Hadith #4348

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,

لَيْسَ مِنَ الكَرَمِ قَطيعةُ الرَّحِمِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining ties with our near relatives and highlights that cutting off these ties is not a characteristic of honor or nobility.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some important words. The term (karam) "كَرَمِ" refers to honor, nobility, and generosity. It encompasses the qualities of kindness, compassion, and benevolence. (qati'ah) "قَطيعةُ" means to sever or cut off, while (ar-rahim) "الرَّحِمِ" refers to the ties of kinship or blood relations.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of maintaining family ties and treating relatives with kindness and respect. 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 reminds us to fear Allah and maintain the ties of kinship, as He is the ultimate witness to our actions.

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 highlight the importance of honoring and respecting our parents, who are our closest relatives. They serve as a reminder that maintaining family ties is not limited to blood relations alone but extends to our parents as well. By treating our parents with kindness and respect, we demonstrate our gratitude for their upbringing and fulfill our duty towards them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that severing ties with our near relatives contradicts the principles of honor and nobility. Cutting off these ties can have severe consequences, both in this world and the hereafter. It can lead to the breakdown of family relationships, causing emotional pain and distress for all parties involved.

Moreover, cutting off ties with relatives goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of unity, compassion, and forgiveness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10),

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the unity and brotherhood among Muslims and encourages us to reconcile and resolve conflicts within our families.

By maintaining ties with our near relatives, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims but also create a harmonious and loving environment within our families. It allows us to support and care for one another, sharing both joys and sorrows. It also serves as a means of preserving our heritage, culture, and traditions, passing them down from one generation to the next.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of maintaining ties with our near relatives. It teaches us that cutting off these ties is not a characteristic of honor or nobility. By following this guidance, we can strengthen our family bonds, create a loving and supportive environment, and fulfill our duties as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in maintaining strong family ties and grant us the wisdom to resolve any conflicts that may arise.