Ties of Kinship

The Ties of Kinship

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The Ties of Kinship

Introduction:

All Perfect Praise is to Allaah, we praise Him, seek His aid, and ask His forgiveness. We
seek refuge in Allaah from the evils of ourselves and from our bad deeds. He whom
Allaah guides, there is None to MISGUIDE him, and He whom he leaves astray there is
NONE to guide him! I bear witness that none is worthy of Worship but Allaah, who is
alone without partners and I bear witness that Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alayhi
wasallam) is his slave and Messenger.

To Proceed:

“O you who believe! Fear Allaah (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that
He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him
always], and die not except in a state of Islaam (as Muslims) with complete submission to
Allaah.” [Aal-’Imraan: 102]

“O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Aadam), and from
him (Aadam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and
women and fear Allaah through whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the
relations of) the wombs (kinship)[]. Surely, Allaah is Ever an All-Watcher over you.” [An-Nisaa:
1]


The Ties of Kinship

“O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allaah and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth.
He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever
obeys Allaah and His Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) he has indeed achieved a great
achievement (i.e. he will be saved from the Hell-fire and made to enter Paradise).” [Al-
Ahzaab: 70-71]

To Proceed...

“Verily the most truthful speech is the Book of Allaah, and the best guidance is the
guidance of Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam.
And the worst matters are the newly invented matters, and ALL new matters are
innovations into the religion, and all the innovations are misguidance, and all the
misguidance lead to the fire.”

To Proceed...

Nobody can deny that Islaam is a religion of mercy, and kindness, and that it is the sole
source of perfection of all the human rights man desires of possessing. It is the fitrah
(natural disposition) by which human beings were created, and it cannot be denied.

But, this is only witnessed by and testified to by those who open their hearts and submit
to the Divine Legislation of Allaah: and that is the Holy Qur’aan and the Authentic
Sunnah, through the understanding of the Pious Predecessors. It is experienced
(although on a lesser level) even by those who do not necessarily adhere and follow the
Legislation in totality. Because all of creation – mankind, jinn, animals and all those of
the creation whom Allaah only possesses knowledge of- submit willingfully or
unwillingfully to the Creator and His Perfect Legislation.

As Allaah says:

“ Do they seek other than the religion of Allaah (the true Islamic Monotheism
worshipping none but Allaah Alone), while to Him submitted all creatures in the


The Ties of Kinship

heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly? And to Him shall they all be
returned.” 1

And also:

“And unto Allaah (Alone) falls in prostration whoever is in the heavens and the
earth, willingly or unwillingly, and so do their shadows in the mornings and in
the afternoons.” 2

After the obligation of Worshipping and submitting to Him Alone (Tawheed), One of the
most important obligations upon us from Allaah is to maintain the relations and the ties
of kinship.

This is legislated in the Qur’aan in several verses:

“ Worship Allaah and join none with Him (in worship); and do good to parents, kinsfolk…” 3

In his tafseer of this great verse, Al-‘Allaamaah ‘Abdurrahmaan as-Sa’dee said:
The Exalted One, commands His slaves to worship Him alone without setting up any
partners with Him.
And this is advancing into worshipping him and establishing His Lordship, and complete
submission to His commands and prohibitions, and having Love, Humbleness and
complete sincerity to Him: in all the types of worship – secret or apparent.

And He prohibits making shirk (associating partners) with Him, He has no partners; not
small or great, not any angel, or prophet, or awliyaa; nor any other creature: Of whom

1. Soorah Aal-'Imraan:83
2 . Soorah ar-Ra’d:15
3 . Soorah an-Nisaa:36


The Ties of Kinship

(all these created beings) do not posses the power to benefit or harm themselves, nor
bring life or death or resurrection.
Rather, it is an individual obligation to have complete sincerity in worshipping The One
who has complete Perfection in every aspect, and He has the complete Control over all
affairs – of which He has no partner or any assistance.
Then after the command to Worshipping Him and observing His rights, He commanded
to establish the rights of the slaves; giving precedence to those who are closest and then
those who are closer …
Thus He said:

“...And do good to parents,”

Meaning: Show righteousness to them by kind words, speaking to them in a gentle
manner, acting nicely towards them by obeying their orders and keeping away from that
which they prohibit you, spending on them, having gentleness and spending on those
who are related to them, and keeping the ties of relations to those whom you have no
relation except through them.

And this righteousness has two nullifiers - evilness and lack of being good to them. And
both of these are prohibited.

