Relatives with whom one should maintain the ties of kinship

Q 2: Who are the people with whom a person should (Part No. 25; Page No. 297) maintain the ties of kinship? Are they limited to the father, mother, brothers, sisters, and children or are there more people?

A: A person should maintain the ties of kinship with the people specified in the question and with other relatives as well, such as grandparents, nieces, nephews, paternal and maternal aunts and uncles and their children, and the remaining relatives. However, the degree of maintaining the ties of kinship differs, for the people who are closely related to you are the most deserving of your kindness and dutifulness. This is because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said when a person asked him, saying, "O Messenger of Allah! To whom should I show kindness?" He replied, "Your mother." He said, "Then who is the next one?" He said, "Your mother." He again said, "Who is the next one?" He said, "Your mother." He said, "Then who is the next one?" He said, "Your father and then your relatives, the nearest in kinship." May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.