The Ruling on Boycotting and Severing Ties with Relatives

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, this questioner, who used the code name Mهند, says: What is the Shaykh’s view regarding people who have quarreled over things of the vanities of this world and its trivialities, so that none of them greets another, and the severance of ties has continued, and they do not eat together or sit together, and this state has lasted for months and years? What is your view of these people, who are my relatives and from the same family?

Answer:
This is severely forbidden. Boycotting a Muslim in general, and boycotting a close relative specifically, is forbidden because it is a form of severing ties. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: They meet, and this one turns away and that one turns away, and the better of the two is the one who begins with the salam. The other hadith is that deeds are raised to Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, except for the two who boycott each other, and He says, (Exalted and Majestic is He): “Give these two time until they reconcile.” So, boycotting and severing ties prevent the forgiveness of Allah, Mighty and Majestic, for the sins of the servant. Therefore, the Muslim should repent to Allah and return to reconciling with his brother, maintaining ties with him, and not boycotting or severing ties with him.

The presenter:
Yes. May Allah reward you with good and bless you, Honorable Shaykh.