Hadith #4351

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أفْضَلُ الشِّيَمِ صِلَةُ الأرْحامِ

which translates to

The best practice is keeping ties with near relatives.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong and loving relationships with our family members, particularly our close relatives.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. (shiyam) "شِّيَمِ" refers to a practice or habit, while (silah) "صِلَةُ" means to maintain or establish a connection. Lastly, (al-arham) "الأرْحامِ" refers to the near relatives, specifically those who are connected by blood ties.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that highlight the importance of maintaining ties with our relatives. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:1),

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 emphasizes the unity of humanity, as we all descend from one soul. It also highlights the significance of the "wombs," which refers to the bonds of kinship and family ties. By maintaining these ties, we fulfill the command of Allah and strengthen the fabric of society.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24), 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. 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.'

In these verses, Allah emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and respect to our parents. By extension, this also applies to our other relatives. The mention of

lowering the wing of humility

signifies the need to be humble and compassionate towards our family members, especially those who are older and in need of care.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can see the profound wisdom behind it. Maintaining ties with our near relatives has numerous benefits. It fosters love, unity, and support within the family. It strengthens the bonds of kinship and ensures that we have a support system in times of need. Moreover, it is a means of earning the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His blessings.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasized the importance of maintaining family ties. He understood that a strong and loving family unit is the foundation of a healthy society. By practicing this Hadith, Muslims can contribute to the well-being of their families and the overall betterment of the community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of keeping ties with our near relatives. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the unity of humanity and the importance of maintaining strong family bonds. By practicing this Hadith, Muslims can strengthen their relationships, foster love and support within their families, and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to fulfill this noble practice and bless us with harmonious family relationships.