Lesson 15 – Maintaining relationships

As humans, we are prone to having various types of relationships with others.
As Muslims, we are taught to honour good relationships.
On one occasion, an elderly lady visited Nabiy (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam). He enquired about her and gave her added attention. When she left, Sayyidah ‘Aishah (radiyallahu’anha) asked: “Why did you give so much attention to this old woman?”
Nabiy (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) replied: “She used to visit us during the life of Khadijah [i.e., She was a friend of hers], and to maintain old relationships is a part of Iman.”
(Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 1, pg. 15)

Hazrat Moulana Haroon Abasoomar (rahimahullah) had a unique passion for this sublime quality. He would often quote the last part of the above Hadith as inspiration.
Hazrat (rahimahullah) would go to great lengths to meet people who may have not been his relatives, but with whom he had old ties.
This included those who had ties to his respected father (rahimahullah) as well. The children and grandchildren of his teachers, or spiritual shaykh were close to his heart.
Irrespective of where he was in his travels, he always ensured to meet such people.
Sometimes he would remind the person of the relationship and reason for his visit, by saying: “You are my father’s friend.” Or “You are my Ustad’s son.” etc. thereby expressing his sincerity in that action, and his regard for that particular senior.
Hazrat (rahimahullah) would go out of his way frequently to meet such people, or to support them morally and even financially, if needed.
At times, he would undertake lengthy journeys for this.
He often messaged such individuals who were far away, or even phoned them when possible.
He would say: “A phone call is half a meeting.”
This endeared Hazrat (rahimahullah) to the people.
Unfortunately today, this important quality is fast becoming extinct. The only relationships that are maintained are the ones we seek material gain from!
The habit of meeting people purely for the sake of Allah, is very much appreciated by Allah Ta’ala Himself.
In a Hadith Qudsiy, Allah Ta’ala says:
“My love is binding for those who love, meet & visit each other for my sake.”
(Musnad Ahmad, hadith: 22030 & Sahih Ibn Hibban, hadith: 575)
Our communities will enjoy much more harmony and unity with the implementation of the above Sunnah.

May Allah Ta’ala reward Hazrat (rahimahullah) and raise his ranks in Jannatul Firdaws. Amin.