There could be a people...

There could be a people, who are sinners, yet they maintain ties with one another, and so their wealth increases and they have affluence. Verily a false oath and severing of ties will destroy populated centres.”[^2] It is haram to cut the ties with one’s relation even if that person had severed his ties [with you].

It is haram to do so, even if he or she is negligent of salat , a drunkard, and takes some religious injunctions lightly (for example by not observing the hijab, etc ) to the extent that there is no use in advising, counseling or warning him or her. This prohibition is only lifted when maintaining the ties encourages that relation to continue in his or her immoral ways.

Our holy (s.a.w.) said, “The best of virtues is to maintain the ties with one who has severed it; to give in charity to one who has deprived you [of help]; and to forgive one who has done wrong to you.”[^3] He also said, “Do not sever the ties with your relations even if they have severed them with you.”[^4] Probably the least of deeds that a Muslim can do (within the realm of possibility and ease) in order to maintain the ties with his relations is to visit them and meet them; or to inquire about their well being by enquiring even from far [via telephone, etc].

Our noble (s.a.w.) said, “The good deed that brings rewards faster [than other deeds] is maintaining the ties with one’s relations.”[^5] Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) said, “Maintain the link with your relations even by greeting.

Allah, the Almighty, says, ‘Be careful of (your duty towards) Allah by whom you demand of one another (your rights), and (to) the ties of relationship; surely Allah ever watches over you.’ (4:1)” [^6] Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “Maintaining the ties and charity make the reckoning [of the Day of Judgement] simple, and protects from the sins.

Therefore, maintain the ties with your relations and be charitable towards your brethren even by greeting kindly and replying to the greetings.”[^7] The Parents The most serious type of severing the ties is causing distress (‘uqûq) to the parents whom Almighty Allah has enjoined kindness and compassion. The Almighty says in His noble Book, “And your Lord enjoins that you should not worship but Him and be kind to the parents.

If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) ‘ugh’ nor chide them, and speak to them a generous word.” (17:23) The Imam says, “The lowest kind of ‘uqûq is to say ‘ugh’.