“…And [do good] to kinsfolk…”

Meaning: Also having goodness and righteousness towards them. And this includes all
the relatives, whether they are close or distant.
That you should establish righteousness with them through speech and actions. And that
you should not cut your kinship through use of [any] statements or actions.” 4

And also in another verse, Allaah says:

"And fear Allaah through Whom you demand (your mutual rights), and (do not cut
the relations of) the wombs (kinship)". 5
From Ibn Abee Talhah that Ibn ‘Abbaas said regarding this verse: “ Fear Allaah through
whom you ask for your needs, and fear Allaah in regards to the relations; so connect and
keep them.”

4. Tayseer Al Kareem Ar-Rahmaan fee Tafseer Kalaam Al Mannaan.
5. Soorah an-Nisaa:1


The Ties of Kinship

From Dhahaak that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “Fear Allaah and do not cut off the ties of kinship.”
6

In his tafseer, Imaam ash-Shawkaanee, rahimahullaah, said: Al- Qurtubee said: “ There is
consensus in the religion that keeping and connecting the ties of kinship is obligatory and
cutting them off is prohibited.” 7

And one of the bounties of Allaah on his creatures is that He sent down a Legislation
that is perfect and complete, detailing every single matter.

“(This is) a Book, the Verses whereof are perfected (in every sphere of knowledge,
etc.), and then explained in detail from One (Allaah), Who is All-Wise and
Well-Acquainted (with all things).” 8

“And We have explained everything (in detail) with full explanation.” 9

This is the bounty of The Most Merciful. He did not leave us without concise, clear
guidance.

Thus we also find that after making it an obligation for us to keep good relations, Allaah
The Exalted, also defined the ties of kinship:

And these are both those that are:

- Through blood relations (brother, sister, cousin, uncle e.t.c)

6. Tafseer at-Tabaree
7. Fathul Qadeer
8. Soorah Hood : 1
9. Soorah al-Israa: 12


The Ties of Kinship

- And also through marriage (the in-laws, and their families).

As He, The Exalted said:

“ And it is He Who has created man from water, and has appointed for him
kindred by blood, and kindred by marriage. And your Lord is Ever All-Powerful to
do what He wills.” 10

Thus these verses show the obligation of keeping the ties of kinship and also the
definition of those who are considered as kin (relatives).

And consequently Allaah gives a stern warning for those who cut the ties of kinship
(because those who do this, will be disobeying Him):

“ Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land, and
sever your ties of kinship?
Such are they whom Allaah has cursed, so that He has made them deaf and
blinded their sight.” 11

In his tafseer, Ibn Katheer says:
“This involves a general prohibition of spreading corruption on earth, and a specific
prohibition of severing the ties of kinship. In fact, Allaah has commanded the people to
establish righteousness on earth, as well as to join the ties of kinship by treating the
relatives well in speech, actions, and spending wealth in charity.” 12

Ibn Jareer at-Tabaree says:

10. Soorah al-Furqaan: 54
11. Soorah Muhammad :22-23

12. Abridged Tafseer Ibn Katheer, Printed by Darussalam


The Ties of Kinship

“The Exalted says: His mentioning, those who do this - meaning those who do mischief
in the land, and cut the ties of kinship – they are those whom Allaah has cursed, thus He
has distanced them from His Mercy, and has made them deaf.
Saying: He has withheld them from understanding what their ears hear of the
admonitions sent down by Allaah in His revelation.
And He has withheld their thinking, thus they can not interpret the proofs of Allaah, and
they do not ponder over what they see of the signs and evidences sent by Allaah.” 13

Therefore the aforementioned verses clearly define the obligation of keeping good
relations. And also the harsh warning against those who go against this order of Allaah.

And as we know, the Legislation of Islaam is through the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. Hence
we also find that this critical and important matter (of keeping relations) is also
mentioned and clarified in a detailed manner in the pure Sunnah of Our Messenger
(sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).

The following are some of these Ahaadeeth.

The Duty of maintaining the ties of kinship:

* The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:
14
“Fear Allaah and tie (maintain) your bonds of kinship.”

* Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu): ‘The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi
wasallam) said:

"Whoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day should serve his guest generously; and
whoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day should unite the bonds of kinship (i.e. keep

13. Tafseer at-Tabaree
14. Silsilah as-Saheehah : 869


The Ties of Kinship

good relations with his Kith and kin); and whoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day
should speak what is good or remain silent.” 15

* The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said during his illness:

“Maintain the ties of the womb! Maintain the ties of the womb!” 16

* Narrated Ibn Haakim from his father from his grandfather:

‘ I said: Apostle of Allaah! To whom should I show kindness? ’

He (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) replied:

“Your mother, next your mother, next your mother, and then comes your father, and
then your closest relatives then next closest (in order of relationship).” 17

In his explanation of the above hadeeth, Shaykh Aadhimabaadee said:

“ Your mother,
Meaning: the order should be in terms of closeness, that your mother is the foremost

…And then your closest relatives then next closest (in order of relationship).”
Meaning: to the very last one of the relatives. 18

* Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu): The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi
wasallam) said:

"Allaah created the creations, and when He finished from His creations, Ar-Rahm i.e.,
the womb said, "(O Allaah) at this place I seek refuge with You from all those who sever
me (i.e. sever the ties of Kith and kin).

15. Saheeh al-Bukhaaree
16. Silsilah as-Saheehah : 1538.
17. Sunan Aboo Daawood : Hadeeth # 5139
18 . Awnul Ma’bood


The Ties of Kinship

Allaah said: ' Yes, won't you be pleased that I will keep good relations with the one who
will keep good relations with you, and I will sever the relation with the one who will
sever the relations with you.'

It said: 'Yes, O my Lord.'

Allaah said, 'Then that is for you ' "

Allaah's Apostle (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) added. "Read (in the Qur’aan) if you wish,
the Statement of Allaah:

'Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land and sever your
ties of kinship? ' (47.22) 19

Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajar said:
“The purpose of this statement is informing the emphasis on the matter of keeping the
ties of kinship.
And that Allaah The Exalted has given it (the ties) a status, such that the one who keeps
the ties, then He enters him into His Protection.
And as it is such, then the reward of Allaah never ends.” 20

* Aboo Hurayrah (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu) said: "When the following Aayah was revealed
[‘Warn your near relatives' (26:214)], the Prophet (may Allaah bless him and grant him
peace) stood up and called out, saying:

“ Banu Ka'b ibn Lu’ayy! Save yourselves from the Fire! Banu 'Abdu Manna! Save
yourselves from the Fire! Banu Hashim! Save yourselves from the Fire! Banu 'Abdu'l-
Muttalib! Save yourselves from the Fire! Fatima, daughter of Muhammad! Save yourself
from the Fire! I do not have anything for you in respect to Allaah, except for the fact that
you have ties of kinship.'" 21

* Aboo Ayyoob Khaalid bin Zayd Al-Ansaari (May Allaah be pleased with him) reported:
‘A man came to the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and said,

20. Fathul Baaree
21. Aadabul Mufrad : 48


The Ties of Kinship

"Direct me to a deed which will admit me to Jannah and take me away from the Fire".

The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

"Worship Allaah and associate no partner with Him, perform As-Salaah, pay Zakaah, and
maintain the ties of kinship". 22

* Anas (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu) reported Allaah's Apostle (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) as
saying:

“Nurse no grudge, nurse no aversion and do not sever the ties of kinship: and live like
fellow-brothers as servants of Allaah.”

This Hadeeth has been narrated on the authority of Shu'ba with the same chain of
transmitters but with this addition: " As Allaah has commanded you." 23

* From Aboo Dharr (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu), who said, “My companion (sallallaahu ‘alayhi
wasallam) ordered me with seven things:

(1) He ordered me to love the poor and be close to them,

(2) And he ordered me to look at those below me and not to look at those above me,

(3) He ordered me to keep the ties of the womb even if others didn’t want to,

(4) He ordered me not to ask anyone for anything,

(5) He ordered me to speak the truth even if it was bitter,

(6) He ordered me not to fear, for the sake of Allaah, the blame of the blamers,

(7) He ordered me to frequently say “laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa billaah” (there is
no might or power except with Allaah), for it is from the treasures underneath the
Throne.”
24
(And in another narration, “it is a treasure from the treasures of Paradise.”)

22. Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim
23. Saheeh Muslim


The Ties of Kinship

Being dutiful in keeping and maintaining the ties of kinship

* It is reported that al-Miqdam ibn Ma'dikarib (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu), heard the
Messenger of Allaah, (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) say:

"Allaah enjoins you to be dutiful to your mothers. Then He enjoins you to be dutiful to
your mothers. Then He enjoins you to be dutiful to your fathers. Then He enjoins you to
be dutiful to your next closest relative and then to your next closest relative." 25

* Narrated ‘Abdullah bin 'Amr (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu): The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi
wasallam) said:

"Al-Wasil is not the one who recompenses the good done to him by his relatives, but Al-
Wasil is the one who keeps good relations with those relatives who had severed the
bond of kinship with him." 26

* From Anas (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu): The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said
during his illness:
27
“Maintain the ties of the womb! Maintain the ties of the womb!”

* Al-Baraa (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu) said, "A bedouin came and said, 'Prophet of Allaah!
Teach me an action which will enable me to enter the Garden.'

He (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:
"The question is a broad one, even though you have asked it in only a few words. Free
someone. Set a slave free.'

25. Aadaabul Mufrad : 60.


The Ties of Kinship

He (the Bedouin) said, 'Are they not the same thing?'

He (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) replied:
'No. Freeing someone is setting someone free yourself. Setting a slave free is to
contribute to the price of setting him free.

Lend an animal for milking which has a lot of milk.

And treat your relatives kindly.

If you cannot do that, then command the good and forbid the bad.

If you cannot do that, then restrain your tongue from everything except what is good."28

* “O people! Give salaams, and feed those who are in need of food, tie the bonds of
kinship, pray in the night and forsake your sleep; you will enter paradise in peace” 29

* Jubayr ibn Mut'im said that he heard 'Umar ibn al-Khattaab (radhiyallaahu ‘anhum),
say on the minbar,

"Learn your lineages so that you can maintain ties of kinship. By Allaah, if there are
some bad feelings between a man and his brother and he knows that there is kinship
between him and that man, that will prevent him from breaking ties with him." 30

“Fulfill your vow, for there is no fulfilling of a vow in disobedience to Allaah, or in cutting
of the ties of kinship, and nor in that which the son of Aadam does not possess (i.e. what
he is not capable of doing).” 31

* Ibn 'Abbaas (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu), said:


31. Silsilah as-Saheehah : 2872. Taken from the Hadeeth Encyclopedia


The Ties of Kinship

"Keep a record of your lines of descent so that you can maintain ties of kinship. He will
not make his relatives distant when they are close relatives, even if they live far away.
He will not consider them to be close relatives if they are distant ones, even if they live
near to him.

Every tie of kinship will come on the Day of Rising in front of each individual and testify
on his behalf that he has maintained that tie of kinship if he did indeed maintain it. It
will testify against him that he cut if off, if he cut it off." 32

* 'Abdullaah ibn 'Amr (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu), reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu
‘alayhi wasallam) said:
"The one who maintains ties of kinship is not the one who reciprocates. The one who
maintains ties of kinship is the one who, when his relatives cut him off, he maintains ties
of kinship." 33

The excellence of maintaining ties of kinship

* Anas bin Maalik (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu), reported that Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu

“ He who likes that his sustenance should be expanded and his age be lengthened, he
should join the ties of kinship.” 34

* “ Have mercy and the Most Merciful, The Blessed, The Most High will be merciful to
you.

Have mercy to those upon the earth and the One above the heavens will have mercy
upon you.

And the womb (ar-Rahim) is derived from ar-Rahmaan, so whoever connects it, then
Allaah will connect him, and whoever cuts it then, Allaah will cut him off.” 35

34. Saheeh Muslim
35. Silsilah as-Saheeha : 925.


The Ties of Kinship

* 'Abdurrahmaan ibn 'Awf (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu), heard the Messenger of Allaah
(sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) say:

"Allaah, the Almighty and Exalted, said, 'I am The Most Merciful (ar-Rahmaan). I have
created ties of kinship and derived a name for it from My Name.
If anyone maintains ties of kinship, I maintain connection with him, and I shall cut off
anyone who cuts them off.'" 36

* Abul-'Abbaas (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu), said, "I visited 'Abdullaah ibn 'Amr at al-Waht
(some land of his in Taa'if). He said:
'The Prophet, (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) pointed his finger towards us and said:

"Kinship (ar-Rahim) is derived from the All-Merciful (ar-Rahmaan). When someone
maintains the connections of ties of kinship, they maintain connection with him. If
someone cuts them off, they cut him off. They will have an unfettered, eloquent tongue
on the Day of Rising." 37

* “The best among you are those who are best to their family, and I am good (kind,
gentle, honest, loving) to my family. When a friend (relative) passes away: make du’aa
for him. ” 38

* 'Aaishah (radhiyallaahu ‘anhaa), reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi
wasallam) said:

"Kinship (ar-Rahim) is derived from Allaah. If anyone maintains ties of kinship Allaah
maintains ties with him. If anyone cuts them off, Allaah cuts him off." 39

