Hadith #4350

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) emphasizes the importance of treating our relatives with honor and respect. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to honor our near relatives, revere the forbearing among them, be patient with the foolish among them, and lighten the burden for the poor among them. He reminds us that our relatives are a source of support and assistance in both times of difficulty and ease.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this profound Hadith. The word (akrim) "أكْرِمْ" means to honor or dignify. It is derived from the root word (karama) "كَرَمَ", which signifies generosity and nobility. By honoring our relatives, we are acknowledging their importance and showing them respect and kindness.

The phrase (dhawi rahmika) "ذَوي رَحِمِكَ" refers to our near relatives, specifically those who are connected to us through blood ties. These include our parents, siblings, children, and extended family members. It is our duty as Muslims to maintain strong ties with our relatives and treat them with love and respect.

The word (waqqir) "وَقِّرْ" means to revere or show reverence. It comes from the root word (waqar) "وَقَار", which conveys the idea of dignity and honor. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to revere the forbearing among our relatives. These are the individuals who display patience, tolerance, and forgiveness in their interactions with others. By showing reverence to them, we acknowledge their virtuous qualities and seek to emulate their behavior.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to be patient with the foolish among our relatives. The term (safihihim) "سَفيِهِهِمْ" refers to those who may lack wisdom or understanding. It is important for us to exercise patience and tolerance when dealing with such individuals, as they may unintentionally cause harm or act in a manner that is not in line with Islamic teachings. Our patience and forbearance can serve as a means of guiding them towards a better path.

Additionally, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to lighten the burden for the poor among our relatives. The word (tayassar) "تَيَسَّرْ" means to make something easy or facilitate it. It is derived from the root word (yasira) "يَسِرَ", which signifies ease and simplicity. By helping the poor among our relatives, we alleviate their financial burdens and make their lives easier. This can be done through acts of charity, providing financial assistance, or offering support in any way possible.

The wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice lies in the fact that our relatives are a source of support and assistance in times of difficulty and ease. The Quran also emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong ties with our relatives. In Surah An-Nisa, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 4:36)

And 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 significance of treating our relatives with kindness and compassion. It is a means of fulfilling our duty towards them and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By honoring our relatives, we not only strengthen our family bonds but also contribute to the overall well-being of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their relationships with their relatives. It teaches us to honor and respect our near relatives, revere the forbearing among them, be patient with the foolish among them, and lighten the burden for the poor among them. By following these teachings, we can strengthen our family ties, foster unity within our communities, and ultimately seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying these noble qualities and bless us with strong and loving relationships with our relatives.