Q 3: What is the ruling on a man who severs the ties of kinship with his relatives for they have no healthy relationships with his mother? They make fun of and abuse her. They have even forsaken her for more than two years. This man considers his mother's feelings. What is the solution for him?

A: He should advise and guide them to the virtue of maintaining ties of kinship, warning them against the punishment of severing these ties. He should also remind them of the relevant Ayahs and Hadith. It may be that they learn the lesson and keep these ties. If they object and persist in severing the ties of kinship and mistreat his mother, he should kindly repay their misdeeds with good deeds. It is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, The one who maintains a relationship with his relatives only because they maintain a relationship with him is not truly upholding the ties of kinship. The one who truly upholds these ties is the one who does so even if they break off the relationship. Furthermore, you should advise your mother (Part No. 25; Page No. 368) to be patient and endure their harm, not to repay the evil with evil and to seek the reward of Allah.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!