Islam emphasizes the importance of family relations. Numerous hadiths highlight the significance of supporting and nurturing these ties. In this article, we will discuss several authentic hadiths that stress the importance of family and the actions we should take to support them. Each hadith will be presented in English, Urdu, and Arabic, followed by important insights regarding each teaching.
Family Relations in Final Advice
English Translation
Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah (s) said in his illness before he passed away, “Your family relations! Your family relations!” (Ṣaḥīḥ Ibn Ḥibbān 463)
Urdu Translation
انس نے روایت کی کہ اللہ کے رسول (ص) نے اپنی بیماری میں فرمایا: “تمہاری خاندانی تعلقات! تمہاری خاندانی تعلقات!” (صحیح ابن حبان 463)
Arabic Translation
عن أنس قال: قال رسول الله (صلى الله عليه وسلم) في مرضه الذي توفي فيه: “صلوا أرحامكم! صلوا أرحامكم!” (صحيح ابن حبان 463)
Importance of This Hadith
This hadith shows how critical family relations are in Islam. The Prophet (s) mentioned family ties during his final moments, indicating their paramount importance. His advice underscores that maintaining family connections is a primary duty of every Muslim. In times of distress, these bonds provide support and love, reminding us of the need to prioritize our family relationships.
Financial Support to Family
English Translation
A man asked the Prophet (s), “What act of charity is best?” The Prophet (s) replied, “One given to an estranged relative.” (Musnad Aḥmad 15022)
Urdu Translation
ایک آدمی نے رسول اللہ (ص) سے پوچھا: “سب سے بہتر صدقہ کون سا ہے؟” رسول اللہ (ص) نے فرمایا: “وہ جو ایک اجنبی رشتہ دار کو دیا جائے۔” (مسند احمد 15022)
Arabic Translation
جاء رجل إلى النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) فقال: “أي العمل أفضل؟” فقال: “صدقة على ذي رحم مُقطوع.” (مسند أحمد 15022)
Importance of This Hadith
This hadith highlights the importance of supporting family members, especially those who may be estranged. The Prophet (s) prioritized charity towards family over others. Acts of kindness extend beyond financial assistance; they include emotional and social support as well. We must make an effort to reconnect with family members who might feel isolated or neglected.
Beloved and Hated Deeds
English Translation
Qatadah reported that a man of Khath’am came to the Prophet (s) and asked, “Which deeds are most beloved to Allah?” The Prophet (s) said, “Faith in Allah.” The man asked, “Then what?” The Prophet (s) replied, “To maintain family relationships.” The man further asked, “Which deeds are most hated by Allah?” The Prophet (s) said, “To associate idols with Allah.” The man asked, “Then what?” The Prophet (s) said, “To sever family relationships.” (Musnad Abī Ya’lá 6793)
Urdu Translation
قطادہ نے بیان کیا کہ ایک خثعمی رسول اللہ (ص) کے پاس آیا اور پوچھا: “اللہ کو کون سے اعمال سب سے زیادہ پسند ہیں؟” رسول اللہ (ص) نے فرمایا: “اللہ پر ایمان لانا۔” اس نے پوچھا: “پھر کیا؟” رسول اللہ (ص) نے فرمایا: “خاندانی تعلقات کو قائم رکھنا۔” اس نے پوچھا: “اور کون سے اعمال اللہ کو سب سے زیادہ ناپسند ہیں؟” رسول اللہ (ص) نے فرمایا: “اللہ کے ساتھ شرک کرنا۔” اس نے پوچھا: “پھر کیا؟” رسول اللہ (ص) نے فرمایا: “خاندانی تعلقات کو توڑنا۔” (مسند ابی یعلٰی 6793)
Arabic Translation
قال قتادة: جاء رجل من خثعم إلى النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم) فقال: “أي الأعمال أحب إلى الله؟” قال: “الإيمان بالله.” قال: “ثم أي؟” قال: “صلة الرحم.” قال: “ثم أي؟” قال: “الإشراك بالله.” قال: “ثم أي؟” قال: “قطع الرحم.” (مسند أبي يعلى 6793)
Importance of This Hadith
In this narration, the Prophet (s) emphasizes that maintaining family relationships is second only to faith in Allah. Conversely, severing family ties is one of the gravest sins. This double emphasis demonstrates that Muslims must prioritize family connections and avoid actions that may harm these bonds. Strengthening family ties leads to blessings and happiness in life.
Balancing Worship and Family
English Translation
Abdullah ibn Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah (s) said, “I am told you fast and never break your fast and you never stop praying at night? Fast and break your fast, pray at night and sleep. Verily, your eyes have a right over you, your own self has a right over you, and your family has a right over you.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1876)
Urdu Translation
عبد اللہ بن عمر نے روایت کی کہ رسول اللہ (ص) نے فرمایا: “مجھے بتایا گیا ہے کہ آپ روزہ رکھتے ہیں اور کبھی روزہ نہیں توڑتے اور رات کو نماز پڑھتے رہتے ہیں؟ روزہ رکھیں اور افطار کریں، رات کو نماز پڑھیں اور سوئیں۔ بے شک، آپ کی آنکھوں کا آپ پر حق ہے، آپ کی اپنی ذات کا حق ہے، اور آپ کے خاندان کا حق ہے۔” (صحیح البخاری 1876)
Arabic Translation
عن عبد الله بن عمرو قال: قال رسول الله (صلى الله عليه وسلم): “أُخبرت أنك تصوم ولا تفطر، وتقوم الليل ولا تنام. صُم وأفطر، وصلِّ ونام، فإن لعينك عليك حقًا، ولجسدك عليك حقًا، ولأهلك عليك حق.” (صحيح البخاري 1876)
Importance of This Hadith
This hadith reminds us that spiritual practices should not overshadow our family responsibilities. The Prophet (s) urges us to find balance. While worship is essential, neglecting our family leads to discord. Each family member deserves time, love, and care. By fulfilling their rights, we strengthen our family bonds and improve our overall well-being.
Kindness Benefits All
English Translation
Ibn Umar reported that the Prophet (s) said, “The people of a household are not granted kindness except that it will benefit them.” (al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr 13261)
Urdu Translation
ابن عمر نے روایت کی کہ رسول اللہ (ص) نے فرمایا: “ایک خاندان کے لوگ جب بھی نرمی سے پیش آتے ہیں، تو انہیں اس کا فائدہ ضرور ہوتا ہے۔” (المعجم الکبیر 13261)
Arabic Translation
عن ابن عمر قال: قال رسول الله (صلى الله عليه وسلم): “لا يُعطى أهل البيت اللطف إلا لهم.” (المعجم الكبير 13261)
Importance of This Hadith
This hadith teaches that kindness within families leads to mutual benefits. When family members treat each other with love and respect, they build a nurturing environment. This kindness fosters compassion and strengthens relationships. Allah rewards those who are gentle and caring, creating a positive atmosphere that benefits all family members.
Conclusion
The hadiths discussed here emphasize the importance of supporting and nurturing family ties. By understanding these teachings, we can create stronger, more loving families. Each hadith highlights a different aspect of family relations, from maintaining connections to fulfilling rights. In a world where family ties can sometimes weaken, let us strive to follow these beautiful teachings of the Prophet (s) and prioritize our relationships with our loved ones. Through kindness, financial support, and maintaining family ties, we can fulfill our duties as Muslims and strengthen the bonds that hold our families together.