Hadith #4335

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,

Keeping ties with near relatives makes blessings flourish and repels [divine] retributions.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong bonds with our relatives, as it leads to an increase in blessings and protects us from divine punishments.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by analyzing its key words. The word (silat al-rahim) "صِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ" refers to maintaining and strengthening the ties of kinship. It encompasses showing kindness, love, and support to our relatives, both near and distant. The word (imarah) "عِمارَةُ" means to flourish or prosper, indicating that by maintaining these ties, blessings and goodness in our lives will increase. On the other hand, the word (difaa'ah) "دِفاعَةُ" means to repel or ward off, implying that by neglecting our family ties, we expose ourselves to divine retributions and negative consequences.

The importance of maintaining family ties is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:1),

And fear Allah through whom you ask one another, and the wombs (kinship ties). Indeed, Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

This verse highlights the significance of maintaining family ties as an act of righteousness and God-consciousness.

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 maintaining good treatment towards our parents, who are among our closest relatives. It emphasizes the need to show kindness, respect, and care towards them, even in their old age. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty towards our parents but also strengthen the bonds of kinship and earn the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequences of neglecting family ties can be seen in Surah Muhammad (47:22-23), where 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 illustrate that those who turn away from the religion of Allah and neglect their duties, including maintaining family ties, will be deprived of guidance and light. Neglecting family ties can lead to a spiritual darkness and a disconnection from the mercy and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we realize that maintaining family ties is not only a social obligation but also a means to attain spiritual growth and protection from divine retributions. By actively nurturing and strengthening our relationships with our relatives, we create an environment of love, compassion, and unity within our families. This, in turn, leads to an increase in blessings and goodness in our lives.

As Muslims, it is incumbent upon us to heed the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quran, and to prioritize the maintenance of family ties. By doing so, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also pave the way for a harmonious and prosperous society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to uphold the ties of kinship and may He shower His blessings upon us all.