Hadith #4343

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

قَطيعةُ الرَّحِمِ تَجْلُبُ النِّقَمَ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the grave consequences of severing ties with one's near relatives. To fully comprehend the significance of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word (qati'ah) "قَطيعةُ" refers to the act of cutting off or severing. It implies a deliberate and intentional action of breaking the bonds and connections with one's close family members. The term (ar-rahim) "الرَّحِمِ" refers to the ties of kinship and blood relations. It encompasses the immediate family, such as parents, siblings, and children, as well as extended family members like aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Now, let us turn to the Quran to find support for the teachings of this Hadith. In Surah Muhammad (47:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse highlights the consequences of selectively adhering to certain parts of the divine teachings while neglecting others. Similarly, severing ties with relatives is a form of selective obedience, as it disregards the commandments of maintaining family bonds.

Another verse that sheds light on the importance of maintaining family ties is found in Surah An-Nisa (4:1), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 and the interconnectedness of individuals through their common origin. It highlights the significance of maintaining the bonds of kinship, which are divinely ordained and rooted in the very fabric of human existence.

The consequences of cutting off ties with near relatives are not limited to the worldly realm but extend to the spiritual realm as well. In Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8-9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly. Allah only forbids you from those who fight you because of religion and expel you from your homes and aid in your expulsion - [forbids] that you make allies of them. And whoever makes allies of them, then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

These verses emphasize the importance of maintaining justice and righteousness towards all individuals, regardless of their beliefs or actions. Cutting off ties with relatives solely based on religious differences or personal disputes goes against the principles of justice and righteousness, thereby leading to spiritual consequences.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the severe repercussions of severing ties with near relatives. By cutting off these bonds, one not only disrupts the natural order established by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also invites divine retribution. The consequences of such actions can manifest in various ways, including strained relationships, emotional distress, and a sense of isolation. Moreover, severing family ties can have long-lasting effects on future generations, leading to a breakdown of the family unit and the erosion of societal values.

As Muslims, it is our duty to uphold the teachings of Islam and to strive for unity and harmony within our families and communities. We must recognize the importance of maintaining strong bonds with our near relatives, even in the face of disagreements or conflicts. By doing so, we not only fulfill a religious obligation but also contribute to the well-being and stability of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom and strength to nurture and preserve our family ties.