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Fatwa CenterFacing Difficulties whilst Maintaining Ties of Kinship
Question
I cannot meet my mother's aunt not because of hatred, but because of my mental condition that is beyond my ability to understand. I love her so much. I have no grudge. I can only pray for her.I already blaming myself. Some people label me as a sinner because it is like breaking off family ties. I guess this make me even more depressed.I also had economic difficulties and many other problems that made it hard for me to just focus on this problem.What does Allah think about my condition?
Answer
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, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
Your mother’s aunt is one of the relatives you are religiously obligated to maintain ties with, and it is forbidden to sever those ties. Your love for your mother’s aunt should motivate you to stay connected with her and make an effort to visit her. Perhaps, if you push yourself to do so, Allah the Glorified and Exalted, will make this effort a means for healing from your current mental state. Maintaining family ties has many virtues and benefits in both this life and the Hereafter. Allah the Almighty says: {And those who strive for Our sake, We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.} [Quran 29:69]
However, if visiting her would result in harm, difficulty, or would worsen your condition, you may still maintain ties with her through other means. Scholars have stated that maintaining family ties generally means doing good with them as much as possible and avoiding doing anything harmful to them as much as possible. Similarly, this can include offering financial help, providing assistance, protecting from harm, calling them to find out how they are, or any act that is considered a sign of connection according to common societal norms.
Allah knows best.
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