The act of maintaining family ties is an obligation in the Islamic faith. This is having good relations with one’s relatives, to love, respect and help them.
The traditional Muslim family is an extended family. It usually includes parents, children, grandparents aunts & uncles, cousins (close & distant) and elderly relatives. True Muslims believe that extended families mean greater stability, continuity, love and support for each other.
The Prophet’s wife, Aisha reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The best of you are the best to their families…”
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ خَيْرُكُمْ خَيْرُكُمْ لِأَهْلِهِ
The importance of maintaining family relations is paramount. So much so, it’s expressed in the Qur’an. The Holy Qur’an says (in translation), “And be careful of [your duty to] Allah in whose name you demand [your rights] from one another, and [to] the ties of relationship; surely Allah is ever watchful over you!” (4:1)
If we are to revive the unity of our families, we must revive the concept of family time.