By Mahfooz Ahmed
(International Islamic University Malaysia)
E-mail: almahfooz4real@gmail.com
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
﴿ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱتَّقُوا۟ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍۢ وَٰحِدَةٍۢ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًۭا كَثِيرًۭا وَنِسَآءًۭ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِى تَسَآءَلُونَ بِهِۦ وَٱلْأَرْحَامَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًۭا﴾
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah (SWT), the Lord of all worlds, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, and the Sovereign of the Day of Judgment. He is the One who created humanity from a single soul, from which He fashioned its mate, and from them both, He spread countless men and women across the earth. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his family, and his companions. In the Glorious Qur’an, Allah (SWT) commands: “O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed, Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.” (Qur’an 4:1). This profound ayat highlights the divine origin of humanity and the sacredness of familial bonds, urging us to uphold these ties with reverence and integrity under the watchful eye of our Creator.
In the framework of Islamic teachings, concepts (mafahim) are essential in guiding believers towards a profound understanding of their faith, as they are deeply rooted in the Quran and Sunnah. The concept of familial ties is intricately linked to the term “Rahm” (رحم), which, according to the Arabic–English Lexicon of Edward William Lane, encompasses meanings such as mercy, pity, and compassion while also signifying “the womb.” This dual meaning beautifully illustrates the intrinsic connection between family members and the compassion that should naturally flow between them. In Islam, the womb symbolizes the origin of familial bonds, emphasizing that just as the womb nurtures and sustains life, so too should family members nurture and support one another with mercy and compassion. This understanding is reflected in common expressions like “For Allah’s sake, look at the kinship relationship between us to assist me or I assist you,” highlighting the expectation of mutual support and kindness within families. By focusing on the concept of “Rahm,” Islam not only explains the sacredness of familial ties but also calls upon believers to embody mercy and compassion in their interactions, fostering a harmonious and supportive community.
In the realm of Islamic jurisprudence, objectives (maqasid) represent the underlying purposes and intents derived from the Quran and Sunnah, guiding believers toward a life that reflects divine wisdom and justice. When considering the objective of maintaining familial ties, Islam seeks to illustrate and realize these purposes in the lived reality of its followers. The primary objective is to preserve the social fabric by fostering strong, compassionate, supportive family units. Allah (SWT) states in the Quran: “And those who join that which Allah has ordered to be joined and fear their Lord and are afraid of the evil of [their] account” (Quran 13:21). This ayat highlights the importance of maintaining the bonds that Allah has commanded, particularly familial ties. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also emphasized this by saying, “He who severs the ties of kinship will not enter Paradise” (Hadith 15, Book 78, Good Manners, Sahih al-Bukhari). This Hadith highlights the spiritual significance of family relationships and the severe consequences of neglecting them. By emphasizing the importance of familial bonds, Islam aims to protect the rights and dignity of individuals, ensuring that each family member is cared for and valued. This objective is not merely theoretical but is meant to be actively practiced, as it plays a crucial role in achieving social justice and cohesion. Through realizing these objectives, Islam envisions a society where the well-being of individuals and families is prioritized, reflecting the mercy and compassion central to the faith.
In the Islamic worldview, values (qiyam) serve as the standards and worth that the Qur’an and Sunnah attach to various aspects of life, guiding believers in their thoughts, actions, and interactions with all created matter. These values denote the importance humans must place on their conduct and provide a yardstick for prioritizing actions. When it comes to familial ties, Islam places immense value on positive attributes such as love, mercy, and respect while warning against negative traits like neglect and severance of kinship. The Quran emphasizes the value of kindness and respect within families, as seen in the ayat: “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination” (Quran 31:14). This ayat highlights the importance of gratitude and care towards one’s parents, reflecting the broader value of maintaining strong family bonds. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) further reinforced these values by stating, “The best of you are those who are best to their families” (Hadith 170, Book 13, Marriage, Mishkat al-Masabih). This Hadith also highlights the significance of treating all family members with kindness and compassion, elevating such behaviour to measure one’s character and faith. By prioritizing these values, Islam encourages believers to cultivate a harmonious and supportive family environment, contributing to a just and compassionate society. Through the lens of these values, Muslims are guided to prioritize actions that strengthen familial ties, ensuring that these relationships are cherished and preserved.
In the Islamic tradition, commands (awamir) serve as divine directives that govern human behaviour, clearly delineating what is beneficial and reprehensible according to the Qur’an and Sunnah. These commands provide a framework for Muslims to navigate their lives in a manner that aligns with divine will, ensuring that their actions contribute to personal and communal well-being. When it comes to familial ties, the Qur’an and Sunnah offer explicit commands that emphasize the importance of maintaining and nurturing these relationships. A positive command regarding family ties is found in the Qur’an: “Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbour, the neighbour farther away, the companion at your side, the traveller, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful” (Qur’an 4:36). This ayat commands believers to extend kindness and support to their family and even the community, highlighting such actions’ beneficial nature. Conversely, the severance of family ties is strongly condemned. As mentioned earlier, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) warned against this damaging behaviour. Thus, by adhering to these divine commands, Muslims are guided to engage in actions that strengthen familial bonds, fostering a supportive and cohesive community. These commands serve as a clear guide for believers, helping them prioritize beneficial actions and avoid harmful ones, thereby aligning their lives with the principles of justice and compassion.
