زَيْنُ النِّعَمِ صِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ۔
The adornment of blessings is keeping ties with [one’s] near relatives.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Blessing)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
The adornment of blessings is keeping ties with [one’s] near relatives.
This Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong and loving relationships with our relatives, as it is a means of beautifying and enhancing the blessings in our lives.
The word (zayn) "زَيْنُ" in the Hadith refers to adornment or beautification. It implies that maintaining ties with our relatives is not just a duty or obligation, but also a source of beauty and enhancement in our lives. By nurturing and cherishing these relationships, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also experience the blessings and goodness that come from them.
The word (niʿam) "نِعَمِ" in the Hadith refers to blessings. It encompasses all the favors and bounties that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon us, both material and spiritual. These blessings can include good health, wealth, knowledge, and the countless other gifts that Allah has bestowed upon us.
The phrase (ṣilatu al-raḥim) "صِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ" in the Hadith refers to maintaining ties with our near relatives. It encompasses not only our immediate family members but also our extended family, such as cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. It emphasizes the importance of fostering and nurturing these relationships, as they are a means of strengthening the bonds of kinship and promoting unity within the Muslim community.
The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the significance of maintaining ties with our relatives. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:36),
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 compassion, alongside our obligations towards Allah. It encourages us to extend our care and support not only to our immediate family but also to those who are in need, such as orphans and the needy. By doing so, we fulfill our duty towards our relatives and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.
Another verse that emphasizes the significance of maintaining ties with our relatives is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:23), where 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.
This verse highlights the importance of showing respect and kindness towards our parents, who are among our closest relatives. It reminds us to treat them with utmost care and dignity, even as they age and require our support. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty towards our parents but also set an example for others in maintaining ties with our relatives.
The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize and nurture their relationships with their relatives. By doing so, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also experience the blessings and beauty that come from these connections. Maintaining ties with our relatives strengthens the bonds of kinship, promotes unity within the Muslim community, and contributes to the overall well-being of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to uphold and cherish these relationships.
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