Chairman of the Supreme Council of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri, while addressing a gathering, emphasized that when a society abandons Silah Rahmi (maintaining family ties) and severing relations with blood relatives becomes common, the mercy of Allah ceases to descend. Sustenance becomes restricted, divine punishment begins to manifest, and people are engulfed in hardships and trials.

Dr. Hassan Qadri explained that Silah Rahmi refers specifically to bonds of blood. Close relatives have rights over us. Simply put, maintaining love for those whom our parents loved and continuing to treat kindly those whom our parents cared for—even after their passing—is an essential teaching of Islam.

He cited the example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who used to send meat from his sacrificial animals to the friends of Sayyida Khadijah al-Kubra (RA). When Sayyida Aisha (RA) once asked, "O Messenger of Allah, do you still send gifts to them?" The Prophet ﷺ replied, "I remember her loyalty, her support, her courage—she stood by me when no one else did."

Dr. Hassan Qadri also referenced a Hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA), in which the Prophet ﷺ said that when Allah created creation, He also created Rahm (the womb/family ties), and said to it: "Are you not pleased that I shall maintain ties with those who maintain you, and cut off those who sever you?" The womb replied, "Yes, my Lord." Allah said, "Then it is so."

He stressed that Silah Rahmi brings immense blessings in both this world and the Hereafter. It is directly connected to long life, increased sustenance, and love in people's hearts. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever desires an increase in provision and a long life should uphold family ties."

Dr. Hassan Qadri also narrated a powerful incident: A man once complained to the Prophet ﷺ, saying, “O Messenger of Allah, I maintain ties with my relatives, but they cut me off; I treat them well, but they treat me badly; I remain patient, but they act ignorantly.” The Prophet ﷺ responded: “If what you say is true, it is as if you are feeding them hot ashes. As long as you continue doing good, Allah will appoint an angel to support you.”

In conclusion, Dr. Hassan Qadri quoted the words of Abdullah ibn Umar (RA): “Whoever wishes for abundance in wealth, love from his family, and general well-being should combine two things: Taqwa (God-consciousness) and Silah Rahmi (maintaining family ties).” He noted that this is the essential message of today’s address.