Hadith #4322

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The descending of [divine] retributions is in cutting off ties with near relatives.

This Hadith highlights the grave consequences of severing family ties and emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong bonds with our relatives.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (hulool) "حُلُولُ" refers to the descending or occurrence of something. It signifies the manifestation or arrival of retributions or consequences. (niqam) "النِّقَمِ" refers to divine retributions or punishments. It implies that severing family ties leads to the descent of divine punishments upon an individual.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining family ties in several verses. In Surah An-Nisa, Allah says, (Quran 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 obligation to do good to parents and relatives, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong ties with them. By doing so, we fulfill our duty towards Allah and earn His pleasure. Furthermore, in Surah Muhammad, Allah states, (Quran 2:27)

Those who break the covenant of Allah after contracting it and sever that which Allah has ordered to be joined and cause corruption on earth - it is those who are the losers

This verse warns against breaking the covenant of Allah and severing the ties that He has commanded us to maintain. It highlights the negative consequences of such actions, which lead to corruption and loss. These Quranic verses support the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) by emphasizing the importance of maintaining family ties and the severe consequences of severing them.

Severing family ties has far-reaching consequences, both in this world and the hereafter. It disrupts the harmony within families, causing divisions and animosity. It leads to a breakdown in communication, love, and support, creating a hostile environment. Moreover, it deprives individuals of the blessings and rewards that come from maintaining strong family bonds.

Furthermore, cutting off ties with near relatives goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize unity, compassion, and forgiveness. It contradicts the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family, who were known for their kindness and generosity towards their relatives. By severing family ties, one not only disobeys Allah's command but also distances themselves from the noble character and teachings of the Prophet and his Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of cutting off ties with near relatives. It highlights the importance of maintaining strong family bonds and warns against the descent of divine retributions upon those who sever these ties. As Muslims, we should strive to uphold the teachings of Islam by fostering love, compassion, and unity within our families, thereby earning the pleasure of Allah and following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. May Allah guide us to strengthen our family ties and protect us from the consequences of severing them.