Hadith #4333

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

صِلَةُ الأرحامِ مِثْراةٌ فِي الأموالِ، مِرْفَعَةٌ لِلأعْمالِ۔

This can be translated as,

Keeping ties with near relatives is a means of increasing wealth and a raiser of [good] deeds.

In this Hadith, there are two important words that require our attention. The first is (silat al-arham) "صِلَةُ الأرحامِ", which refers to maintaining and nurturing the bonds of kinship. It encompasses maintaining contact, showing kindness, and providing support to one's relatives, whether they are close or distant. The second word is (mithra) "مِثْراةٌ", which means a means of increase or multiplication. It implies that maintaining ties with relatives leads to an increase in wealth, both material and spiritual.

To understand the significance of maintaining ties with relatives, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of family ties in several verses. In Surah An-Nisa, Allah says, (Quran 4:36)

Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side...

This verse highlights the importance of treating relatives with kindness and compassion, alongside fulfilling our obligations to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:23-24)

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 honoring and respecting our parents, who are often our closest relatives.

By maintaining ties with our relatives, we not only fulfill our obligations towards them but also reap numerous benefits. Firstly, maintaining family ties leads to an increase in wealth. This increase can be understood in both material and spiritual terms. Materially, maintaining good relations with relatives can lead to opportunities for financial support, business partnerships, and inheritance. Spiritually, it brings blessings and barakah from Allah, which can manifest in various forms, including increased sustenance and prosperity.

Secondly, maintaining ties with relatives is a raiser of good deeds. When we actively engage with our relatives, show kindness, and support them, we are performing acts of righteousness and fulfilling the commandments of Allah. This leads to an increase in our good deeds and brings us closer to Allah. Additionally, maintaining family ties fosters a sense of unity, love, and compassion within the community. It strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims, creating a harmonious and supportive environment.

The consequences of neglecting family ties can be severe. Allah warns us in the Quran, (Quran 47:22-23)

Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land, and sever your ties of kinship? Such are they whom Allah has cursed, so that He has made them deaf and blinded their sight

Neglecting family ties is considered a grave sin and can lead to the withdrawal of Allah's blessings and mercy. It can also result in discord and division within families and communities.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining ties with our relatives. It is not only a means of increasing our wealth but also a way to elevate our spiritual status. By actively engaging with our relatives, showing kindness, and providing support, we can strengthen the bonds of kinship and contribute to the well-being of our families and communities. Let us strive to fulfill this duty and seek the pleasure of Allah by maintaining strong and loving relationships with our relatives. May Allah grant us the wisdom and guidance to uphold the teachings of Islam and may He bless us with abundant wealth and good deeds.