Making Effort to Maintain Family Ties

Question:
A disagreement arose with one of my uncles over a matter that was not worth getting upset about. He left and did not return, and he stopped greeting all of us—myself, my father, and my brothers—and cut ties with us until he traveled to another town in al-Gharbiyyah. This happened about three years ago. What should we do?

Answer:
If he cut ties with you for a legitimate religious reason that you did with him, then it does not harm you; he is the one who cut ties. However, do what you can to correspond with him, call him to good, and send him some gifts and assistance, so that perhaps Allah will open his heart and guide him to return.
The one who cuts off family ties without a legitimate religious excuse is the one who has cut them off. But you should not be like him. Greet him and treat him well, even if it is only through correspondence, letters, or the telephone. Call him to good and advise him: "Why did you do such and such? Why, my brother, did you do such and such? What caused this matter? Fear Allah, O Abdullah. Watch out for Allah." Advise him in this way through letters, through the telephone, or by having some of you visit him at his place.