Abu Hurayra heard that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, "Anyone who wants to have his provision expanded and his term of life lengthened should maintain ties of kinship."
The Excellence of Maintaining Kinship Ties
This noble hadith from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 57 reveals two magnificent blessings for those who uphold the bonds of kinship: expansion in provision and lengthening of lifespan. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) establishes a direct connection between righteous conduct toward relatives and divine blessings in both worldly and spiritual matters.
Scholarly Commentary on Provision Expansion
The expansion of provision (rizq) encompasses both material and spiritual sustenance. Classical scholars explain that maintaining kinship ties purifies wealth, brings barakah (blessing) in one's earnings, and opens doors to lawful provision that one could not anticipate. This expansion manifests not merely in quantity but in the quality and benefit derived from what Allah provides.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the "expansion" includes contentment with what one has, making little provision sufficient, and the removal of financial distress from the heart.
Understanding the Lengthening of Life
The "lengthening of life" is interpreted by scholars in two ways: literally through divine decree adding to one's appointed time, and figuratively through barakah where much is accomplished in little time. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that both interpretations are valid, as Allah rewards the maintenance of kinship ties with both temporal and spiritual longevity.
Imam Nawawi explains that the lengthening includes protection from untimely death and the blessing of productive years filled with obedience to Allah.
The Comprehensive Nature of Kinship Ties
Maintaining ties of kinship (silat ar-rahim) encompasses financial support, emotional care, visiting, correspondence, kind words, and overlooking faults. Scholars stress that it includes both Muslim and non-Muslim relatives, though the manner may differ based on their faith.
Ibn Taymiyyah clarifies that the obligation varies according to closeness of relation and need, with parents having the highest right, then other relatives in order of proximity.
Practical Implementation
The scholars advise beginning with those closest in relation, then extending to more distant kin. Even minimal contact maintains the bond, while severing it requires major neglect. Regular visits, phone calls, gifts, and supplication for relatives all constitute maintaining kinship ties.
Al-Ghazali reminds us that the greatest maintenance is guiding relatives to Islam and encouraging them in righteousness, for this benefits them in both worlds.