Adab al-Mufrad

Benefits and Issues:
➊ The mention of mothers is repeated for emphasis because a mother is naturally of a gentle disposition. Therefore, it has been pointed out that her gentleness does not mean that you should not treat her well; rather, she is the most deserving of good treatment. Some scholars have written that the additional emphasis regarding the mother is because she endures the hardship of pregnancy and breastfeeding without any partner, whereas in upbringing, the father also participates.

➋ In “fathers,” all of a person’s forefathers up the lineage are included. Therefore, all are meant, not just the immediate father. Thus, one should also treat the grandfather with kindness.

➌ There are various degrees among relatives; some are close, and some are distant. The closer a relative is, the more good treatment he deserves. However, it is unfortunate that today, the closer someone is, the more people distance themselves from him. If their own close relatives are prosperous, people become jealous, and if they are in hardship, they are looked upon with contempt and hatred.

➍ For further explanation of this hadith, see hadith number 3.

➎ How will the ranks be determined? The answer is that the shares given in inheritance by the Shariah have been allotted while considering the degrees of kinship, so this can be taken as a basis. However, after the mother, the maternal aunt (khala) has a rank, even though she is not an heir, because the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: ((Al-khalatu bimanazilati al-umm)) “The maternal aunt is in the position of the mother.” (The paternal uncle and paternal great-uncle) are also, in good treatment and maintaining ties of kinship, like the father, even though in inheritance their turn comes after children and brothers. The Noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: ((Inna ‘amma ar-rajuli sanwu abihi)) (Muslim: 2277) “Indeed, a man’s uncle is like his father.”