Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman A‘zami (رحمه الله)
«باب أن الرحم يبل ببلالها»
Nurture and Revive Family Ties
It is narrated from ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ (رضي الله عنه) that he said:
“I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) openly — not secretly — say: ‘Behold! The family of Abū so-and-so (referring to a specific person) are not my close allies. My true ally is Allah and the righteous believers.’”
In a version from al-Bukhārī, the Prophet (ﷺ) added:
“However, they have a tie of kinship which I will maintain and honor.”
Meaning: I will preserve that tie through connection and kindness.
[Agreed upon: al-Bukhārī 5990; Muslim 215]
✔ The true bond in Islam is based on faith and righteousness, not merely on blood ties.
✔ Yet, even when relatives are not believers or not among close allies, the Prophet (ﷺ) taught us to preserve ties of kinship.
✔ “أبلها ببلالها” — “I will water it with its own moisture” — is a profound metaphor meaning to keep the relationship fresh, alive, and nourished through connection, kindness, and respect.
✔ This is a model of prophetic character, combining firmness in faith with grace in family ties.
❖ Chapter:
«باب أن الرحم يبل ببلالها»
Nurture and Revive Family Ties
It is narrated from ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ (رضي الله عنه) that he said:
“I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) openly — not secretly — say: ‘Behold! The family of Abū so-and-so (referring to a specific person) are not my close allies. My true ally is Allah and the righteous believers.’”
In a version from al-Bukhārī, the Prophet (ﷺ) added:
“However, they have a tie of kinship which I will maintain and honor.”
Meaning: I will preserve that tie through connection and kindness.
[Agreed upon: al-Bukhārī 5990; Muslim 215]
✿ Key Lessons:
✔ The true bond in Islam is based on faith and righteousness, not merely on blood ties.
✔ Yet, even when relatives are not believers or not among close allies, the Prophet (ﷺ) taught us to preserve ties of kinship.
✔ “أبلها ببلالها” — “I will water it with its own moisture” — is a profound metaphor meaning to keep the relationship fresh, alive, and nourished through connection, kindness, and respect.
✔ This is a model of prophetic character, combining firmness in faith with grace in family ties.