36. Aadabul Mufraad : 53.
37. Aadabul Mufraad : 54.


The Ties of Kinship

* And also: ‘Aaishah (radhiyallaahu ‘anhaa), reported Allaah's Messenger (sallallaahu
‘alayhi wasallam) as saying:

“The tie of kinship is suspended to the Throne and says: “ He who unites me Allaah
would unite him and he who severed me Allaah would sever him.” 40

* Ibn 'Umar (radhiyallaahu ‘anhumaa), said:

"If someone fears his Lord and maintains ties of kinship, his term of life will be
prolonged, he will have abundant wealth and his people will love him." 41

* Aboo Hurayrah (May Allaah be pleased with him) reported: A man said to Messenger
of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam):

"I have relatives with whom I try to keep the ties of relationship but they sever relations
with me; and whom I treat kindly but they treat me badly. I am gentle with them but
they are rough to me.''

He (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) replied: " If you are as you say, it is as if you are
feeding them hot ashes, and you will be with a supporter against them from Allaah, as
long as you continue to do so". 42

* “Verily whoever is given his portion of gentleness, is given his portion of goodness in
this dunyaa and the aakhirah.

And keeping ties of the womb, good manners, and being good to neighbors, populate
the house and increase the lifespan.” 43

The Warning & Punishment to one who cuts off the ties of kinship

40. Saheeh Muslim
42. Saheeh Muslim
43 Silsilah as-Saheehah : 519.


The Ties of Kinship

* Aboo Bakra (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu), reported that the Messenger of Allaah, (sallallaahu

"There is no wrong action which Allaah is swifter to punish in this world – in addition to
the punishment which He has stored up for the wrongdoer in the next world – than
cutting off ties of kinship and injustice." 44

* In a hadeeth Qudsee, the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

“Allaah says: ‘I am Allaah, and I am ar-Rahmaan (the Most Merciful) and this rahm (tie of
kinship) has a name that is derived from My name. Whoever uphold it, I will take care of
him, and whoever severs it, I will cut him off.’ 45

* Aboo Hurayrah (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allaah
(sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

"Ties of kinship (rahim) are derived from the All-Merciful (ar-Rahmaan). They say: 'My
Lord! I have been wronged! . My Lord! I have been cut off! . My Lord! I have! I have!'

Allaah answers them: 'Are you not content that I cut off the one who cuts you off; and I
maintain connections with the one who maintains connections with you?' “ 46

In explaining the hadeeth: Ibn Abee Jamraa said:
“ Keeping the ties of kinship will be through: wealth, assisting them in their needs,
repelling any harm, having a cheerful smiling face in front of them, and by making du’aa
for the relatives.
And the meaning is: collection of all that is possible to achieve good, and repelling all
that which could bring evil between the relatives.
And this will [only] continue and endure; if the relatives are people of steadfastness in
their religion.”



The Ties of Kinship


“There is not a sin more deserving for Allaah to hasten the punishment for its doer in
this world than injustice and cutting the ties of the womb - despite what Allaah has
stored for him [the doer] in the Hereafter.” 47

* Narrated Jaabir bin Mut'im (radhiyallaahu ‘anhu): That he heard the Prophet
(sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) saying:
48
" The person who severs the bond of kinship will not enter Paradise."

"It is disbelief in Allaah, the one who denies his kinship, even if it is insignificant (i.e.
remote]." 49

.َ ِ َ َ ‫و ِ ُ د ْ َا َ أن ا َ ْ ُ ِ َب ا‬
‫ر‬ ِ َ َ
And our last message is; Alhamdulillaahi Rabbil ‘alameen

[All Perfect Praise is for Allaah, The Lord of All the Worlds]

49
. Reported from 'Abdullaah ibn 'Amr (radhiyallahu anhu) Ibn Maajah, no. 2744, Ahmad in his Musnad,
92/215 and at-Tabaraanee in As-Sagheer, 1072 and its chain of narration is hasan. It has also been
reported from Aboo Bakr by ad-Daarimee, no. 2863, Marwazee in Musnad Abee Bakr, no. 90, and al-
Bazzaar. However its chain of narration is very weak due to asSariyy ibn Ismaa'eel, who is matrookul-
Hadeeth (someone whose narrations are abandoned/rejected) as occurs in At-Taqreeb, 1/285, Al-Kaashif,
1/276 and Al-Majrooheen, 1/355.


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