ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Taqwa (Piety) Advice of Relatives’ Rights ===================== Among those whom we have to love are relatives. We should know that we are of their roots as they are of our roots. Relatives are either from the father’s side with whom we are of the same root or they are from the mother’s side with whom we are connected through mother. Therefore, to love our relatives is the best way to remove disagreements.

The more people associate with their relatives, the stronger will be the kinship. On the contrary, the wider the gap between relatives, the cooler will be the relations. It is for the same reason that ties of relationship have been so much emphasized in the Holy Quran and in traditions and its cutting off has been blamed.

In this relation, God says: “… and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, by Whom you demand one of another (your rights), and (to) the ties of relationship, surely Allah is watcher over you.” [^1] Of course, this verse has been interpreted in a different way, but the meaning intended is based on the traditions mentioned in the book al-Khisal al-Arba’mi’ah (four hundred features), al-Kafi and other books.

Imam Ali (AS) has been Reported as saying: “Associate with your relatives, even if by greeting.”[^2] The above-mentioned verse is referred to in this concern. Jameel ibn Darraaj asked Imam Sadiq (a.s.) about the meaning of the verse, and the Imam (AS) said: “That is the ties of relationship which God has ordered and considered as being great.

Do you not see that God has mentioned His Name with it?”[^3] Imam Sadiq (AS) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Maintaining the ties of kinship will lead to the prosperity of one’s country and will prolong one’s life though its people are not of good deeds.”[^4] “Ties of relationship” is mentioned as the feature of men of understanding in the Holy Quran. It is considered as a virtue for the society and the nation.

Cutting off ties of relationship will lead to misfortune of the society. Imam Ali (AS) has been reported as saying: “When ties of kinship are cut off, people’s property will be in the hands of evildoers.”[^5] Allamah Majlisi has interpreted the above quotation as follows: “When ties of relationship are cut off, people will quarrel and go to unjust rulers for judgment. Then, their property will be put in their hands with bribery.