Introduction
The importance of blood relations in Islam is profound and significant. Family and kinship bonds bring peace, love, and social stability to human life.
In the famous hadith collection Al-Adab al-Mufrad, Imam Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him) has given special emphasis to maintaining family ties, known as Silat al-Rahim. It is stated that maintaining good relations with relatives is not merely a social responsibility; rather, it is a command from Almighty Allah and one of the means of attaining Paradise.
In the present age, family distance, misunderstandings, and busy lifestyles are weakening the bonds of blood relations. Therefore, maintaining kinship ties, keeping in touch with relatives, and helping one another are extremely important in the life of a Muslim.
Maintaining blood relations strengthens love within the family, creates harmony in society, and brings the mercy of Allah. Al-Adab al-Mufrad teaches us that severing family ties is a major sin, while maintaining them is a sign of good character.
Therefore, for success in this world and the Hereafter, every Muslim should honor and preserve the ties of blood relations.
Translated from Imam Bukhari’s (may Allah have mercy on him) Al-Adab al-Mufrad
Our translation and publication — Darus Saadat
The Importance of Maintaining Family Ties
Chapter 25: Maintaining Family Ties Is Essential
Hadith: 47 Bakr ibn Harith al-Anmari (may Allah be pleased with him), who was also known as Kulaib, narrated: He said, “O Messenger of Allah! With whom should I treat well?”
He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
أُمَّكَ وَأَبَاكَ، وَأُخْتَكَ وَأَخَاكَ، وَمَوْلَاكَ الَّذِي يَلِي ذَاكَ، حقٌ واجبٌ ورَحمٌ موصولة
“Your mother, your father, your sister, your brother, and your closest relatives. Fulfilling their rights is obligatory, and you should maintain the ties of kinship.”
Save Yourselves from the Fire
Hadith: 48 Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: When this verse was revealed:
وَأَنْذِرْ عَشِيرَتَكَ الْأَقْرَبِينَ
“Warn your nearest relatives.” — Surah Ash-Shu‘ara: 214
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stood up and called out, “O Banu Ka‘b ibn Lu’ayy! Save yourselves from the Fire.
O ‘Abd Manaf! Save yourselves from the Fire.
O Banu Hashim! Save yourselves from the Fire.
O ‘Abdul-Muttalib! Save yourselves from the Fire.
O Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad! Save yourself from the Fire.
For I have no power over anything on your behalf, except that there is a relationship of kinship between you and me. And I will maintain my relationship with my relatives.”
Chapter 26: Maintaining the Ties of Kinship
Hadith: 49 Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: A Bedouin man came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said:
“Tell me of an act that will bring me closer to Paradise and keep me away from Hell.”
He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
تعبدُ اللَّهَ وَلَا تشركُ بِهِ شَيْئًا، وتقيمُ الصَّلَاةَ، وَتُؤْتِي الزَّكَاةَ، وتصلُ الرَّحِمَ) .
“Worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him. Establish prayer, give zakat, and maintain the ties of kinship.”
The Demand of the Womb
Hadith: 50 Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Allah Almighty created the creation. When He completed creating them, the womb (kinship) stood up.
He said to it, ‘Stop.’ It said, ‘I have stood here seeking refuge with You from those who sever the ties of kinship.’
Allah said, ‘Are you not pleased that I will maintain ties with the one who maintains you, and sever ties with the one who severs you?’
It said, ‘Certainly, O my Lord.’
He said, ‘Then go; you shall have that.’
Then Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said, ‘If you wish, recite:
فَهَلْ عَسَيْتُمْ إِنْ تَوَلَّيْتُمْ أَنْ تُفْسِدُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَتُقَطِّعُوا أَرْحَامَكُمْ
‘Would you perhaps, if you were given authority, cause corruption in the land and sever your ties of kinship?’ — Surah Muhammad: 22”
Allah’s Teaching
Hadith: 51 Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that regarding the saying of Almighty Allah:
وَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَى حَقَّهُ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ
“Give the relative his due, and the poor and the traveler as well. But do not spend wastefully.” — Al-Isra: 26
He said: Allah Almighty established the responsibility of those who possess wealth in this verse and said:
وَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَى حَقَّهُ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ
“Give the relative his due, and the poor and the traveler as well.”
