whomever is found performing it, nobody in their right mind would deliberately go ahead and commit the crime regardless. They will try to avoid it instead. Now let us consider! If we pay this close attention to the rules of a worldly leader, what about the commands of Allah, Who is Rabb al-’ālamīn and Aḥkam al-ḥākimīn? Everything we receive, be it benefit or harm, occurs according to His will. He harbours complete power over our lives and deaths. How foolish of us to deliberately disobey a Being of such limitless strength, and it is none but He who ordered us to maintain good ties with our relatives.

The importance of this cannot be understated. For example, even if someone takes an oath to not treat his relatives well, he must still exhibit good conduct towards them and undertake expiation (kaffārah).

Break the oath!

The father of Sayyidunā Abū al-Aḥwas ‘Awf b. Mālik رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُمَا narrates:

I humbly asked, “O Messenger of Allah  صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم ! When I go to my cousin to ask for something, he does not give anything nor treat me kindly. Whenever a need arises for him, however, he comes and asks from me. I have taken an oath to not give him anything nor maintain ties with him. What do you declare for me to do?” The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم replied, “Do whatever is good, and expiate for your oath.”^[1] 

Dear Islamic brothers, if a person vows to wrongfully harm someone, cut ties with relatives or not fulfil the rights of another, it is sinful for them to carry out such an oath. Expiation must also be paid for it.