Hadith #4339

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

مِنَ الكَرَمِ صِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ۔

This can be translated as,

Part of honour is keeping ties with near relatives.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (karām) "كَرَمِ" in this Hadith refers to honor, nobility, and generosity. It encompasses the qualities of kindness, respect, and benevolence. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the importance of maintaining ties with our near relatives as a fundamental aspect of honor and nobility.

This concept 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. Indeed, Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

This verse reminds us to fear Allah and to maintain our relationships with our relatives, as it is an act of obedience to Him.

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 emphasize the importance of treating our parents with kindness and respect. By extension, this also includes treating our relatives with the same level of kindness and respect. Maintaining ties with our near relatives is an act of worship and a means of seeking Allah's mercy.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that when we honor our relatives and maintain strong bonds with them, we are fulfilling a fundamental aspect of our faith. This act of kindness and generosity not only brings blessings and rewards in this world but also in the hereafter.

By keeping ties with our near relatives, we foster love, unity, and harmony within our families. We create a support system that is built on mutual care and compassion. This, in turn, strengthens the fabric of society as a whole.

On the other hand, neglecting our family ties can lead to division, animosity, and a breakdown of relationships. It can cause emotional pain and suffering for both ourselves and our relatives. 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.

This verse serves as a reminder that neglecting our family ties goes against the teachings of the Quran and can lead to disgrace and punishment. It is essential for Muslims to reflect upon the consequences of their actions and strive to maintain strong bonds with their relatives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that part of honor and nobility is maintaining ties with our near relatives. This concept is reinforced by various Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of family relationships and treating our relatives with kindness and respect. By fulfilling this duty, we not only strengthen our families but also uphold the values of Islam and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to fulfill this noble obligation and grant us the ability to maintain strong and loving relationships with our near relatives.