Bismillah.
الَّذِينَ يَنقُضُونَ عَهْدَ اللَّهِ مِن بَعْدِ مِيثَاقِهِ وَيَقْطَعُونَ مَا أَمَرَ اللَّهُ بِهِ أَن يُوصَلَ وَيُفْسِدُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ
those who break the covenant made with Allah after having pledged it solemnly, and sever what Allah has commanded to be joined, and cause corruption on the earth—it is they who are the losers.
(Sūrat al-Baqarah No. 2, Āyat 27)
One of the most emphasized and highly recommended acts in Islam is silah al-rahim, which means maintaining womb ties. It refers to establishing and maintaining bonds with one’s relatives. This noble action is greatly praised in Islamic teachings and is associated with profound benefits, both in this world and in the hereafter. The Messenger of Allah sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa-ālihi wasallam has stated: The action that brings about rewards the fastest is silah al-rahim.
Sialh al-rahim is an outstanding quality of the faithful, and an effective factor in prolonging life. It keeps family bonds strong, and this has profound positive effects on both the individual and the society. Strengthening smaller units like the family enhances the strength of the larger society. In the sermon of Fadak, Sayyida Fātimah al-Zahrā alayhas-salaām says: Allah made… keeping ties with family a means of increasing your numbers. Imam al-Sādiq (peace be upon him) beautifully describes the benefits of this practice: Establishing bonds with one’s relatives beautifies one’s character, fosters generosity, purifies the soul, increases sustenance, and extends one’s life.
In contrast, neglecting or severing ties with one’s relatives, known as qat‘ al-rahim, is regarded as a major sin in Islam and carries severe spiritual consequences. It is not allowed, even for sinful relatives. According to narrations, the verse from Sūrat al-Baqarah quoted above is a reference to and in fact a curse upon people who perform qat‘ al-rahim – severing what Allah has commanded to be joined.
Relatives can be of two types. Blood relationships are those through the womb and blood. Silah al-rahim with them is obligatory. In-laws’ relationships are through marriage. There are different opinions on whether obligatory silah al-rahim includes this group too. Among all relatives, the position of the mother and father is most mentioned in the Quran.
Maintaining ties with relatives does not require grand gestures; even small, meaningful actions can fulfill this obligation. For example:
1. Staying Connected: Visit relatives whenever possible. If physical visits are not feasible, try to stay in touch through letters, phone calls, or modern communication methods such as online meetings or exchanging text messages.
2. Praying for Relatives: If direct communication is not possible, one can still perform ṣilah al-raḥim by praying for their well-being, asking Allah to bless them with both worldly and spiritual prosperity, and to protect them from harm.
At times, people may feel concerned about the financial costs, or the efforts associated with caring for family, such as hosting them at home. But by reflecting on the benefits of such Islamic teachings, Muslims should embrace these opportunities, recognizing that they bring immense rewards.
We pray to Allah to grant us the ability to uphold silah al-rahim and reap its countless rewards. With the upcoming winter holidays, may we use this opportunity to maintain and strengthen our family ties.
Sources: Shahīd Abdul Husayn Dastghayb, The Greater Sins; Ayatullah Muhammad Bāqir Tahrīrī, A Treatise on Servitude.