Table of Contents
Summary First
In Islam, maintaining family ties (Silat al-Rahm) is a divine duty. The Qur’an and Hadith stress kindness to parents, relatives, and kin. Breaking ties brings severe warnings, while compassion ensures blessings, harmony, and long life. The Rights of Relatives in Islamic Law nurture faith and unity.
6 Honored Rights of Relatives in Islamic law – Learning Quran Guide
The honored rights of relatives in Islamic law—caring, financial help, respect, and moral support—are rooted in Qur’an and Sunnah. Learning Quran guide shows how kinship, family ties, and compassion bring inner peace and divine reward, as taught in Tafsir Ibn Kathir
1- Rights of Relatives in Islamic Law
In Islam, one of the greatest responsibilities upon a believer is fulfilling the rights of fellow human beings (Huquq al-Ibad).
Among these rights, kindness towards relatives holds a special place.
When any of our relatives go through hardship or distress, it becomes our duty to stand beside them, ease their pain, and care for them with respect and compassion.
I personally witnessed this within my own family—when a close cousin faced financial struggles, the entire family came together to support him.
This practical experience reflects what the Qur’an emphasizes: caring for our kin is not just a social norm, it is part of the Rights of Relatives in Islamic Law, an act of worship that draws us closer to Allah.
Allah Almighty clearly commands in the Qur’an:
“And worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him. And be good to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbour, the distant neighbour, the companion by your side, the wayfarer, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are arrogant and boastful.” (Surah al-Nisa, 4:36, Para 5)
This verse outlines the Islamic principle of social ethics—our faith is not only about rituals but also about how we treat parents, relatives, neighbors, orphans, the poor, and even those under our authority.
According to Imam al-Ghazali (Vol. 2, p. 192, Dar al-Ma‘rifah, Beirut), maintaining family ties (silat al-rahm) is among the most beloved deeds to Allah
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also warned that those who cut off ties with relatives will face accountability on the Day of Judgment (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Adab, Hadith 5987).
From a practical perspective, kindness to relatives strengthens family bonds, spreads love, and prevents loneliness. It also promotes emotional healing, inner peace, and social unity—all of which are essential for a harmonious life.
When I once helped an elderly relative during illness, I realized how deeply rewarding it feels to fulfill this Quranic instruction.
The smile on their face, the dua (prayer) from their lips, and the family harmony it created—all showed me that the Qur’an’s guidance on the Rights of Relatives in Islamic Law is not abstract, but a living reality that transforms our daily lives.
2- the importance of parents and maintaining family relationships
In Islam, the closest and most important relatives are our parents. A believer is commanded to treat their parents with utmost respect, care, and kindness never speaking harshly to them or causing them discomfort.
This duty forms a cornerstone of Islamic ethics and family harmony.
Allah Almighty states in the Quran:
“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents with goodness.” (Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:8, Para 20)
This verse emphasizes that showing respect, affection, and obedience to parents is not merely a social expectation but a divine command.
The concept of Silat al-Rahm, or maintaining family relationships, extends beyond parents to relatives, neighbors, and even acquaintances.
Islam emphasizes that good treatment of others—especially family—is a reflection of one’s faith and character.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ highlighted the profound significance of family bonds. A narration from Aisha (RA) states
“The tie of kinship (rahm) is suspended from the Throne, and it says: ‘Whoever maintains me, Allah will maintain him; and whoever severs me, Allah will sever him.’”
(Sahih Muslim, Book 45, Hadith 6519, Page 1062)
This Hadith underlines that nurturing relationships with relatives is directly linked to Allah’s pleasure and spiritual reward.
3- treating relatives with kindness in islam hadith
Umm al-Mu’minin, Sayyida Maimunah bint Harith (RA) narrated: She freed a female slave without seeking the permission of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. When the Prophet ﷺ visited her home on her appointed day, she said:
“O Messenger of Allah! Do you know that I have freed my female slave?”
The Prophet ﷺ replied: “Did you really do that?” She said: “Yes.” The Prophet ﷺ said: “If you had given her to your maternal uncle, it would have been better for you in terms of reward.”
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Learn as much as you can about your relatives so that you may treat them with good conduct. Treating relatives with kindness leads to love and closeness among family, increases blessings in wealth, and contributes to longevity.”
This means that you should know your fathers, grandfathers, mothers, grandmothers, their children, and other dear relatives, be aware of their names, and remain informed about their circumstances.
In real life, this Hadith reminds us that maintaining awareness of our family members and treating them with kindness strengthens family bonds.
Personally, keeping track of the needs and well-being of my relatives has fostered mutual respect, deeper love, and harmony in family life.
This lived experience shows that the Rights of Relatives in Islamic Law are not merely theoretical duties, but guiding principles that nurture peace, compassion, and unity within the family.
4- The Right of Relatives and Silat al-Rahm
The teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ regarding home management and family relations are so vast and clear that no aspect of this field is left unexplained.
His guidance, his Seerah (life), Sunnah (traditions), behavior, manners, and character, provide humanity with unmatched lessons on good conduct, kindness, empathy, mutual love, assistance, forgiveness, patience, and fulfilling the rights of others. Such comprehensive moral instruction cannot be found in any other religion or ideology.
