Hadith #4332

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Keeping ties with near relatives increases [one’s] lifespan and makes wealth grow [and multiply].

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong bonds with our relatives and the positive outcomes that result from doing so.

Let us delve into the meanings of some key words in this Hadith. (silat al-rahim) "صِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ" refers to maintaining and strengthening the ties of kinship. (tuwasu') "تُوَسِّعُ" means to expand or increase, while (al-ajal) "الآجالَ" refers to lifespan or the duration of one's life. (tunmi) "تُنْمِي" means to grow or multiply, and (al-amwal) "الأمْوالَ" refers to wealth or possessions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa, verse 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 importance of treating our relatives with kindness and goodness. By maintaining strong ties with our near relatives, we fulfill a commandment of Allah and earn His pleasure. Moreover, Allah mentions the rights of relatives alongside the rights of parents, emphasizing their significance in Islam.

Another verse that sheds light on the benefits of maintaining family ties is found in Surah Ar-Rum, verse 21:

And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.

This verse highlights the natural bond and affection that exists between family members. When we maintain strong ties with our relatives, we experience a sense of tranquility and fulfillment. This emotional support and love contribute to our overall well-being and happiness.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. By keeping ties with our near relatives, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also reap numerous worldly benefits. When we maintain strong family bonds, our lifespan is increased. This can be understood in various ways.

Firstly, maintaining family ties leads to a sense of belonging and emotional support. When we have a support system in times of difficulty, our stress levels decrease, and our overall well-being improves. This, in turn, contributes to a longer and healthier life.

Secondly, strong family ties provide us with a sense of purpose and motivation. When we have close relationships with our relatives, we are more likely to engage in activities that promote personal growth and development. This can include seeking knowledge, pursuing meaningful careers, and engaging in acts of charity and service to others.

Furthermore, the Hadith states that keeping ties with near relatives makes wealth grow and multiply. This can be understood in both material and spiritual terms. Materially, maintaining family ties often leads to increased social and economic opportunities. Our relatives can provide us with support, guidance, and connections that can lead to financial growth and success.

Spiritually, when we fulfill our obligations towards our relatives, we are rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in various ways. Our acts of kindness and generosity towards our family members are multiplied and rewarded manifold. Additionally, maintaining family ties fosters a sense of unity and harmony within the community, which in turn leads to collective prosperity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong ties with our near relatives. By doing so, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also experience numerous worldly benefits. Our lifespan is increased, and our wealth grows and multiplies. Let us strive to strengthen our family bonds, for in doing so, we attain both worldly success and spiritual fulfillment. May Allah guide us all to fulfill our duties towards our relatives and grant us the wisdom to understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith.