Hadith #4342

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

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

وَصِلَةَ الأرْحامِ مَنْماةً لِلْعَدَدِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining ties with our near relatives, as it is a means of increasing our numbers or progeny. Let us delve into the profound wisdom behind this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (wasilah) "وَصِلَةَ" in this Hadith refers to maintaining strong and continuous bonds with our relatives. It encompasses acts of kindness, love, and support towards our family members, both immediate and extended. By nurturing these connections, we create a harmonious environment that fosters growth and unity within the family unit.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining ties with relatives in the Quran. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 1, Allah says,

O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

This verse highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and the significance of maintaining ties of kinship.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 23, Allah 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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating our parents with kindness and respect, which extends to the broader concept of maintaining ties with our relatives.

The phrase (mammatan lil'adad) "مَنْماةً لِلْعَدَدِ" in the Hadith highlights the consequence of maintaining ties with our relatives. By nurturing these relationships, we contribute to the growth and increase of our progeny. This growth can be understood in various aspects, including the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our family.

When we maintain strong bonds with our relatives, we create a support system that can positively impact our lives. For example, by staying connected with our extended family, we have access to a wider network of knowledge, experiences, and resources. This can lead to personal and professional growth, as we learn from the wisdom and expertise of our relatives.

Moreover, maintaining ties with our relatives can also have a profound impact on our spiritual growth. The Quran encourages believers to be kind and compassionate towards their family members, as it is a reflection of their faith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83, Allah says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

By maintaining ties with our relatives, we fulfill our obligations towards them as prescribed by Allah. This act of kindness and love not only strengthens our family bonds but also brings us closer to Allah. It is a means of expressing gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us and a reflection of our faith in action.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining ties with our near relatives. By nurturing these connections, we contribute to the growth and unity of our family, both in terms of physical and spiritual well-being. The Quran supports this notion, highlighting the significance of maintaining ties of kinship and treating our family members with kindness and respect. May Allah guide us to fulfill this important duty and bless our families with love, unity, and prosperity.