Importance Of Family

As wedding season begins, many of us are reconnecting with our relatives through attending weddings. However, we should not let weddings and funerals become those rare moments where we meet our loved ones.

Family is beautiful and we should celebrate it. Often, family is what gives many of us as humans purpose and makes our life worth living, so we should consistently strive to grow love between family members and make peace where possible. Maintaining kinship and growing love between family members is highly encouraged in Islam. This advice also comes directly from the Prophet (ﷺ; peace be upon him).

The Prophet (ﷺ; peace be upon him) said: “The best of you are the best to their families, and I am the best to my family. When your companion dies, then do not abuse him” [Sunan At-Tirmidhi]

With the growth of technology and social media in recent times, there is no excuse for not keeping in touch. Rather than using technology excessively for unnecessary things, we should use it for good. We should try to organise social activities that bring people together, invite one another for meals or even start with something small like have tea together regularly.

There are many ayats in the Qur’an where Allah (‘azza wa jal; The Possessor of Complete Glory and Majesty) reminds us the importance of maintaining kinship. For example, He mentions: “And be mindful of Allah—in Whose Name you appeal to one another—and ˹honour˺ family ties. Surely Allah is ever Watchful over you” [Surah Nisa 4:1].

When describing those who honour Allah’s covenant, Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala; May He be glorified and exalted) mentions: “And those who join that which Allah has commanded to be joined (i.e. they are good to their relatives and do not sever the bond of kinship), and fear their Lord, and dread the terrible reckoning.” [Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:21].

May Allah enable us to grow love between our family members. May Allah rekindle those relationships between loved ones who may have unfortunately drifted apart.