with all of then. The closer the familial relationship, the more emphasis and ruling has been issued in maintaining that tie. Allamah Yahya Bin Sharaf Nawavi رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه explains who is most rightful of having good relationships and virtuous conduct with, and stated: The most deserving and rightful of good relations, is the mother. Then, the father, children, paternal grandparents, brother and sister, then the remainder of blood-relations; meaning, infants, paternal aunts, uncles and maternal aunts. From amongst these, whosoever has most ties linking them to oneself, will be given priority over others.

For example, if there is a family member who has connection with both mother and father, they will be given higher degree (of having ties maintained with with) than those who simply have a tie with mother or father individually. After this, children, paternal aunts, uncles and the children of the maternal aunt. Once again after this, the next highest right belongs to the in-laws. Incrementally, then comes the rights of friends, then the neighbours. However, those family members who live far away, still maintain higher rights than neighbours. If close family members live in another place, they will maintain higher rights than neighbours, with whom one is not acquainted. Continuing on, the husband must maintain good ties with the family of his wife, and the wife must maintain good ties with the family of her husband. (Sharah Muslim Lil Nawavi, vol. 8, p, 103, Juzz. 16)

The wretchedness of breaking ties with family members

Dear Islamic brothers! Alongside the many benefits and blessings of keeping good relations with one’s kin, there are many warnings and dangers associated with breaking ties. In Parah 13, Surah Ra’d, verse number 25, Allah Almighty states: