Hadith #4328

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

صِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ مَنْماةٌ لِلْعَدَدِ مَثْراةٌ لِلنِّعَمِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining ties with our near relatives. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (silah) "صِلَةُ" refers to maintaining and strengthening the bonds of kinship. It encompasses acts of kindness, love, and support towards our relatives, whether they are close or distant. It is a comprehensive term that includes both physical and emotional connections.

The term (rahim) "الرَّحِمِ" refers to the womb and, by extension, to our relatives. It signifies the deep connection and shared lineage that we have with our family members. It is through the rahim that we are all connected, and it is this connection that we must nurture and cherish.

The phrase (manmaatun lil'adad) "مَنْماةٌ لِلْعَدَدِ" means that maintaining ties with our relatives leads to an increase in our numbers. This can be understood in both a literal and metaphorical sense. On a literal level, when we maintain strong family ties, our families grow in numbers through marriages, births, and the expansion of our family tree. On a metaphorical level, it refers to the increase in blessings and goodness that comes from maintaining these connections.

The phrase (mathraatun linni'am) "مَثْراةٌ لِلنِّعَمِ" means that maintaining ties with our relatives multiplies the blessings in our lives. This refers to the abundant blessings and favors that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon those who uphold the ties of kinship. By maintaining these connections, we open ourselves up to a multitude of blessings, both in this world and in the Hereafter.

The importance of maintaining ties with our relatives is emphasized in the Quran. 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 to maintain the ties of kinship, as He is always watching over our actions.

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 treating our parents with kindness and respect, which extends to our other relatives as well. By fulfilling our obligations towards our parents and maintaining good relations with our relatives, we are following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Maintaining ties with our near relatives has numerous benefits. It fosters a sense of unity and solidarity within the family, creating a support system that can help us navigate the challenges of life. It also strengthens the bonds of love and affection, leading to a more harmonious and peaceful family environment.

Additionally, maintaining ties with our relatives allows us to fulfill our social and moral responsibilities. It is a means of showing gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for the blessings of family and lineage. It also serves as a means of preserving our heritage and culture, passing down traditions, and maintaining a sense of identity.

Neglecting the ties of kinship, on the other hand, can have detrimental consequences. It can lead to estrangement, resentment, and the breakdown of family relationships. It can also result in the loss of blessings and the withdrawal of divine mercy. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Muhammad (47:22-23),

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.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining ties with our near relatives. It highlights the benefits of nurturing these connections, both in terms of increasing our numbers and multiplying the blessings in our lives. By upholding the ties of kinship, we fulfill our obligations as Muslims and create a strong foundation for our families and communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to maintain these ties and may He shower His blessings upon us all.