Maintaining Family Ties

Question:
He asks about the relatives whom Allah has threatened with punishment if they are cut off, and whether they are all relatives or if there is a distinction?

Answer:
Answer: Yes, kin are all those with whom you are connected by a relationship through the father, such as paternal uncles and aunts, or through the mother, such as maternal uncles and aunts, and the sons of paternal uncles and the sons of maternal aunts. Anyone with whom you are connected by a relationship through the father or the mother: maintaining ties with them is obligatory, and severing ties with them is forbidden and warrants a curse. Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) said: “So do you expect that if you turn away, He will not corrupt the earth and sever your kinship? Those are the ones whom Allah has cursed, so He has made them deaf and blinded their sight.” The right of kin is great and obligatory upon their relatives, and severing kinship is one of the major sins, because the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the one who severs his kinship. Therefore, one must be alert to this. Maintaining ties is done by giving them money, especially if they are in need, and by giving them gifts. It is also done by staying in contact with them and greeting them, and by going to them and visiting them. All of this is part of maintaining kinship.