Hadith #4346

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

There is no increase [in wealth] with cutting off ties with near relatives.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong family bonds and warns against severing ties with our relatives. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (cutting off ties with near relatives) "قَطيعَةِ الرَّحِمِ". The word (cutting off) "قَطيعَةِ" refers to the act of severing or breaking something. In this context, it refers to severing the ties of kinship. The word (near relatives) "رَّحِمِ" refers to our family members, including parents, siblings, children, and extended family.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining family ties in several verses of the Quran. 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, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful

This verse highlights the significance of treating our parents and relatives with kindness and respect. It also emphasizes the importance of helping those who are in need, including our relatives. By doing so, we fulfill our duty towards our family and gain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

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 highlight the importance of honoring and respecting our parents, who are among our closest relatives. They emphasize the need to speak to them kindly and to treat them with utmost care and compassion. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards our parents but also strengthen the bonds of kinship.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that cutting off ties with our relatives does not lead to an increase in wealth. This means that severing family bonds does not bring about any worldly benefits or blessings. In fact, it can have negative consequences both in this life and in the hereafter.

When we maintain strong family ties, we create a support system that can provide emotional, social, and financial assistance during times of need. Our relatives can offer guidance, advice, and help us navigate through life's challenges. By cutting off these ties, we deprive ourselves of these valuable resources and support.

Moreover, severing family ties goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of unity, love, and compassion within the Muslim community. It is a selfish act that disregards the rights and needs of our relatives. By maintaining strong family bonds, we contribute to the well-being and harmony of our society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of maintaining strong family ties and warns against cutting off these bonds. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards our relatives but also gain the blessings and rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us strive to strengthen our family relationships, support one another, and create a loving and united community. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Islam and grant us success in this life and the hereafter.