He says that one of his relatives said about his cousin that she has a relationship with a man, but it was a lie. If he cuts off this person, will he be severing family ties?
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The questioner : He said that one of his relatives said about his cousin that she has a relationship with a man, but it was a lie. If he cuts off this person, will he be severing family ties? He mentions that the one who said this lie about his cousin is his maternal uncle's son. Also, before saying this lie, he had gifted him a small mushaf and a scholarly book. He also notes that this person does not pray or fast, and so on. When this happened, he took the gifts back from him and has not spoken to him since that day. What is the ruling on returning a gift from the giver and taking it back from the recipient, especially in the case of such a person?
The Shaykh : The mere sin of a relative does not justify for his relative to sever his family ties. Indeed, Allah the Exalted said regarding the parents:[Luqman 31:15].
Likewise, a relative's connection is not severed by his sin. However, this questioner mentioned that his maternal uncle's son has committed apostasy from Islam, may Allah protect us from that, by not praying and not fasting. It is not permissible to allow an apostate to remain alive unless he returns to Islam.
Therefore, there is nothing wrong with cutting off ties with him, because he has no right to exist, let alone to be connected to those who do. However, we see that it is obligatory for you to treat this ailment, which is fatal for him, by going to him, calling him to Allah the Mighty and Majestic, and advising him with the obligatory advice.
As for your returning your gift, it is not permissible for you, because the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Sahih Muslim 1622g This relative to whom you gave the gift owns what you gave him by accepting and taking possession of it, so it became part of his wealth. If he returns to Islam, his ownership of his wealth remains. And if he remains an apostate and is killed for his apostasy, then his wealth will belong to the Muslim treasury. In any case, it is forbidden for you to return your gift in such a situation.
The questioner : May Allah reward you.
The Shaykh : The mere sin of a relative does not justify for his relative to sever his family ties. Indeed, Allah the Exalted said regarding the parents:
But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness
وَإِنْ جَاهَدَاكَ عَلى أَنْ تُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلا تُطِعْهُمَا وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِي الدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوفًاLikewise, a relative's connection is not severed by his sin. However, this questioner mentioned that his maternal uncle's son has committed apostasy from Islam, may Allah protect us from that, by not praying and not fasting. It is not permissible to allow an apostate to remain alive unless he returns to Islam.
Therefore, there is nothing wrong with cutting off ties with him, because he has no right to exist, let alone to be connected to those who do. However, we see that it is obligatory for you to treat this ailment, which is fatal for him, by going to him, calling him to Allah the Mighty and Majestic, and advising him with the obligatory advice.
As for your returning your gift, it is not permissible for you, because the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
One who gets back his gift is like a dog which vomits and then swallows that vomit.
العائد في هبته كالكلب يقيء ثم يعود في قيئهThe questioner : May Allah reward you.