Hadith #4331

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 righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong bonds with our relatives. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that keeping ties with near relatives not only brings about love but also restrains the enemy. Let us delve deeper into the profound wisdom behind this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (silat al-rahim) "صِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ" in the Hadith refers to maintaining and strengthening the bonds of kinship. It encompasses not only blood relatives but also those who are connected to us through marriage. This includes parents, siblings, children, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws. Silat al-rahim is a comprehensive term that encompasses all forms of familial relationships.

The first part of the Hadith states that (silat al-rahim tuji'bu al-mahabbah)

صِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ تُوجِبُ المَحَبَّةَ

- keeping ties with near relatives brings about love. This is in line with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of maintaining family ties. In Surah An-Nisa (4:1), 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 connection between fearing Allah and maintaining family ties. By fulfilling our obligations towards our relatives, we cultivate love and affection within our families.

Furthermore, in Surah Ar-Rum (30:21), Allah says,

And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.

This verse emphasizes the importance of love and mercy within the family unit. When we maintain strong bonds with our relatives, we create an environment of love, compassion, and tranquility.

The second part of the Hadith states that (silat al-rahim takbitu al-'aduww)

صِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ تَكْبِتُ العَدُوَّ

- keeping ties with near relatives restrains the enemy. This means that maintaining family ties acts as a deterrent against enmity and conflict. When we prioritize our relationships with our relatives, we build a support system that can protect us from external threats and conflicts. By fostering unity and solidarity within our families, we create a strong defense against any potential enemies or adversaries.

In Surah Muhammad (47:7), Allah says,

O you who have believed, if you support Allah, He will support you and plant firmly your feet.

By maintaining strong family ties, we align ourselves with the support and protection of Allah. This unity and support act as a shield against any external harm or enmity.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:46), Allah says,

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.

When we maintain strong bonds with our relatives, we avoid disputes and conflicts that can weaken us. This unity and patience in the face of adversity strengthen our resolve and protect us from the plots of our enemies.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of maintaining strong bonds with our relatives. By doing so, we cultivate love, affection, and tranquility within our families. Additionally, these strong family ties act as a deterrent against enmity and conflict, providing us with a support system and protection from external threats. Let us strive to prioritize our relationships with our relatives, following the teachings of the Quran, and reaping the blessings and benefits that come with it. May Allah guide us all to fulfill our duties towards our families and grant us the wisdom to maintain strong family ties.