What is the minimum extent of maintaining kinship ties (silat al-rahim) required by Sharia to avoid severing kinship ties (qati’at al-rahim)? What should be done with relatives who prefer not to interact frequently, or with a sister who refuses to communicate despite attempts? Does being occupied with seeking knowledge exempt one from daily communication with family?
Kinship ties must be maintained according to one's ability, whether through visits, correspondence, or phone calls. It is also legislated to maintain these ties financially if the relative is poor. There is no specific number or limited time for this; rather, what is obligatory is that which achieves communication and prevents estrangement. Severing kinship ties is one of the major sins. It is obligatory to advise and admonish the sisters, forbid them from cutting ties, spread greetings of peace, and endear oneself to them with gifts and daily conversation, while wisely and kindly forbidding the sister preoccupied with movies, and removing enmities to establish love. Engaging in the pursuit of knowledge is a virtue that does not hinder marriage; rather, it facilitates it.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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