Hadith #4150

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,

The vilest of sins is cutting off ties with near relatives and impiety [with one’s parents].

This impactful Hadith highlights two major sins that are considered the most repugnant in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The first sin mentioned is

cutting off ties with near relatives,

which in Arabic is (qati'atu ar-rahimi) "قَطيعَةُ الرَّحِمِ". The word "qati'a" means to sever or cut off, and "ar-rahim" refers to the ties of kinship or blood relations. This sin refers to intentionally severing the bonds of family and disregarding the rights and responsibilities that come with being part of a family. It includes neglecting to maintain contact, refusing to offer support, and harboring ill feelings towards one's relatives.

To emphasize the gravity of this sin, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining family ties in the Quran. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 1, Allah says,

And fear Allah through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed, Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

This verse highlights the significance of maintaining the ties of kinship, as it is an act of obedience to Allah and a means of seeking His pleasure.

Furthermore, in Surah Muhammad, verse 22, Allah says,

So, do you believe in part of the Scripture and disbelieve in part? Then what is the recompense for those who do that among you except disgrace in worldly life; and on the Day of Resurrection they will be sent back to the severest of punishment. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.

This verse warns against selectively adhering to certain aspects of the religion while neglecting others, including the obligation to maintain family ties. Such behavior leads to disgrace in this world and severe punishment in the Hereafter.

The second sin mentioned in the Hadith is

impiety [with one’s parents],

which in Arabic is (al-'uquq) "العُقُوقُ". This refers to disobedience and disrespect towards one's parents, who hold a position of utmost importance in Islam. The word "uquq" signifies ingratitude and rebellion against the rights and authority of parents. It includes actions such as speaking harshly to them, disobeying their reasonable commands, and neglecting their needs in old age.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of treating parents with kindness and respect. 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 highlights the obligation to treat parents with utmost kindness and respect, even in the face of their old age and potential difficulties.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Ahqaf, verse 15, Allah says,

And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months. [He grows] until, when he reaches maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says, 'My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.'

This verse highlights the immense sacrifice and hardship that parents endure for their children, and it emphasizes the importance of gratitude and righteousness towards them.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith draws our attention to the severity of these two sins. Cutting off ties with near relatives and being impious towards parents not only harm our relationships with our loved ones but also have far-reaching consequences in our spiritual journey. These sins disrupt the harmony of families, lead to the breakdown of society, and distance us from the mercy and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to strengthen our family bonds, maintain regular contact, offer support and kindness, and seek forgiveness and reconciliation whenever conflicts arise. We should also recognize the immense value of our parents' love, sacrifice, and guidance, and strive to fulfill our duties towards them with utmost respect and gratitude.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to avoid these vile sins and enable us to uphold the rights of our family and parents. May He bless us with strong family ties and grant us the ability to be dutiful and respectful towards our parents. Ameen.