Hadith #4326

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and upon his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Keeping ties with near relatives makes blessings flow forth and repels calamities.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong relationships with our relatives and the profound impact it has on our lives.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. (silat al-rahim) "صِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ" refers to maintaining and nurturing the ties of kinship. (tudirru) "تُدِرُّ" means to cause something to flow forth abundantly, while (tadfa'u) "تَدْفَعُ" means to repel or ward off. (ni'am) "النِّعَمَ" signifies blessings, and (niqam) "النِّقَمَ" refers to calamities or misfortunes.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of maintaining family ties in several verses. In Surah An-Nisa (4:1), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands Muslims to

maintain the ties of kinship.

This indicates that maintaining family relationships is not only a social obligation but also a religious duty.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also promises abundant blessings for those who uphold the ties of kinship. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of maintaining strong family ties as a means of seeking Allah's support and sustenance.

Furthermore, the Quran warns of the consequences of severing family ties. In Surah Muhammad (47:22-23), Allah 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.

This verse serves as a reminder that neglecting family ties can lead to disgrace and punishment in this life and the hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can see the profound impact that maintaining family ties has on our lives. When we actively nurture and strengthen our relationships with our relatives, we create an environment of love, support, and unity. This positive energy flows forth and brings blessings into our lives. These blessings can manifest in various forms, such as increased happiness, contentment, and success in our endeavors.

On the other hand, severing family ties can have dire consequences. It creates a void in our lives, leading to feelings of loneliness, bitterness, and regret. Moreover, cutting off family relationships can attract calamities and misfortunes. This is because maintaining family ties is a means of seeking Allah's mercy and protection. When we sever these ties, we distance ourselves from His blessings and expose ourselves to the trials and tribulations of life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound wisdom in this Hadith urges us to prioritize and cherish our family relationships. By doing so, we not only strengthen the fabric of our society but also invite the abundant blessings of Allah into our lives. Let us strive to maintain strong ties with our near relatives, seeking to spread love, harmony, and compassion within our families. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in fulfilling this important duty and grant us the wisdom to navigate the challenges that may arise.