I have a question regarding a single hadith (narration) in which the Messenger, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, narrated that his Lord said, “My love is guaranteed for two who love one another for My sake. My love is guaranteed for two who visit one another for My sake. My love is guaranteed for two who help one another (financially) for My sake. My love is guaranteed for two who uphold ties with one another for My sake.” I would like to know if you have to have all of these qualities to be loved by Allaah or just one. And I would also like to know what is meant by "uphold ties"? Thank you.

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

This hadeeth is saheeh (sound). It was reported by Ahmad and At-Tirmithi and others, and it was narrated by Ubaadah ibn As-Saamit, may Allah be pleased with him.

If a person has one of these characteristics and traits, then he earns the love of Allah. According to the apparent meaning of the hadeeth, it is not a condition for a person to have all these traits combined together.

As regards upholding ties with one another, then this is contrary to those who desert one another. Al-Munaawi said, “Those who uphold ties with one another are those who keep relations (contacts) with one another; this is contrary to deserting each other.”

Allah knows best.