869 — “Fear Allah and maintain your ties of kinship.”

Ibn ʿAsakir narrated it (16/74/2) from al-Fadl ibn Muwaffaq, from al-Masʿudi, from Simak ibn Harb, from ʿAbd al-Rahman—that is, ʿAbd Allah ibn Masʿud—who attributed it to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.

I say: This chain of transmission is weak. Al-Masʿudi became confused in his later years, and Abu Hatim declared al-Fadl weak. Therefore, al-Manawi decisively judged its chain weak, though he strengthened it with some supporting reports, saying: “Al-Tabarani narrated it in the wording cited from Jabir, adding: ‘For there is no reward received more swiftly than that for maintaining kinship ties.’ Ibn Jarir and ʿAbd ibn Humayd narrated it from Qatadah, adding: ‘For it is more lasting for you in this world and better for you in the Hereafter.’ Thus, it becomes hasan.”

I say: However, al-Tabarani’s chain includes Muhammad ibn Kathir, from Jabir al-Juʿfi. Al-Haythami said (8/149): “Both of them are extremely weak.”

As for Ibn Jarir’s narration—which appears in his exegesis (7/521/8422, 8427)—it comes through two chains from Qatadah as a mursal report. It is therefore strong corroboration for the connected report of Ibn Masʿud. And Allah knows best.

This hadith is like an exegesis of Allah Most High’s saying in Surat al-Nisaʾ: “Fear Allah, in whose name you beseech one another, and do not sever the ties of kinship.” The meaning is: Fear Allah, in whose name you beseech one another; and fear violating the ties of kinship by severing them. This is the interpretation Ibn Jarir chose on the basis of Arabic usage; refer to it.

870 — “Beware of the supplication of the oppressed, for it is carried upon the clouds. Allah, Mighty and Majestic, says: ‘By My might and majesty, I shall surely aid you, even if after some time.’”

Al-Bukhari narrated it in al-Tarikh al-Kabir (1/1/186), and al-Dulabi (2/123),