Hadith #4338

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ جَفا أهْلَ رَحِمِهِ، فَقَدْ شانَ كَرَمَهُ۔

This Hadith highlights the importance of maintaining good relations with our relatives and the consequences of wronging them. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (jafa) "جَفَا" in Arabic means to wrong, harm, or mistreat someone. It refers to any action that causes pain, hurt, or injustice towards another person. The term (ahl al-rahmihi) "أهْلَ رَحِمِهِ" refers to one's near relatives, specifically those who are connected by blood ties. These include parents, siblings, children, and extended family members.

To understand the significance of maintaining good relations with our relatives, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of family ties in Surah An-Nisa, verse 1:

O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

This verse highlights the unity of the human race, as we all come from a single soul. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with our relatives, as they are connected to us through the "wombs" mentioned in the verse. Our relatives are a source of support, love, and guidance, and it is our duty to treat them with kindness and respect.

The consequences of wronging our near relatives are severe, as mentioned in the Hadith. By mistreating our relatives, we not only harm them but also bring disgrace upon ourselves. Our honor and dignity are intertwined with how we treat our family members. When we wrong them, we tarnish our own character and reputation.

To further understand the gravity of this matter, we can refer to Surah Al-Isra, verse 23:

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating our parents with kindness and respect. It teaches us that even a slight expression of annoyance towards our parents is discouraged. If such care and respect are expected towards our parents, who hold the highest status in our lives, then it is even more essential to extend this behavior to our other relatives.

By maintaining good relations with our near relatives, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims but also reap numerous benefits. Strong family ties create a sense of belonging, love, and support. They provide a foundation of stability and unity within society. Moreover, treating our relatives well sets an example for others and encourages them to do the same.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of maintaining good relations with our relatives. By doing so, we uphold our own honor and dignity while fostering a harmonious and compassionate society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to treat their near relatives with kindness and respect. It highlights the consequences of wronging our family members and emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong family ties. By following this guidance, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to uphold these principles in our lives.