Hadith #4341

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

في قَطيعةِ الرَّحِمِ حُلُولُ النِّقَمِ۔

This can be translated as,

In cutting off ties with near relatives there is the coming down of [divine] retributions.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. "قَطيعةِ الرَّحِمِ" refers to the act of severing or cutting off ties with one's near relatives. "حُلُولُ النِّقَمِ" means the descent or coming down of divine retributions. It implies that severing family ties leads to the manifestation of divine punishment or consequences.

To understand the significance of maintaining family ties, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining family bonds in several verses. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 1, Allah says,

And fear Allah through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed, Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

This verse highlights the importance of maintaining family ties, as the term "wombs" refers to the kinship and blood relations that exist between family members.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 23, Allah 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 emphasizes the importance of treating parents with kindness and respect, which extends to maintaining ties with other family members as well.

Severing family ties can have severe consequences not only in this world but also in the hereafter. In Surah Muhammad, verse 22, Allah warns,

So will you then, if you are given the authority, do mischief in the land, and sever your ties of kinship?

This verse highlights the connection between severing family ties and spreading corruption in society. It serves as a reminder that maintaining family bonds is essential for the well-being of the community as a whole.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith emphasizes the negative consequences of cutting off ties with near relatives. When we sever these bonds, we create a void in our lives that can lead to feelings of loneliness, bitterness, and resentment. Moreover, cutting off family ties can result in divisions within the community and weaken the social fabric.

Maintaining family ties, on the other hand, brings numerous benefits. It fosters love, compassion, and unity within the family and the wider society. It provides a support system during times of difficulty and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims. By nurturing these relationships, we create an environment of harmony and cooperation.

Reflecting on this hadith, we can understand that severing family ties is not only detrimental to our worldly affairs but also has spiritual consequences. It distances us from the mercy and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and can lead to divine retributions. It is, therefore, incumbent upon us as Muslims to prioritize maintaining and strengthening our family bonds, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation when conflicts arise.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining family ties. It warns us about the negative consequences of cutting off these relationships and emphasizes the need for love, compassion, and unity within our families and communities. By upholding these values, we can create a society that is built on strong foundations of mutual respect and support. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and enable us to strengthen our family bonds.