Hadith #2298

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أوْفَرُ البِرِّ صِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ۔

This can be translated as,

The greatest righteous act is establishing ties with near relatives.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (awfar) "أوْفَرُ" means the most abundant or the greatest. It emphasizes the importance and superiority of the action being described. The word (al-birr) "البِرِّ" refers to righteousness or acts of goodness. It encompasses all actions that are pleasing to Allah and bring one closer to Him. Lastly, (silat al-rahim) "صِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ" means establishing and maintaining ties with one's relatives. It refers to the act of maintaining strong and loving relationships with our family members, especially those who are closely related to us.

The significance of maintaining ties with our relatives is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:1),

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 ties with our relatives, as it is a means of seeking Allah's pleasure and fulfilling our obligations towards one another.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24), 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.'

These verses emphasize the importance of showing kindness and respect to our parents, who are our closest relatives. It teaches us to treat them with utmost care and to fulfill our duties towards them.

Establishing ties with our relatives has numerous benefits and consequences. Firstly, it strengthens the bonds of love, unity, and support within the family. It creates an environment of compassion, understanding, and harmony. Secondly, it fosters a sense of belonging and identity, as we recognize our shared heritage and lineage. Thirdly, maintaining ties with our relatives allows for the exchange of knowledge, wisdom, and experiences, which can greatly enrich our lives. It also provides a support system during times of difficulty and challenges.

On the other hand, neglecting or severing ties with our relatives can have negative consequences. It can lead to the breakdown of family relationships, causing emotional pain and division. It may also result in the loss of valuable connections and resources that could have been beneficial to us. Moreover, cutting off ties with our relatives goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of maintaining strong family bonds.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we understand that establishing ties with our near relatives is not merely a social obligation, but a righteous act that brings us closer to Allah. It is a means of seeking His pleasure and attaining His blessings. By maintaining strong relationships with our family members, we fulfill our duties as Muslims and contribute to the well-being of our families and communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of establishing ties with our near relatives as the greatest righteous act. This teaching is supported by various Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of maintaining strong family bonds. By fulfilling this duty, we strengthen our families, foster unity, and seek the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us to fulfill our obligations towards our relatives and grant us the wisdom to prioritize and nurture these relationships.