Is it permissible to sever ties of kinship if relatives accuse a person of theft without proof and spread that among people?

If relatives accuse a person of theft without evidence and spread these accusations, this is a grave evil and a manifest sin, in accordance with the Almighty's saying: ﴿And those who harm believing men and believing women for [something] other than what they have earned have certainly borne a slander and a manifest sin.﴾ [Al-Ahzab:58], and the hadith: “If what you say about him is true, then you have backbited him; but if it is not true, then you have slandered him.”

It is permissible to avoid them to ward off harm from oneself, while still being obligated to maintain ties of kinship through other means, such as giving money, offering assistance, repelling harm, showing a cheerful face, and supplicating for them. Everything that is customarily considered a tie is indeed a tie. If they are people of wickedness, then severing ties with them for the sake of Allah is itself a form of maintaining ties, along with striving to admonish them and supplicate for them.

It is desirable for sensible people to intervene for reconciliation and reform, due to the great good inherent in it, in accordance with the Almighty's saying: ﴿There is no good in much of their private conversation, except for whoever enjoins charity or what is right or conciliation between people.﴾ [An-Nisa:114], and the hadith: “Reconciling disputes among people is better than the degree of prayer, fasting, and charity.”

One must avoid anything that could raise suspicion and lead to accusations, for avoiding doubtful matters better safeguards one's religion and honor.