Hadith Text and Context

"I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, 'Whoever is pleased that he be granted more wealth and that his lease of life be prolonged, then he should keep good relations with his Kith and kin.'" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5985)

This noble hadith from the chapter "Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab)" addresses the profound spiritual and worldly benefits of maintaining family ties (silat ar-rahim).

Meaning of "Kith and Kin"

The Arabic term "rahim" refers to blood relatives through both paternal and maternal lines. Scholars explain this includes parents, children, siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, and all those connected through lineage.

Maintaining relations involves visiting them, checking their welfare, offering financial help when needed, exchanging gifts, and avoiding cutting ties even if they mistreat you.

Scholarly Commentary on the Promise

Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that the "increase in wealth" refers to both material abundance and barakah (blessing) in what one possesses, making little provisions sufficient.

The "prolongation of life" is understood by scholars in two ways: literal extension by Allah's decree, or that one's life becomes blessed and fruitful though the actual lifespan may remain the same.

Al-Qurtubi notes that maintaining family ties is among the greatest causes for answered supplication and divine protection from calamities.

Practical Implementation

Scholars emphasize that maintaining kinship ties is obligatory (wajib) according to one's capability. This includes regular contact, kindness in speech, and assistance according to need.

The obligation increases when relatives are elderly, poor, or in difficult circumstances. Even responding to their harm with patience and good treatment is required.

Cutting family ties (qat' ar-rahim) is among the major sins that bring Allah's punishment in this world and the hereafter.