SEVERE WARNINGS FOR THOSE WHO SEVER FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
Allah Ta'ala has cursed the one severing family ties,
“And those who break the covenant of Allah, after its ratification, and sever that which Allah has commanded to be joined (i.e. they sever the bond of kinship and are not good to their relatives) and work mischief in the land, on them is the curse, and for them is the unhappy home (i.e. Hell)” (Surah Ar Rad)
A cursed person is one who is deprived of the mercy of Allah Ta’ala. This sin is punishable in this world as well as in the Hereafter.
“There is no sin more deserving of having punishment meted out by Allah to its perpetrator in advance in this world along with what He has for him in the next world than oppression and severing family ties.” (Tirmizi)
The importance of maintaining harmonious relationships with all family members is highlighted in the following verse:
“ And fear Allah through whose medium you ask one another (for your rights) and be mindful of your relatives.” (Surah Nisa)
In this verse, the instruction of keeping family ties follows directly after the instruction of fearing Allah Ta'ala, hence highlighting its importance in the sight of Allah Ta'ala. In another verse it is mentioned,
“And worship Allah and do not assign partners with Him and be favourable unto parents and family members and the orphans and the destitute and the near neighbour and the distant neighbour and the traveller and your slaves. And Allah does not love one who is haughty and proud.” (Surah Nisaa)
The great number of Ahadith that instruct family kinship emphasizes the matter even further.
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain the bonds of kinship.” (Bukhari)
Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said:
"Allah has forbidden you irritating your mothers, burying your daughters, witholding and "Give me". And He hates for you "It was said" and "He said", too many questions and the wasting of wealth."
Cutting family ties which should be maintained has serious consequences in this life and in the hereafter. It is one of the worst of the major sins.
FACTORS THAT MAINTAIN FAMILY UNITY
Regular Visits - Relatives should be visited solely for the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala and to create and maintain love in the family.
Mutual Assistance - Assisting one's relatives carries two reward; one reward for assisting and one reward for bonding family ties.
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said,
“Sadaqah given to a poor person is an ordinary sadaqah, but sadaqah given to a relative serves two purposes: one as a sadaqah and secondly, an act of upholding family kinship.” (Tirmizi)
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said,
“Whosever desires to have expansion in his sustenance and a prolonged life, should treat his relatives with kindness.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Abundant Greeting - Increasing salaam to each other creates love.
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam)
has urged Muslims to spread salaam. Those who initiate salaam are protected from pride and haughtiness.
Exchanging Gifts - Showering relatives with gifts is also an effective method of generating love between people.
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said,
“Exchange gifts with one another, you will create love and goodwill amongst yourselves.” (Abu Ya'laa)