Wisdom of The Holy Prophet — Page 16
16 TIES OF KINSHIP The truly wise are those. . . who bind up the ties of kinship that Allah has commanded to be bound together. (13. 20 22). Render to the kinsman his due (I 7. 27). * * * The Holy Prophet (peace be on him) said: I. Be mindful of your duty to Allah and strengthen the ties of kinship. 2. He who desires to enlarge his means or to lengthen his days should strengthen his ties of kinship. 3. Seek to strengthen the ties of kinship, even though only with a salutation of peace. 4. A person is not mindful of his ties of kinship if he merely reciprocates kind treatment; he must seek to bind together those ties when they are broken. 5. Make up with him who has cut you off, be gracious towaTds him who treats you ill, and affirm the truth, even if it be against yourself. 6. The mother's sister ranks the same as the mother. 7. An elder brother has the same claim over the younger as a father over a son. 8. Charity towards the poor is but charity; charity towards one's kin has a dual quality, it is both charity and good kinsmanship. 9. When Allah wills good for the members of a family He grants them understanding of the Faith and the younger ones hold the older ones in respect. He bestows upon them kindliness in mutual dealings and moderation in spending and makes them aware of their shortcomings so that they may tum away from them. But if He wills something else for them He leaves them to their own devices.