Hadith #4347

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

لَيْسَ لِقاطِعِ رَحِم قَريبٌ۔

This can be translated as,

No one is considered close by the one who cuts off ties with his near relatives.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of maintaining strong and loving relationships with our family members, especially our close relatives.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The term "قاطِعِ رَحِم" refers to someone who severs or cuts off the ties of kinship. This includes neglecting or abandoning one's relatives, failing to maintain regular contact, and refusing to fulfill their rights and obligations. On the other hand, "قَرِيبٌ" refers to someone who is close or near, indicating the close familial relationship that exists between individuals.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong ties with our relatives in multiple verses. 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...

This verse highlights the obligation to do good to our parents and relatives, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong family bonds.

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 highlight the importance of showing kindness, respect, and compassion towards our parents, which extends to our relatives as well. By maintaining strong ties with our relatives, we fulfill our duty towards them and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that cutting off ties with our near relatives not only distances us from them but also distances us from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we sever these bonds, we lose the opportunity to benefit from the blessings and rewards that come with maintaining strong family relationships.

Moreover, cutting off ties with our relatives can have severe consequences on our own well-being and the well-being of society as a whole. It leads to division, animosity, and a breakdown of the social fabric. By contrast, maintaining strong family ties fosters love, unity, and support within the community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying serves as a powerful motivation for us to actively nurture and strengthen our relationships with our near relatives. It encourages us to reach out, show kindness, and fulfill our responsibilities towards them. By doing so, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also contribute to the well-being and harmony of our families and communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of maintaining strong ties with our near relatives. It highlights the significance of fulfilling our responsibilities towards them and the consequences of neglecting these relationships. By following the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive to strengthen our family bonds and create a more loving and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in this endeavor.