Hadith #4352

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,

إنَّ الرَّحِمَ إذا تماسَّتْ تَعاطَفَتْ۔

This can be translated as,

Indeed when near relatives are in contact, they become kind to each other.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance in light of the Quran. The word (rahim) "رَحِمَ" in Arabic refers to the womb, but it also encompasses the broader concept of family ties and kinship. It signifies the strong bond that exists between relatives, rooted in love, compassion, and mutual care. When this bond is nurtured and maintained, it leads to a beautiful display of kindness and affection.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining family ties in the Quran. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 1, Allah 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 highlights the common origin of humanity and the significance of maintaining the ties of kinship.

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 duty of showing kindness and respect to parents, who are the closest relatives to us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the transformative power of maintaining family ties. When relatives are in contact with one another, they are more likely to develop a sense of empathy and compassion towards each other. This contact can take various forms, such as physical meetings, phone calls, or even virtual interactions. By staying connected, family members can understand each other's needs, share their joys and sorrows, and provide support in times of difficulty.

The consequences of neglecting family ties can be detrimental. When individuals become distant from their relatives, they may lose touch with their shared history, values, and traditions. This can lead to a sense of isolation and detachment, both on an individual and societal level. Moreover, neglecting family ties can result in strained relationships, misunderstandings, and unresolved conflicts. By maintaining contact and fostering kindness, we can prevent these negative consequences and build stronger familial bonds.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we are reminded of the importance of actively nurturing our relationships with our relatives. This involves reaching out to them, expressing care and concern, and making an effort to understand their needs. It also requires us to forgive and overlook any past grievances, as forgiveness is a key aspect of maintaining family ties.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the teachings of the Quran and the examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. By prioritizing our relationships with our relatives and treating them with kindness, we can strengthen the fabric of our families and contribute to a more harmonious society. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in maintaining and cherishing our family ties, and may He bless us with the ability to show kindness and compassion to all those around us.