Importance of Maintaining Family Ties in Islam

IntroductionThis booklet is part of the book Fazaail-e-Sadaqaat, written by Hadhrat Sheikhul Hadith, Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (RA). In the introduction Hadhrat writes, "Special emphasis has been laid in the Holy Qur'an and the Ahaadith on maintaining good family ties. Rasulullah j has said that, the reward for Sadaqah given to one's own family is doubled.
When Ummul Mu'mineen Hadhrat Maimunah (RA) set free a slave-girl, Rasulullah [PBUH] told her that it would have been better if she had given her away to her own uncle. Hence, if there is no other important religious duty, it is better to give Sadaqah to a relative rather than to anyone else. However, in meeting a religious need for the cause of Allah, the reward is multiplied seven hundred times. Numerous encouraging rewards are promised in the Holy Qur'an and Ahaadith for the maintaining of family ties, while punishments are indicated for breaking relationships.
If all of these were to be covered, the book would become too voluminous. Therefore, only a few Aayaat about the virtues and punishments have been selected and thereafter a few Ahaadith have been discussed."
All praise is due to Allah Ta'ala, The Supreme Master of all the worlds. Countless Durood and Salaam be upon our beloved Nabi, Sayyidina Muhammad( PBUH ).