Hadith #4340

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

في صِلَةِ الرَّحِمِ حِراسَةُ النِّعَمِ۔

This can be translated as,

In keeping ties with near relatives there is the safeguarding of blessings.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (silah) "صِلَةِ" refers to maintaining and strengthening the bonds of kinship. It encompasses maintaining relationships with one's immediate and extended family, showing kindness, love, and support to them. The word (rahim) "الرَّحِمِ" specifically refers to the womb, indicating the importance of maintaining ties with one's relatives, including parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The Hadith emphasizes that by maintaining these family ties, we are safeguarding blessings. This implies that there are numerous benefits and rewards associated with fulfilling this duty. Let us explore the Quranic verses that support this concept.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:36),

Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.

This verse highlights the importance of being kind and doing good to relatives, along with other categories of people deserving our care and support.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'

These verses emphasize the importance of honoring and respecting parents, which extends to the broader concept of maintaining ties with relatives.

The Quran also highlights the consequences of severing family ties. In Surah Muhammad (47:22-23), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So, is it other than the religion of Allah they desire, while to Him have submitted [all] those within the heavens and earth, willingly or by compulsion, and to Him they will be returned? Say, 'Have you considered: if Allah should make for you the night continuous until the Day of Resurrection, what deity other than Allah could bring you light? Then will you not hear?'

These verses remind us that our ultimate return is to Allah, and if we sever family ties, we are deviating from the religion of Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to maintain ties with our relatives because it is through these relationships that we safeguard blessings. By nurturing these connections, we create an environment of love, support, and unity within our families. This leads to the preservation of peace, harmony, and the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah.

When we maintain ties with our relatives, we strengthen the fabric of society as a whole. We foster a sense of belonging and unity, which is essential for the well-being and progress of any community. By fulfilling this duty, we also follow the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions, who emphasized the importance of maintaining family ties.

Moreover, maintaining ties with our relatives has profound spiritual benefits. It purifies our hearts, increases our empathy, and strengthens our character. It teaches us patience, forgiveness, and compassion. It is through these qualities that we attain closeness to Allah and seek His pleasure.

Conversely, severing family ties leads to numerous negative consequences. It creates divisions, animosity, and resentment within families. It weakens the social fabric and erodes the bonds of love and support. It also distances us from the teachings of Islam and the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize and nurture their family relationships. By maintaining ties with our relatives, we not only safeguard the blessings bestowed upon us but also contribute to the well-being of our families and society as a whole. Let us strive to emulate the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by fostering love, compassion, and unity within our families. May Allah guide us all to fulfill this important duty and bless us with strong and harmonious family bonds.