SILAH RAHMI

“AMONG THE GREATEST acts of virtue is that a man be kind to the friends of his father after his (the father’s) death.” — Hadith.

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) described silah rahmi (kindness and assistance) to the friends of one’s father to be among the greatest acts of virtue. From this Hadith it is simple to understand the greater virtue of silah rahmi with relatives.
What is the Islamic concept of Silah Rahmi? A man came to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and said: “O Rasulullah! I observe silah rahmi with my relatives (being kind to them and aiding them). However, they sever ties with me. I am kind with them whilst they are harsh with me. I overlook their faults, but they revile me.” Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “If indeed you are as you have explained, then you have humiliated them (i.e. their evil reaction to your kindness, etc. has humiliated them). A helper appointed by Allah Ta’ala is constantly with you. He wards off their mischief as long as you maintain your attitude (of silah rahmi).”

In another Hadith Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) explaining the meaning of Silah Rahmi said: “A perfect person of Silah Rahmi is not a man who repays kindness with kindness. A perfect man of Silah Rahmi is he who is kind towards those who sever ties with him.”

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) also said: “Whoever wishes for increase in his rizq (earnings) should be kind to relatives (i.e. practice silah rahmi).

Source: Awake