How to Maintain Ties with Close and Distant Relatives
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How should one maintain contact with relatives other than parents, such as maternal and paternal aunts, maternal and paternal uncles, especially if the location is far away?
The specific manner of maintaining ties—may Allah reward you—has not been detailed in the Sunnah or the Book. Therefore, whatever people consider to be maintaining ties is considered maintaining ties. This varies according to circumstances, times, and the degree of kinship.For example: Some relatives have a greater right over you, such as an uncle or maternal uncle, and a distant cousin is not like them. Also, circumstances vary; in the case of illness, one must visit them and inquire about their condition. In the case of poverty, one must maintain contact. In the case of wealth and health, when everyone is preoccupied with their own affairs, visiting once a month or contacting by phone is sufficient.
The specific manner of maintaining ties—may Allah reward you—has not been detailed in the Sunnah or the Book. Therefore, whatever people consider to be maintaining ties is considered maintaining ties. This varies according to circumstances, times, and the degree of kinship.For example: Some relatives have a greater right over you, such as an uncle or maternal uncle, and a distant cousin is not like them. Also, circumstances vary; in the case of illness, one must visit them and inquire about their condition. In the case of poverty, one must maintain contact. In the case of wealth and health, when everyone is preoccupied with their own affairs, visiting once a month or contacting by phone is sufficient.