And when a person has nothing to give, He taught him regarding such a situation:
وَإِمَّا تُعْرِضَنَّ عَنْهُمُ ابْتِغَاءَ رَحْمَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكَ تَرْجُوهَا فَقُلْ لَهُمْ قَوْلاً مَيْسُوراً
“But if you must turn them away while seeking a mercy from your Lord which you expect, then speak to them a gentle word.” — Al-Isra: 28
That is, give them a promise of goodness, such as: “[I am facing some difficulty right now], but it will be resolved,” or “I hope it will work out and, insha’Allah, I will be able to give it.”
وَلَا تَجْعَلْ يَدَكَ مَغْلُولَةً إِلَى عُنُقِكَ
“And do not keep your hand chained to your neck.” — Al-Isra: 29
That is, do not give nothing at all; give something according to your ability.
وَلَا تَبْسُطْهَا كُلَّ الْبَسْطِ
“And do not extend it completely.” — Al-Isra: 29
That is, do not give away everything you have at once.
فَتَقْعُدَ مَلُومًا
“Lest you become blameworthy.” — Al-Isra: 29
That is, so that those who come later will not blame you because they find nothing left with you.
مَحْسُورًا
“And become empty-handed and destitute.” — Al-Isra: 29
That is, so that you do not later regret having given away everything you possessed.
Chapter 27: The Virtues of Maintaining Family Ties
Hadith: 52 Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: A man said, “O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)! I have relatives. I maintain relations with them, but they cut me off. I do good to them, but they harm me. They behave foolishly toward me, while I tolerate them.”
He said, “If what you say is true, then it is as though you are feeding them hot ashes. An assistant from Allah will continue to support you against them as long as you remain in this state.”
Whoever Severs the Ties of Kinship
Hadith: 53 ‘Abdur-Rahman ibn ‘Awf (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say that Allah Almighty said:
أَنَا الرَّحْمَنُ وَأَنَا خَلَقْتُ الرَّحِمَ واشتققتُ لَهَا مِنَ اسْمِي فَمَنْ وَصَلَهَا وصلتُهُ وَمَنْ قَطَعَهَا بتَتُّه
“I am Ar-Rahman, and I created the womb (kinship) and derived its name from My Name. Therefore, whoever maintains it, I will maintain him; and whoever severs it, I will sever him.”
Whoever Maintains the Ties of Kinship
Hadith: 54 ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: He said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) brought his fingers together and said:
الرَّحِمُ شَجْنَةُ مِنَ الرَّحْمَنِ مَنْ يَصِلْهَا يَصِلُه ومَنْ يَقْطَعْهَا يَقْطَعْهُ لَهَا لِسَانٌ طَلْق ذَلْقٌ يوم القيامة
“Kinship is a branch of Ar-Rahman. Whoever maintains it, Allah will maintain him, and whoever severs it, Ar-Rahman will sever him. On the Day of Resurrection, it will have a sharp and eloquent tongue (with which it will testify).”
Allah Will Maintain the One Who Maintains Kinship
Hadith: 55 ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
الرَّحِمُ شَجْنَةُ مِنَ اللَّهِ مَنْ وَصَلَهَا وَصَلَهُ اللَّهُ وَمَنْ قطعها قطعه الله
“Kinship is a branch from Allah. Whoever maintains it, Allah will maintain him, and whoever severs it, Allah will sever him.”
Benefit
Maintaining family ties brings the help and closeness of Allah, while severing them becomes a cause of Allah’s displeasure and punishment.
Chapter 28: Maintaining Family Ties Increases One’s Lifespan
Hadith: 56 Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
مَنْ أَحَبَّ أَنْ يُبْسَطَ لَهُ فِي رزقِهِ وَأَنْ يُنْسَأ لَهُ فِي أثَرِه فَلْيَصِلْ رَحِمَه
“Whoever wishes to have his provision increased and his death delayed should maintain the ties of kinship.”
