Filial Disobedience and Severing Ties of Kinship

Filial Disobedience and Severing Ties of Kinship

Filial Disobedience.. Disobedience to parents is a regression in human nature and a forfeiture of safety. Can a sensible person ever feel secure with someone who has betrayed the very origin of their existence?!

Those who disobey their fathers and mothers are among the most corrupt of people in character and conduct. It is not fitting for a Muslim to keep their company, nor can any pledge or promise of theirs be trusted. It is improper to rely on them in trade, purchase, debt, or the fulfillment of any obligation. How can someone who has broken the covenant with his parents and wasted their rights ever be true to the covenants of strangers?

The danger of filial disobedience lies in the fact that it is a denial of the greatest rights after the right of Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him). The disobedient person cuts off the fundamental human bond built upon mercy and loyalty toward the two most significant people in their life: the father and the mother. Because of this, scholars of the past and present have warned against mingling with this group. As one scholar stated: "Do not ever trust the friendship of a disobedient person..." Such people have severed what Allah has commanded to be joined and have spread corruption on earth. Therefore, they cannot be trusted in any transaction, companionship, or neighborly relation.

The disobedient person loses both this world and the Hereafter, bringing upon themselves an expedited punishment in this life before death. Dutifulness to parents is an open door that hastens goodness and Paradise, while disobedience is a fast track to ruin.

From the Womb of Disobedience Springs the Severing of Kinship! Its ominous consequence is felt in this world, and its curse in the Hereafter. It is a grave crime that cuts its perpetrator off from the mercy of Allah. Severing kinship ties is not merely a passing coldness; rather, it is a dangerous form of moral and social corruption that tears apart the fabric of families and societies. Allah, the Almighty, has threatened those who sever ties with the severest punishment in His Noble Book, saying:

{So would you perhaps, if you turned away, cause corruption on earth and sever your [ties of] relationship? Those [themselves] are the ones whom Allah has cursed, so He deafened them and blinded their vision.} [Quran 47:22-23]

Among the wretched consequences of severing ties of kinship is that Allah Almighty punishes the offender by stripping the light of truth from their heart. They become deaf, unable to listen to admonition, and blind, unable to perceive the great signs of Allah spread across the horizons and within themselves, remaining deprived of the guidance and light sent down by Allah.

Reflect upon the greatness of this covenant between Allah and the Womb of Kinship. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"When Allah created the creation, and when He finished with them, the Womb (Ar-Rahim) stood up and said, 'This is the place of one who seeks refuge in You from the severing of ties.' Allah said, 'Yes, are you not pleased that I keep ties with the one who keeps ties with you, and I cut off the one who cuts you off?' It said, 'Yes, indeed.' Allah said, 'Then that is for you.'"

Then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Recite if you wish: {So would you perhaps, if you turned away, cause corruption on earth and sever your [ties of] relationship?}"

Those who are disobedient to their parents and those who sever kinship ties are partners in corruption and vile character. Both have exposed themselves to the wrath and punishment of Allah, and an evil abode in this world and the Hereafter.

O you who are burdened by the calls of kinship, and O you who are sluggish in honoring your parents—reclaim yourself before the door is closed and punishment becomes due!

We ask Allah for pardon and well-being. O Allah, make us among the dutiful who are enveloped by Your mercy and grace, and have mercy on our fathers and mothers just as they raised us when we were small.