Question: I live in England and my relatives are in Pakistan. We love each other very much, but I have not spoken to them in years. My mother, my sister, and I are planning to travel to Pakistan soon. Am I doing something haram because I have not spoken to them in so long? Of course, I will speak to them when I get there.
Answer:
Assalamu alaykum,
Thank you for your question. It is truly touching to see that you love your relatives and that they love you. May Allah bless you for your care and sincerity.
Speaking To Relatives
When you are on good terms with someone, there is no maximum limit to the interaction between the two parties. If you are on bad terms with someone, it is forbidden to cut them off for more than three days. There is no sin on you in the situation that you describe.
Increase Your Interaction
It is praiseworthy to keep in touch with your relatives somewhat. I recommend joining a social media group with your relatives to interact with them to the point where you are not wasting time, but keeping a healthy amount of contact. You may also consider calling them on Islamic holidays, such as the two ‘Eids and the Prophet’s birthday, or the beginning of Ramadan.
Du’as
You will find that the du’as of the elders are very special and that you are very fortunate indeed if they remember you and include you in their supplication. If they can benefit you and you benefit them, you will be fulfilling the Prophet saying, “The best of people are those that bring the most benefit to the rest of mankind.“ [Daraqutni] May Allah gives you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.