If Muslims are commanded to be respectful and caring toward their parents, elders, and other family members, how does one go about showing that respect? What duties does a Muslim have toward his family?

Emotional Ties

The Qur'an has strong words against those who “do not respect the ties of kinship,” calling them people who “transgress all bounds” (Qur'an 9:10). The Prophet Muhammad once said, “The person who severs the bond of kinship will not enter Paradise.” On another occasion, he said, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him be hospitable to his guest; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain well the ties of kinship; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, must speak good or remain silent.”

Cutting off ties with one's family is considered a serious sin, a violation of the sacred family unit. The first responsibility a Muslim has toward family is to keep in touch with them, inquire about them, and visit them in sickness and in health. When making life choices, a Muslim considers the opinions of family members and heeds the advice of elders.

Financial Obligations

In addition to the emotional connection, a Muslim has a financial obligation toward relatives. “And render to relatives their due rights, as also to those in need and to the wayfarer, and do not squander your wealth in the manner of a spendthrift” (Qur'an 17:26). In another verse, the Qur'an commands Muslims to spend in charity “for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves” (Qur'an 2:177).

When distributing money in charity, it is advisable to look in one's own backyard first. When Muslims give gifts to their family members, it is still considered charity and they gain the reward for every dime or dollar spent.