Salaam, i have cousin brother who is in prison for sexual abusing his daughters for a long time but he says he is innocent , what does islam says about this, should i have any contact with because he keeps on phoning me to come and see him, im confused because in islam it says you forgive, please help me, jazaakallah
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
The Qur’an and Ahadith are replete with the order to maintain family ties. All the prophets of Allah emphasized on maintaining family ties. This order is in all the heavenly books revealed by Allah to the great prophets. It is therefore fardh to maintain family ties with your cousin brother. If he wants you to visit him in prison, you should do so. This is the time to assist him and offer him your support. Meeting him and offering your support to him does not mean you believe in his innocence or otherwise. You should also maintain family ties with his daughters as they are your cousin’s nieces. Let all know that you are there to maintain ties and offer support and simply fulfilling an obligation of Shariah. Family and friends pressure should not deter you from fulfilling your obligation of Shariah to maintain family ties.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.