging the virtue of his knowledge . And before answering the questions, which as you see are numerous, and praise be to Allah, this is what compels us to gather with those like these thirsty for knowledge, often and very often. I ask Allah (Mighty and Majestic) to grant us and the professor success in gathering with those like you often and very often. Just now, when our brothers were sitting scattered in this large hall—and I hope Allah (Mighty and Majestic) will fill it with believers who are thirsty for correct knowledge—a thought occurred to me, and I have often pointed out something like this: that they should sit close to one another and cluster together. One of our brothers present noticed this good sunnah, so he brought a cushion and moved forward with it. The people began to follow him in this good sunnah. On this occasion, I recalled the authentic hadith that the masses of people misunderstand, especially in this time,The student : ...for sound knowledge. A thought occurred to me, and I have often pointed out something like it: that it is recommended for some of them to sit close to one another and to be compact; so one of our brothers present, observing this good sunnah, brought a mattress and moved forward with it, and the people began to follow him in this good sunnah. On this occasion, I recalled the authentic hadith that the majority of people misunderstand, especially in this time.