Identifying the relatives with whom maintaining family ties is obligatory

Question:
Who are the relatives with whom maintaining family ties is obligatory, and for whom it is a duty?

Answer:
All relatives are to be maintained, but they differ in their degree of closeness. The closer a relative is, the more obligatory it is to maintain ties with them. The closest are the fathers and mothers, and their ancestors, and the children, the sons' sons, and the daughters, and their descendants. Next come the brothers and sisters, then the brothers' sons and daughters, then the paternal uncles and aunts, and so on.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked, and a man said to him: "Who is the most deserving of good companionship?" In another version, "good treatment." He said: He said: "Then who?" He said: He said: "Then who?" He said: He said: "Then who?" He said: In the other version: "O Messenger of Allah, who is the most deserving of my good treatment?" He said: He said: "Then who?" He said: He said: "Then who?" He said: He said: "Then who, in the fourth instance?" He said: So he is commanded to be dutiful to his parents, then to the next closest, and the next closest, such as his children, his brothers, and the like.