Friday Khutba Emphasizes Strengthening Family Ties and Kinship

In the Friday khutba delivered across various parts of the country today, it was reminded that maintaining kinship ties is not about replacing a favor done by someone else with a business-like transaction, and that a true relative is one who maintains the connection even if the other party severs it. The khutba, delivered on the topic “The Importance of Strengthening Family Ties,” stated that a society can be built by strengthening families. According to the khutba, Islam gives special importance to the bond of kinship. Accordingly, this bond has been named in connection with the divine name of Allah “Ar-Rahman” (The Most Gracious), and the khutba also mentioned that based on the Hadith of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, maintaining kinship ties leads to provision being expanded and lifespan being blessed in this world. While highlighting the issue of families breaking up and moral standards declining in today’s society, the khutba stated that the biggest reason for this is the education and upbringing provided as children grow up. It was stated that since every child is born with a pure fitrah (innate nature), it is essential to teach them from a young age to obey their parents and to maintain good relations with relatives. Warning about the dangerous consequences of severing family ties, the khutba stated that this is a very dangerous act included among major sins. Regarding this matter, it was mentioned in the interpretation of a saying of the Holy Prophet ﷺ recorded in Hadith that a person who severs kinship ties will not enter Paradise. Emphasizing the importance of fulfilling the responsibility of parents in maintaining family ties, the khutba advised protecting the rights of children. In this regard, the khutba stated that besides providing material needs, teaching Islamic etiquette, commanding prayer when they turn seven years old, and taking care of religious obligations are the responsibilities of every parent.