Benefit
Maintaining good relations with relatives brings blessings and increase in one’s provision and brings blessings and goodness into one’s life. Therefore, keeping good relations with relatives is an important responsibility of a believer.
Whoever Finds This Pleasing
Hadith: 57 Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: He said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say:
مَنْ سَرَّه أَنْ يُبْسَط لَهُ فِي رِزْقِهِ وَأَنْ يُنْسَأ لَهُ فِي أثَرِه فَلْيَصِلْ رحمه
“Whoever is pleased that his provision should be increased and his death delayed should maintain the ties of kinship.”
Benefit
Maintaining family ties is one of the important means of increased provision and attaining blessing and goodness in life.
Chapter 29: Those Who Maintain Family Ties Are Loved by Their Relatives
Hadith: 58 Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he said:
من اتقى ربه ووصل رحمه نُسِىءَ في أجله وَثَرى ماله وأَحَبَّه أهلُهُ
“Whoever fears his Lord and maintains the ties of kinship will have his death delayed, his wealth increased, and will be loved by his family.”
Hadith: 59 Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he said:
من اتقى ربه ووصل رحمه أنسى لَهُ فِي عُمْرِهِ وَثَرَى مَالُهُ وَأَحَبَّهُ أَهْلُهُ
“Whoever fears his Lord and maintains the ties of kinship will have his lifespan extended, his wealth increased, and will be loved by his relatives and family.”
Benefit
Adopting piety and maintaining family ties bring blessings to one’s lifespan and wealth and earn the love of others.
Chapter 30: Giving Preference According to Degree of Relationship
Hadith: 60 Al-Miqdam ibn Ma‘dikarib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يوصِيكم بِأُمَّهَاتِكُمْ ثُمَّ يوصِيكم بِأُمَّهَاتِكُمْ ثُمَّ يوصِيكم بِآبَائِكُمْ ثُمَّ يوصِيكم بِالْأَقْرَبِ فَالْأَقْرَبِ
“Indeed, Allah commands you to treat your mothers well. Then Allah commands you again to treat your mothers well. Then Allah commands you to treat your fathers well. Then He commands you to treat your closest relatives, according to their degree of closeness.”
When There Is Someone Who Severs Family Ties
Hadith: 61 Abu Ayyub Sulayman, the freedman of ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan (may Allah be pleased with him), said:
One Thursday evening, on the night of Friday, Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) came to us and said, “I will be severe with every person who severs family ties. If there is anyone here who has severed family ties, let him leave.”
When no one stood up, he repeated this three times.
Then a young man stood up and went to his paternal aunt, with whom he had severed relations for two years.
When he went to his aunt, she asked him, “Nephew, what has brought you here?”
He replied, “Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said such and such, so I have come.”
She said, “Go and ask him why he said that.”
After he left, Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say:
إِنَّ أَعْمَالَ بَنِي آدَمَ تُعْرَض عَلَى اللَّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى عشيةَ كُلِّ خَمِيسٍ لَيْلَةَ الْجُمُعَةِ فَلَا يقبلُ عمل قاطِع رحم
‘The deeds of the children of Adam are presented before Allah, Blessed and Exalted, every Thursday evening, the night of Friday, and the deed of one who severs family ties is not accepted.’”
How to Spend Your Wealth
Hadith: 62 Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
مَا أنْفَق الرجلُ عَلَى نَفْسِهِ وَأَهْلِهِ يَحْتَسِبُهَا إِلَّا آجَرَهُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى فِيهَا وابْدَأ بِمَنْ تَعُولُ فَإِنْ كَانَ فَضْلًا فَالْأَقْرَبَ الأقرب وان كان فضلا فَنَاوِل)
“Whatever a person spends on himself and his family, seeking reward from Allah, Allah Almighty will reward him for it.
Begin with those under your care. If anything remains, spend it on your closest relatives, then those next closest to them.
If there is still more remaining, then spend it wherever you wish (in a lawful manner).”
