What is the meaning of Silat ur Rahem? With whom we should keep and regard the relations of Rahim? Please give me the details.

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Scholars of Islam differ concerning the definition of Ar-Rahim (blood relationship, kith and kin, ties of kinship) that it is a duty to keep and it is forbidden to sever. Some scholars say Ar-Rahim includes all male and female Mahaarim (Muslim men and women who must not marry one another because of special ties between them).

Thus, Islam prohibits for one to marry a woman and her mother's sister, or father's sister, since such marriages lead to severing ties of kinship due to hate between two fellow wives. Other groups of scholars say Ar-Rahim includes all participants in inheritance.

According to Imam Al-Qurtubi in his Tafsir, Ar-Rahim is of two kinds:

1) All Muslims in general. A Muslim has to show his love and support to them on the basis of Imaan (faith). He has to advise them, to be just with them, and to do his duties towards them such as visiting the sick, taking part in their funerals, and so on.

2) Relatives on the paternal and maternal sides. This kind of Ar-Rahim is called "Special Ar-Rahim". These relatives have all special rights over a Muslim as well as other rights such as maintenance and taking care of them. Also, they have the rights of Muslims in general. But one has to start fulfilling his rights towards his closest relatives.

Based on the above, every Muslim, your brother in religion, has rights over his Muslim brothers. Some of these rights are obligatory; others are recommended. Allah Says (what means): {The believers are but brothers.} [Quran 49: 10]

If there is some form of kinship between you and such a Muslim brother, his rights become more confirmed on you. The Prophet said: “You will soon conquer Egypt where Al-Qirat is frequently mentioned. So, when you conquer it, treat its inhabitants well. For there lies upon you the responsibility because of blood ties or relationship of marriage (with them).” [Muslim]

The Prophet possessed and married “Mary the Coptic Lady” who gave birth to his son Ibrahim. So, the Prophet advised Muslims to be kind with Egyptians, since this marriage constitutes a tie of kinship.

On the other hand, foster relatives of paternal and maternal sides have also similar rights, although such rights are not identical to those of the “Special Ar-Rahim”.

It is recorded in the book of biography of Ibn Hishaam and in Zaad Al-Mee'ad of Ibn Al-Qayyim that when the Hawazen's delegation came to the Prophet he spread out his dress to Ash-Shaymaa’ (his foster sister) as a form of honor. In addition, the Prophet asked Muslims to return to his foster uncle what they captured from his household and children.

As for the best manner to treat Ar-Rahim and to keep their ties, this in fact is conventional. A visit to some relatives is enough while others deserve more than that depending on how close or needy they are.

The Quran clearly states the importance of keeping ties with Ar-Rahim; it considers this as a form of worship and warns those who neglect it.

Allah Says (what means):

• {Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land, and sever your ties of kinship?} [Quran 47: 22]

• {…and fear Allah through Whom you demand (your mutual rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship).} [Quran 4: 1]

In the same vein, Jaabir Ibn Mut'am reported that he heard Allah's Messenger saying: “One who severs ties of Ar-Rahim will not enter Paradise.” [Al-Bukhari] Another Hadeeth reported by 'Aa’ishah reads: “The word 'Ar-Rahm (womb) derives its name from Ar-Rahman (i.e., one of the Names of Allah) and Allah said: 'I will keep good relation with the one who will keep good relation with you, (womb i.e. Kith and Kin) and sever the relation with him who will sever the relation with you, (womb, i.e. Kith and Kin).” [Al-Bukhari]

Also, Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet said: “Allah created the creations, and when He finished from His creations, Ar-Rahim; i.e., womb, said, “(O Allah) at this place I seek refuge with You from all those who sever me (i.e., sever the ties of kith and kin). Allah said, 'Yes, won't you be pleased that I will keep good relations with the one who will keep good relations with you, and I will sever the relation with the one who will sever the relations with you.' It said, 'Yes, O my Lord.' Allah said, 'Then that is for you." [which means that your supplication is answered]. [Al-Bukhari]

Another Hadeeth on the authority of 'Abdullah Ibn 'Amr reads: “The person who perfectly maintains the ties of kinship is not the one who does it because he gets recompensed by his relatives (for being good and kind to them) but the one who truly maintains the bonds of kinship is the one who persists in doing so even though others have severed the ties of kinship with him.” [Al-Bukhari]

Moreover, it was reported in Saheeh Muslim that Maymoonah bint Al-Haarith freed a young slave-girl in the era of the Prophet and told that to him. Thereupon, the Prophet said: “If you gave her to your uncles, that would be better in reward.” [Muslim] This means that giving charity to relatives and kith and kin is better.

Besides, Ibn 'Umar reported that “A man came to the Prophet and said: ‘O Allah's Messenger! I did a major sin. So, can I repent?’ The Prophet said: ‘Is your mother alive!’ The man said: ‘No’. The Prophet said: ‘Have you an aunt?’ He said: ‘Yes’. The Prophet said: ‘Treat her with kindness.’” [Al-Tirmithi]

For more benefit on the subject of Ar-Rahim, you may refer to the book of Riyadh As-Saaliheen, Al-Bukhaari, Muslim and other books of Hadeeth.

Allah knows best.