Regarding the rights of kinship and maintaining family ties (Silat al-Rahm), Abu Hurairah (RA) narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Rahm (kinship) is derived from Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful). Allah says: Whoever maintains you, I will maintain them, and whoever severs you, I will sever them.”
This means that a human being’s attachment and relationships with relatives are directly linked to Allah’s mercy. The source of this relationship is Allah’s attribute of Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful),
and therefore it has been named Rahm. Due to this special connection, maintaining kinship is of immense significance to Allah.
Those who uphold family ties and treat relatives kindly are drawn closer to Allah and become beloved to Him, while those who cut off relatives face divine separation and loss of Allah’s mercy.
Personally observing and practicing Silat al-Rahm in daily life brings immense emotional satisfaction, family harmony, and inner peace.
Ensuring the well-being of parents and relatives strengthens bonds of love, creates blessings in wealth, and promotes longevity.
This lived reality reflects the holistic approach of the Qur’an and Sunnah towards human life, where the Rights of Relatives in Islamic Law are emphasized as a pathway to divine mercy and social stability.
5- The Blessings of Maintaining Family Ties (Silat al-Rahm) in Islam
In today’s world, Muslims face numerous challenges and hardships. Undoubtedly, some of the distance from Allah’s mercy, blessings, and guidance observed in society is the result of shortcomings and misdeeds in various aspects of life.
Among the deeds that attract Allah’s mercy and closeness is Silat al-Rahm (maintaining ties with relatives). This practice not only brings spiritual rewards but also worldly blessings.
The Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ repeatedly highlight that righteous deeds lead to both spiritual and worldly benefits.
Anas ibn Malik (RA) narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever loves that his provision be expanded and that his footprints remain long in this world (i.e., longevity), let him maintain his family ties (Silat al-Rahm).”
(Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith explains that treating relatives with kindness, fulfilling their rights, and showing gentleness are among the righteous acts whose blessings manifest in this world.
Allah Almighty, in response to such conduct, grants the believer:
- Expansion and abundance in provision (rizq)
- Longevity and continued presence in the world
Thus, the act of Silat al-Rahm is not only a spiritual obligation but also a means of attaining worldly prosperity, stability, and extended life, reflecting the comprehensive wisdom of Islamic guidance.
And believers who actively engage in maintaining family ties and treating relatives kindly experience noticeable harmony in their households, better provision, and social goodwill.
Even small acts of kindness whether a supportive word, financial help, or simply checking on their well-being create sustained blessings and peace in one’s life.
This lived reality confirms the Hadith’s promise and highlights how the Rights of Relatives in Islamic Law are not abstract rulings, but a divine system designed to nurture emotional well-being, strengthen family bonds, and ensure social stability.
6- what does islam say about breaking family ties
From a practical and experiential point of view, it becomes evident that family disputes, domestic conflicts, and household stress often arise from neglecting the rights of relatives and treating them harshly.
When family members fail to show kindness, compassion, and support to their close kin, the result is inner frustration, emotional suffocation, and an unhealthy buildup of resentment.
Over time, these negative emotions grow into envy, hatred, and hostility, which then spread into the wider circle, leading to family breakdown, loss of harmony, and social instability.
The consequences of cutting ties are not limited to the heart alone. Such negative family environments directly affect one’s mental health, business dealings, agricultural work, financial stability, and even physical well-being.
Anyone who has witnessed long-standing family quarrels knows how quickly they impact every sphere of life.
On the other hand, those who honor their family obligations and maintain silah rahmi (the Islamic duty of maintaining blood relations) enjoy peace, prosperity, and mutual trust.
Their lives are filled with inner joy, their households flourish with harmony, and their communities thrive in stability. This is why Islam has placed family kinship as a sacred duty, not just a cultural practice.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ strongly condemned the act of severing blood relations. In a well-known Hadith narrated by Jubair ibn Mut‘im (رضي الله عنه), the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“The one who severs the ties of kinship will not enter Paradise.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5984; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2556)
This Hadith makes it clear that breaking family ties is not just a minor mistake, but a grave sin with severe spiritual consequences.
Scholars explain that a person who severs relations will be denied direct entry into Paradise as long as he carries the burden of this crime.
However, if Allah ﷻ purifies him through punishment, or forgives him out of His infinite mercy, then he may eventually enter Paradise.
This stern warning demonstrates how central the Rights of Relatives in Islamic Law are to faith itself maintaining kinship is not merely a social courtesy but an obligation tied to one’s eternal destiny.
conclusion
In Islam, maintaining family ties (Silat al-Rahm) is a direct path to blessings in wealth, health, and inner peace.
The Qur’an repeatedly commands kindness to relatives, while Hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari highlights severe warnings for cutting ties. The Rights of Relatives in Islamic Law emphasize respecting parents, honoring uncles, and showing love to kin.
Personally, I have felt how reconnecting with relatives brings emotional satisfaction, proving that Islamic family values remain timeless guidance for Muslims today.
