Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Friday Khutbah
4 April 2025 / 5 Syawal 1446H
The Duty of Maintaining Silaturrahim
Dear blessed congregation,
The verse that was recited earlier, which is the first verse of Surah An-Nisa’, contains a reminder for us to always be mindful of two matters. What are these two matters?
Firstly, to be steadfast in embodying taqwa towards Allah s.w.t. by fulfilling His commands and avoiding His prohibitions. Secondly, is to always maintain "Al-Arham," which refers to our bonds with family members, including both close and extended relatives. Maintaining good family ties by fulfilling the rights and responsibilities towards them is what Islam refers to as maintaining silaturrahim.
Dear blessed congregation,
I am certain that many of us view Syawal as the season to strengthen family ties. Therefore, let us take this opportunity to reflect on the significance of maintaining silaturrahim in the life of a Muslim.
My dear brothers, what is the connection between the silaturrahim that we practice and the teachings of Islam? Besides maintaining our relationship with Allah, why are we commanded to maintain family bonds? And how is silaturrahim linked to our faith?
Dear congregation, silaturrahim transcends tradition and customs. It is a religious obligation that reflects a Muslim’s faith, to the extent that it is tied to the command of taqwa, as highlighted in the first verse of Surah An-Nisa’ that was recited earlier.
The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said, which means: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Final Day, let him maintain ties of kinship." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
According to tafsir (exegesis), the meaning of this hadith is the same as what Allah s.w.t. refers to in Surah Ar-Ra’d, verse 21:
Which means: “And those who maintain that which Allah has ordered to be maintained and fear their Lord and are afraid of the evil of their account.”
Maintaining good ties with family and relatives, returning acts of kindness, and fostering warm relations could contribute to fulfilling a person’s social needs. Islam, however, adds the dimension of blessing of life that comes from upholding family bonds. Indeed, this blessing or barakah encompasses all aspects of life, including health, longevity, social well-being and so on.
The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. said, which means: "Whoever wishes to have his sustenance expanded and his lifespan extended, let him uphold the ties of kinship." (Al-Bukhari)
At this juncture, the sermon would like to emphasise three key aspects of how we can fulfil the obligation of silaturrahim and strengthen our family ties.
First: Fulfilling the rights and responsibilities of silaturrahim
This includes visiting one another, checking in on each other’s well-being, sharing our sustenance, displaying compassion or ihsan, and constantly praying for one another. While these acts are closely associated with Syawal, we should not limit them to this month only. Instead, we should continuously care for our relatives' welfare, even if we are unable to meet them in person.
This is our right and responsibility.
Second: Mending relationships
It is part and parcel of being human, that our lives and relations sometimes drift apart. Or perhaps, misunderstandings may have occurred in the past, causing familial harmony to be strained.
We must not remain trapped in the past, dwelling on mistakes and shortcomings of others. Instead, we must strive to repair relationships. If we are not ready to take this step, we should, at the very least, avoid worsening the situation by bringing up old conflicts or making hurtful remarks.
Imam Abu Dawud narrates that the Prophet s.a.w. once explained to his companions about an act more virtuous than voluntary prayer, fasting, and charity – that is mending relationships between humankind. Conversely, familial discord can lead to the destruction of social harmony, and diminish the positive effects of our worship.
Third: Protecting them from harm and evil
Silaturrahim also means wanting the best for our relatives. Therefore, we must be attentive to their well-being, in both worldly affairs and religious matters.
There may be some amongst our family members who have yet to improve their religious practice, are not consistent in performing their prayers, or are not yet willing to learn the recitation of the Quran and so on. Our attentiveness should motivate us to find suitable opportunities to guide them with wisdom. For example, by introducing them to authentic religious teachings, we can help protect them from deviant beliefs and ideologies that continue to spread today.
My dear brothers,
Remember, silaturrahim is not an act limited to the month of Syawal. Rather, it is a lifelong obligation for every Muslim. May Allah s.w.t. accept our efforts, preserve our family ties, shower us with His mercy, and reunite us all in His paradise.
SECOND KHUTBAH
Dear blessed Congregation,
Let us continue spreading kindness and helping those in need.
The Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin Foundation (RLAF) is still actively running the ‘Aid for Gaza’ campaign, the donations can be made online through RLAF’s website until 6 April 2025. Launched on 24 February, the collection is now nearing its end.
Concurrently, RLAF is organising a fundraising drive through mosques to assist victims affected by the Myanmar and Thailand earthquake. This fundraising initiative is in collaboration with the Singapore Red Cross. The collection will run from today, Friday, 4 April 2025 to Thursday, 10 April 2025. Kindly channel your contributions through the dedicated donation box labelled:
“Collection to Support Communities Affected by the Myanmar and Thailand Earthquake.”
