Ways to maintain family ties

The Quraan instructs us: And fear Allah through whose medium you ask one another (for your rights) and be mindful of your relatives. (4:1) The Hadith informs us: ‘Whoever believes in Allah and the last day, let him maintain the bonds of kinship.’ (Bukhari). Here are some factors to maintain family unity:

 

1. Regular Visits

Visiting family members regularly maintains family bonds. Relatives should be visited for the pleasure of Allah. ‘Those who love one another for the sake of Allah will be under the shade of Allah’s Throne, when there will be no shade on the Day of Resurrection except the shade of the Throne. Prophets and martyrs will envy them for their status.’ (Ibne Hibban)

 

2. Mutual Assistance.

Helping one’s relatives carries two rewards: ‘Charity given to a poor person is an ordinary charity, but charity given to a relative serves two purposes: one is a charity and secondly, an act of upholding family kinship.’ (Tirmidhi)

 

‘Whosoever desires to have expansion in his sustenance and a prolonged life, should treat his relatives with kindness.’ (Bukhari)

 

3. Exchanging Gifts.

Showering relatives with gifts is an effective method of generating love between people. ‘Exchange gifts with one another, you will create love and goodwill amongst yourselves.’ (Abu Ya’laa)

 

‘Give presents to one another, for a present removes hatred from the chest…’ (Tirmidhi)

 

Adapted from article by: Jamiatul Ulama KZN