Silat al-Rahim

Silat al-Rahim is the duty to treat relatives well and never cut them off, even if they cut you off first.

What it means for me: This duty does not require constant closeness. A call, a message asking after someone's health, or help sent without a visit all count. It scales with your ability and the closeness of the relation — a parent's due is heavier than a distant cousin's.

Example: A woman has an uncle she rarely sees because he lives abroad. She calls him before each Eid and asks after his health. That phone call, on its own, counts as keeping the tie.

Do not confuse with: Birr al-Walidayn, the duty owed to parents. That duty is stricter and takes priority; silat al-rahim covers the wider circle of other relatives.

If scholars differ: Scholars differ on how wide the circle of kinship reaches — the closest relatives only, or every relative connected by blood. They agree the duty stands even toward a relative who has already cut you off.