Hadith #4345

Bismillah, All praise is due to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

قَطيعةُ الرَّحِمِ تُزيلُ النِّعَمَ۔

which translates to

Cutting off ties with near relatives causes the cessation of blessings.

This Hadith highlights the importance of maintaining strong bonds with our close relatives, as severing these ties can lead to the loss of divine blessings.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "قَطيعةُ" refers to the act of cutting off or severing, while "الرَّحِمِ" refers to the ties of kinship or blood relations. The word "تُزيلُ" means to remove or eliminate, and "النِّعَمَ" refers to blessings or favors bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The importance of maintaining strong ties with our relatives is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:1),

And fear Allah through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

This verse reminds us to fear Allah and maintain the bonds of kinship, as He is the One who created these relationships and is aware of our actions towards our relatives.

Furthermore, in Surah Muhammad (47:22-23), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So, do you believe in part of the Scripture and disbelieve in part? Then what is the recompense for those who do that among you except disgrace in worldly life; and on the Day of Resurrection, they will be sent back to the severest of punishment. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.

These verses highlight the importance of adhering to the entire message of the Quran and not selectively following certain aspects. Neglecting the commandments regarding maintaining ties of kinship can lead to disgrace in this life and severe punishment in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize and nurture their relationships with their relatives. By doing so, we not only fulfill a religious obligation but also reap numerous benefits in this world and the Hereafter. Maintaining strong ties with our relatives fosters love, unity, and support within our families. It creates a sense of belonging and security, and it strengthens the fabric of society as a whole.

On the other hand, cutting off ties with our relatives can have severe consequences. It leads to the breakdown of family bonds, causing emotional pain and division. Moreover, severing these ties can result in the loss of divine blessings and the withdrawal of Allah's mercy from our lives. Our actions towards our relatives reflect our character and our commitment to the teachings of Islam. By neglecting our kinship responsibilities, we risk distancing ourselves from Allah's guidance and blessings.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to maintain strong ties with our relatives, even in challenging circumstances. We should reach out to them, show kindness, and forgive any grievances. By doing so, we not only fulfill a religious duty but also open the doors to abundant blessings and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us remember that our relationships with our relatives are a means of spiritual growth and a reflection of our faith in action.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to uphold the ties of kinship and shower us with His blessings in this life and the Hereafter. Ameen.