Hadith #4294

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder about the importance of maintaining strong ties with our relatives. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, highlights the consequences of severing these ties and questions the hope one can have in receiving Allah's kindness when they have cut off their near relatives.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (fadlak) "فَضْلَكَ" refers to the kindness and favor of Allah. It encompasses His blessings, mercy, and grace. The word (dhuwi rahmik) "ذَوِي رَحِمِكَ" translates to "near relatives" or

those who have ties of kinship with you.

It refers to our immediate and extended family members, including parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and so on.

To comprehend the significance of maintaining ties with our relatives, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong family bonds. In Surah An-Nisa, Ayah 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 unity of humanity and the interconnectedness of all individuals through the bonds of kinship.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Ayah 23-24, Allah commands us to be kind and dutiful to our parents. He 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.'

From these verses, we understand that maintaining ties with our relatives is not only a social obligation but also a religious duty. It is a means of expressing gratitude to Allah for the blessings of family and a way to seek His mercy and favor.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) question in the Hadith challenges us to reflect on the consequences of severing family ties. When we cut off these relationships, we not only harm ourselves but also disrupt the natural order established by Allah. We lose the support, love, and guidance that our relatives can provide. Additionally, severing family ties can lead to a breakdown in society, as strong families are the foundation of a healthy community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words also remind us of the interconnectedness of our actions and their impact on our relationship with Allah. If we neglect our responsibilities towards our relatives, it raises questions about our sincerity and hope in receiving Allah's kindness and mercy. How can we expect Allah to show us His favor when we have failed to show kindness and compassion to our own family members?

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining strong ties with our relatives. It highlights the consequences of severing these bonds and questions the hope one can have in receiving Allah's kindness when they have neglected their family. As Muslims, we are called upon to uphold the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. By nurturing our family relationships, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also contribute to the well-being of our communities and seek the mercy and favor of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us in strengthening our family ties and grant us His kindness and mercy.