In the Islamic framework, universal laws (Sunan) represent creation’s consistent and unchanging principles, encompassing both natural and social dimensions as revealed in the Quran and Sunnah. These laws govern human actions and interactions, promoting vigilance and mindfulness in thought and behaviour. When applied to familial ties, these universal laws show the inherent nature of human relationships and the divine wisdom embedded within them. The Qur’an highlights the natural inclination towards family unity and cooperation, as seen in the ayat: “And it is He who created from water a human being and made him [a relative by] lineage and marriage. And your Lord is competent [concerning creation]” (Quran 25:54). This ayat reflects the universal law of kinship, illustrating how familial bonds are a fundamental aspect of human existence, designed to foster mutual support and continuity. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also emphasized the natural and social laws governing family relationships, stating, “The word ‘Ar-Rahm (womb) derives its name from Ar-Rahman (i.e., one of the names of Allah) and Allah said: ‘I will keep good relation with the one who will keep good relation with you, (womb i.e. Kith and Kin) and sever the relation with him who will sever the relation with you, (womb, i.e. Kith and Kin)” (Hadith 19, Book 78, Good Manners, Sahih al-Bukhari). This Hadith highlights the divine connection between familial ties and Allah’s mercy, reinforcing the idea that maintaining these bonds is in harmony with the universal laws of compassion and mercy. Thus, by recognizing and adhering to these laws, Muslims are reminded of the importance of maintaining family ties to achieve personal fulfillment and societal harmony. These universal laws constantly remind believers of the interconnectedness of all creation, urging them to uphold the principles of justice, mercy, and compassion in their familial relationships.
In the Qur’an and Sunnah, groups (fi’at) are identified as distinct parties, encompassing human and non-human entities, with detailed descriptions of their members and characteristics. This categorization serves to increase awareness among believers, highlighting both positive and negative human categories and guiding them toward righteous conduct. When examining familial ties, the Qur’an and Sunnah describe groups that exemplify the virtues of maintaining these bonds and those that fall short. Among the positive groups are those who uphold the ties of kinship, as described in the Qur’an: “And those who join that which Allah has ordered to be joined and fear their Lord and are afraid of the evil of [their] account” (Quran 13:21). This group is characterized by their commitment to maintaining family relationships, driven by a consciousness of Allah and a desire to fulfill their divine obligations. They are praised for fostering unity and compassion within their families and communities. Conversely, the negative group includes those who sever family ties, as the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) warned: “The one who severs the ties of kinship will not enter Paradise.” This group is marked by their neglect of familial responsibilities and disregard for the sacred bonds that Allah has established. Their actions are seen as detrimental to their spiritual well-being and the community’s social fabric. Understanding these categories, Muslims are encouraged to reflect on their conduct and strive to be part of a positive group embodying the values of mercy, compassion, and unity. This awareness fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability, urging believers to prioritize actions that strengthen familial bonds and contribute to a harmonious society.
Lastly, In the Islamic tradition, proofs (hujaj) serve as the signs (ayat) and guideposts (alamat) that reinforce the truth of arguments (burhan) and the soundness of logic (mantiq) as presented in the Quran and Sunnah. These proofs are designed to establish and solidify truths in the minds and hearts of believers, guiding them toward a deeper understanding and commitment to their faith. Regarding familial ties, the Qur’an and Sunnah provide numerous proofs that underscore the highlight and sanctity of these relationships. The Quran offers clear signs that highlight the divine wisdom in maintaining family bonds, such as the ayat: “And We have made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you” (Quran 49:13). This ayat serves as a proof of the inherent value of familial and social connections, emphasizing that righteousness and piety are the true measures of nobility in the eyes of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also provided guideposts through his teachings, reinforcing the importance of family ties. He said, “… whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should unite the bond of kinship (i.e., keep a good relationship with his kith and kin) …” (Hadith 165, Book 78, Good Manners, Sahih Bukhari). This Hadith acts as a logical proof, linking the maintenance of family ties with the core tenets of faith, thereby establishing its significance as a fundamental aspect of a believer’s life. Reflecting on these signs and guideposts will encourage Muslims to internalize the truths of their faith, recognizing the profound impact that strong family ties have on individual and communal well-being. These proofs validate the importance of family in Islam and inspire believers to actively uphold and cherish these bonds as a reflection of their commitment to Allah’s guidance.
In conclusion, the profound emphasis Islam places on maintaining familial ties is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of its teachings, as reflected in the concepts (mafahim), objectives (maqasid), values (qiyam), commands (awamir), universal laws (Sunan), groups (fi’at), and proofs (hujaj) found in the Quran and Sunnah. The concept of “Rahm” indicates the intrinsic connection between family and compassion, guiding believers to nurture these sacred bonds. The objectives of Shariah highlight the preservation of the family as a cornerstone of social harmony and justice, while the values of love, mercy, and respect serve as ethical standards for familial interactions. Commands from the divine texts provide clear directives to uphold these relationships, warning against neglect’s spiritual and social repercussions. Universal laws remind us of the natural and social order that prioritizes family unity, while the categorization of groups encourages self-reflection and alignment with those who honour kinship. Finally, the proofs offered in the Qur’an and Sunnah reinforce the truth and logic behind these teachings, embedding them in the hearts and minds of believers. Together, these elements form a comprehensive framework that emphasizes the importance of family in Islam and provides practical guidance for living a life that reflects divine wisdom and compassion. By adhering to these principles, Muslims are called to create a harmonious and supportive environment within their families, contributing to a just and cohesive society. As we strive to embody these teachings, we fulfill a vital aspect of our faith, drawing closer to Allah and fostering a community rooted in the values of mercy and unity. May Allah unite the Muslim Ummah as one family, showering us with His mercy, pity, and compassion and guiding us to live in harmony and peace. Ameen.