three times, whereas he urged devoted care for the father only once. From this we learn that a person must treat his mother—and his father as well—with the best companionship he can muster. May Allah help us and all Muslims to fulfil that duty. May He guide everyone to whatever brings goodness and rectitude, and by His bounty and grace keep our bonds, and those of the Muslims, intact.

7/318 — Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man said, “O Messenger of Allah, I have relatives with whom I maintain ties, yet they cut me off; I treat them well, yet they treat me badly; I am forbearing toward them, yet they behave ignorantly toward me.” He replied, “If you are as you say, it is as though you are feeding them hot ashes, and you will continue to have a supporter from Allah against them so long as you remain upon that.” Muslim collected it.

The verb tusiffuhum (you make them swallow) is pronounced with ḍamma on the tā’, kasra on the sīn, and a doubled fā’. The word al-mall —with fatḥa on the mīm and a doubled lām—means “hot ashes.” The comparison likens the sin that clings to them to the pain suffered by one who eats burning ash. Nothing at all is held against the one who treats them kindly; rather, they incur a grave sin for neglecting his rights and causing him harm. Allah knows best.

8/319 — Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Whoever would like his provision to be expanded and his life-span prolonged should maintain the ties of kinship.” Agreed upon.