How can one maintain ties of kinship with the father's family, when they are constantly abusive and aggressive in word and deed, and incite discord between the questioner and her mother, at a time when the mother refuses to associate with them, fearing that it would harm her health?

Maintaining kinship ties (silat al-rahim) is obligatory, and severing them is never permissible under any circumstances. The means of maintaining these ties are numerous, and whatever is conventionally considered a means of connection is legally so. Maintaining kinship ties that involve harm should be done in a way that achieves connection without causing harm. A mother does not have the right to prevent her children from maintaining ties with their relatives or to disown them for doing so.

Furthermore, kinship through marriage (al-musahara) has its virtues. Allah has bestowed it as a blessing, and the Sunnah enjoins kindness towards those connected by marriage. Islam requires good conduct between a wife and her husband's family, and one should strive for this, not allowing room for Satan to sow enmity and hatred. One can seek help from righteous individuals to reconcile between them.

The husband must treat his wife with kindness. If he aids his relatives in harming his wife, he is acting contrary to this. He should be advised gently to stand with the just party, whether it be his wife or his relatives, by preventing the oppressor from their wrongdoing. Frequent supplication is also recommended.