Anas ibn Malik reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Anyone who wants to have his provision expanded and his term of life prolonged should maintain ties of kinship."
The Excellence of Maintaining Kinship Ties
This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reveals two profound spiritual and worldly benefits for those who uphold the bonds of kinship (silat ar-rahim). The connection between righteous deeds and divine blessings is clearly established here.
Expansion of Provision (Rizq)
Scholars explain that maintaining kinship ties becomes a means through which Allah opens doors of sustenance. This expansion encompasses both material and spiritual provision - increase in wealth, contentment of heart, and barakah in one's possessions.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments that this expansion occurs because maintaining family ties is an act of obedience to Allah, and every act of obedience attracts divine favor and increased blessings in one's livelihood.
Prolongation of Life
The prolongation mentioned refers to both quantitative and qualitative aspects of life. Al-Qurtubi explains it as either actual extension of lifespan or the barakah (blessing) in one's time, where a person accomplishes in a short period what others would need much longer to achieve.
Imam Nawawi states this prolongation includes both worldly life and blessings in the afterlife, as maintaining kinship ties is among the greatest deeds that lead to Paradise.
The Meaning of Silat ar-Rahim
Maintaining kinship ties involves visiting relatives, helping them financially when possible, checking on their welfare, speaking kindly to them, and overlooking their faults. It includes both blood relatives and those connected through marriage.
The scholars emphasize that this obligation remains even if relatives are distant or difficult, though the manner of maintaining ties may vary according to circumstances and capabilities.
Practical Implementation
Begin with the closest relatives and extend outward. Regular communication, financial support when needed, emotional support during difficulties, and sharing happy occasions all constitute maintaining ties.
The minimum requirement is what prevents cutting relations, while the optimal practice includes going beyond minimum requirements to strengthen these sacred bonds that Allah has honored in the Quran.