Chapter 31: Allah’s Mercy Is Not Sent Down Upon a Community Among Whom There Is Someone Who Severs Family Ties
Hadith: 63 ‘Abdullah ibn Abi Awfa (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
إن َّ الرَّحْمَةَ لَا تنزلُ عَلَى قومٍ فِيهِمْ قَاطِعُ رحِم
“Allah’s mercy is not sent down upon a people among whom there is someone who severs the ties of kinship.”
Benefit
Severing family ties is a cause of being deprived of Allah’s mercy. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good relations with relatives.
Chapter 32: The Sin of Severing Family Ties
Hadith: 64 Jubair ibn Mut‘im (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
لَا يدخلُ الْجَنَّةَ قاطعُ رَحِمٍ
“One who severs the ties of kinship will not enter Paradise.”
Benefit
Severing family ties is an extremely serious sin. A believer should maintain relations with relatives and fulfill their rights.
The Womb and Ar-Rahman
Hadith: 65 Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). He said:
إِنَّ الرَّحِمَ شَجْنةٌ مِنَ الرَّحْمَنِ تَقُولُ: يَا رَبِّ إِنِّي ظُلِمتُ يَا رَبِّ إِنِّي قُطِعتُ يا رب إني إني، فَيُجِيُبها أَلَا تَرْضَيْنَ أَنْ أَقْطَعَ مَنْ قطعَك وأصل من وصلكِ؟
“Indeed, kinship is a branch of Ar-Rahman. It says:
‘O my Lord! I have been wronged. O my Lord! I have been severed. O my Lord! I have been treated in such and such a manner.’
Allah Almighty replies, ‘Are you not pleased that I will sever ties with whoever severs you, and maintain ties with whoever maintains you?’”
Seeking Refuge from the Authority of the Foolish
Hadith: 66 Sa‘id ibn Sam‘an narrated: He said, “I heard Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) seeking refuge from the authority of children and the foolish.”
Sa‘id ibn Sam‘an said: Ibn Hasanah al-Juhani told me that he asked Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), “What is its sign?”
He replied:
أَنْ تُقْطَعَ الْأَرْحَامُ وَيُطَاعَ المُغْوِى ويُعْصَى الْمُرْشِدُ
“Its sign is that family ties will be severed, those who lead people astray will be obeyed, and those who guide to the right path will be disobeyed.”
Chapter 33: The Punishment for Severing Family Ties in This World
Hadith: 67 Abu Bakrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
مَا مِنْ ذَنْبٍ أحْرَى أَنْ يُعَجِلَ اللَّهُ لصاحِبِه الْعُقُوبَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا مَعَ مَا يُدَّخرُ لَهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِنْ قَطيعة الرَّحِمِ والبغي
“There is no sin more deserving of having its punishment hastened for its perpetrator in this world, along with what is reserved for him in the Hereafter, than severing family ties and committing oppression.”
Chapter 34: One Who Maintains Family Ties Only in Response to Others Is Not Truly a Keeper of Family Ties
Hadith: 68 ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
ليس الوَاصلُ بالمُكافِىء وَلَكِنَّ الواصلَ الَّذِي إِذَا قُطِعت رَحِمُه وَصَلَهَا
“The one who maintains family ties merely in return for the same treatment is not the true maintainer of family ties.
Rather, the true maintainer of family ties is the one who continues to maintain the relationship even when his relatives sever their relationship with him.”
Chapter 35: The Virtue of Maintaining Relations with an Oppressive Relative
Hadith: 69 Al-Bara’ (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: A Bedouin man came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said, “O Prophet of Allah! Tell me of an act that will cause me to enter Paradise.”
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Although you have spoken briefly, you have asked about something very comprehensive. Free a living soul (a slave) and release a neck (relieve a person of a burden).”
He asked, “Are these two not the same thing?”
He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “No. Freeing a living soul means that you free it yourself, while releasing a neck means that you assist in freeing it.
For example, give one of your relatives a domestic animal that you value for its milk and do good to them.
If you are unable to do that, then enjoin good and forbid evil. If you are unable even to do that, then keep your tongue restrained except from good words.”
