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Upholding the Bonds of Kinship: Commentary of the Quran (Chapter 2:27, Part-2) – By: Mohammad Sobhanie

Commentary of the Quran (Chapter 2:27, Part-2)

By: Mohammad Sobhanie

 

Upholding the Bonds of Kinship

 

بِسْمِ اللَّـهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

الَّذِينَ يَنقُضُونَ عَهْدَ اللَّـهِ مِن بَعْدِ مِيثَاقِهِ وَيَقْطَعُونَ مَا أَمَرَ اللَّـهُ بِهِ أَن يُوصَلَ وَيُفْسِدُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ ۚ أُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ ﴿٢٧

Translation:  Those who break the covenant made with Allah after having pledged it solemnly, and those who sever what Allah has commanded to be joined, and cause corruption on the earth—it is they who are the losers.

Commentary:  Islam has given a paramount emphasis on the development of societies in which members care and treat one another with mutual respect. This is achieved with the establishment of civil, kind and gracious bonds between the general public, family, neighbors, etc.  Cultivation of the mutual respect in between communities and families is essential for the advancement of community welfare.

The Quran and the teachings of the Prophet have stressed the importance of maintaining a respectful and courteous relationship with one’s family. An abandonment of family ties and kinship is the second worst sin after “shirk” in Islam.1 Therefore, we need to be mindful of our obligations in upholding the ties of kinship. Those who dissolve relationships with their families are being deprived of Allah’s mercy.2

In the Quran, “Salat” is paired with “Zakat” in numerous verses3; similarly, being thankful to Allah and to one’s parents is paired4, as well as fearing Allah and being kind to near relatives being paired together5. These pairings are not of coincidence; the pairings are of vast significance. The pairings imply, according to Imam Ali-ar-Rida (as), that those who offer Salat but do not pay Zakat subsequently negate the acceptance of their Salat. Similarly, those who are not grateful to their parents are thus not grateful to Allah, and those who are not kind to their kin are not mindful of God6.

Islam encourages us to reach out to our extended family, support them in times of adversity and offer them comfort in times of grief and sorrow.  Kindness to family brings longevity, expands provisions, shields us from calamities, and purifies our deeds. This verse asserts that those who sever social bonds, in particular the bond of kinship that Allah (SWT) has commanded to uphold, are indeed losers.

 

References:

  • Tafseer-e-Namoonah, Vol.1, page15
  • The Quran (Surah Muhammad, 47:22-23,Ar-Rad 13:25).
  • [Al-Baqara 2:43]
  • [Luqman 31:14]
  • [An-Nisa 4:1]
  • UYUN AKHBAR AL-REZA

 

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