In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

Good manners [or etiquettes] is a necessity in the path of seeking knowledge, and [when dealing with] the scholars and elders. It was said to king Abdul Azeez [rahimahullaah]: How do you view the people? He said, “The people in my view are three types: a man who is older than me, so he is placed in my father’s position; a man who is in my age group, so he is placed in my brother’s position, and a man who is younger than me, so he is like my son.’’

Therefore, a Muslim behaves towards his brothers in this manner- he places the people in these different categories. The student of knowledge should respect the elders, honour his contemporaries and shows mercy to those below his age. The one who is old in age is like his father, the one in his age group is like his brother and the one below him in age is like his son.

Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ page 123. abridged and slightly paraphrased