The Prohibition of Severing Kinship Ties

This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 5984, found in the Book of Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), establishes the grave spiritual consequence of severing familial bonds. The Prophet's statement carries immense weight in Islamic ethics.

Scholarly Commentary on the Severity

Classical scholars explain that "severing the bond of kinship" (qatī'at ar-rahm) refers to willfully cutting off relations with blood relatives, refusing to fulfill their rights, or withholding kindness and financial support when capable.

Imam An-Nawawi comments that this prohibition includes both active harm and passive neglect of relatives' legitimate rights according to their closeness in kinship.

Theological Implications

The denial of Paradise mentioned here, according to scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, applies to one who dies persisting in this sin without repentance. Some scholars differentiate between eternal exclusion and temporary punishment based on one's final state of faith.

This severe warning underscores that maintaining family ties (silat ar-rahm) is among the greatest obligations after fundamental beliefs and worship.

Practical Application

Scholars define maintaining kinship ties as: visiting relatives, inquiring about their welfare, offering financial assistance when needed, exchanging gifts, and overlooking their faults while enjoining good.

The obligation is proportional to the closeness of relation, with immediate family having stronger claims than distant cousins.

Exceptions and Qualifications

Scholars note that maintaining ties does not require subjecting oneself to harm or supporting relatives in sinful activities. One may limit interaction while still fulfilling basic obligations and offering counsel.

If relatives are non-Muslim, the obligation to maintain righteous relations remains, though the manner may differ according to Islamic guidelines.