Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 1008 [Read full issue]
Kindness to Kinsfolk
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stressed the importance of maintaining good relations with one's relatives. Abu Hurayrah quotes the Prophet as saying: "Whoever is pleased to have his provisions increased and his life extended should be kind to his kinsfolk." (Bukhari, Muslim.) In this hadith, the Prophet raises before us two things that every human being loves to have: a better standard of living and a longer life. This will be the reward God grants to people who are kind to their relatives. It is worth noting that the Prophet uses the Arabic term rahim for kinsfolk. This is a word that includes all relatives, but with stronger connotations in referring to female relatives, young and old.
In another statement, the Prophet defines the sort of kindness he wants Muslims to show to their relatives: this is not reciprocating what our relatives do towards us, but rather being kind to those who are unkind to us. Abdullah ibn Amr reports: "I heard God's Messenger when he said: 'Kindness to relatives is not to return their kindness. It is to be kind to those relatives who turn away.'" (Bukhari.)
The Prophet was keen to spread this concept among his Companions. He expressed its importance in a variety of ways. For instance, Uqbah ibn Amir mentions that he once met the Prophet who said to him: "Foster your relation with those who cut you off; be generous to those who deny you; and forgive those who are unfair to you." (Bukhari.)
Compiled From:
"Muhammad: His Character and Conduct" - Adil Salahi