Chapter 36: One Who Did Good Deeds During the Age of Ignorance and Then Accepted Islam
Hadith: 70 Hakim ibn Hizam (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he said to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):
“What do you say regarding the good deeds I performed in the past during the age of ignorance, such as treating my relatives well, freeing slaves, and giving charity? Will I receive any reward for them?”
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “It is through the good deeds you performed in the past that you were able to accept Islam.”
Chapter 37: Maintaining Relations with a Polytheist Relative and Giving Him a Gift
Hadith: 71 ‘Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: Once, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) saw a pair of striped silk garments being sold. He said to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), “O Messenger of Allah, buy this so that you may wear it on Friday and when delegations come to you.”
He said, “O ‘Umar! Only one who has no share of goodness may wear this.”
Later, some beautifully decorated garments were brought to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and he sent one pair to ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).
‘Umar came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said, “You have sent this to me even though I have heard what you said about it.”
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “I did not give it to you for you to wear it. Rather, I gave it to you so that you could sell it or give it to someone else to wear.”
‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) then sent it to one of his maternal brothers who was a polytheist.
Chapter 38: Know Your Lineage So That You Can Maintain Good Relations with Your Relatives
Hadith: 72 Jubair ibn Mut‘im (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he heard ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) say from the pulpit:
“Learn your lineage and then maintain good relations with your relatives.
By Allah! Sometimes a person may become angry with his Muslim brother, but if he knew that there was a blood relationship between them, he would never allow anything to affect his honor.”
Preserving Genealogy
Hadith: 73 Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he said:
“Preserve your genealogical records and maintain ties with one another.
For there is no distance between relatives when their relationship is good, even if they are distant relatives. Likewise, there is no closeness between relatives when their relationship is bad, even if they are close relatives.
On the Day of Resurrection, kinship will come to the person who is entitled to it and will testify regarding his relationship with his relatives.
If he maintained the relationship, it will testify in his favor. But if he severed the relationship, it will testify against him.”
Chapter 39: Can a Slave Claim a Relationship with a Particular Tribe?
Hadith: 74 ‘Abdur-Rahman ibn Abi Habib (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“Which tribe are you from?”
I replied, “From the Taym Tamim tribe.”
He asked, “Are you from the tribe itself or from among their freed slaves?”
I replied, “From among their freed slaves.”
He said, “Then why did you not say that you are one of their freed slaves?”
Chapter 40: A Freed Slave Is Also Considered Part of His Community
Hadith: 75 Rifa‘ah ibn Rafi‘ (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), “Gather the people of your community for me.”
He gathered everyone.
When they gathered near the door of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), ‘Umar went to him and said, “I have gathered the people of my community before you.”
The Ansari Companions heard this and said, “Perhaps revelation has been sent down concerning the Quraysh.” So they came to see and hear what would be said to them.
Then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came out to them, stood among them, and said, “Is there anyone among you who is not from among yourselves?”
They replied, “Yes. We have our allies, our nephews by marriage, and our freed slaves with us.”
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Our allies, our nephews by marriage, and our freed slaves are also part of us.
And know that among you, only those who are mindful of Allah are my friends and allies. If you are such people, then that is good. Otherwise, you will come on the Day of Resurrection carrying the burden of your deeds and sins, and you will be turned away from you.”
Then he called them and raised both his hands over their heads and said:
“The Quraysh are trustworthy. Whoever opposes them—” The narrator says, “I think he said”—الْعَوَاثِرَ, meaning that he will bring troubles and difficulties upon himself—“Allah will throw him into Hell upon his face.”
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) repeated this three times.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blood relations are among the most valuable blessings in a person’s life. Islam considers maintaining family ties an important part of faith and noble character.
The teachings of Al-Adab al-Mufrad clearly demonstrate that maintaining good relations with relatives is one of the means of attaining the pleasure of Allah. In today’s society, preserving family bonds is more important than ever.
Therefore, we should keep in touch with our relatives, help one another, and maintain mutual love and respect. By honoring and preserving blood relations, it is possible to bring peace to the family, harmony to society, and success in the Hereafter.
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