Good Relation with Relatives — report 18

18. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from certain individuals of his people from ‘Amr ibn Shamir from Jabir from abu Ja’far عليه السلام who has said the following: “When Amir al-Mu’minin (Ali ibn abu Talib) عليه السلام left Madina for Basra, on his way he stopped at al-Rabadhah (a place near Jaddah). A man from Muharib (a tribe) came and said, ‘O Amir al-Mu’minin, I have been shouldering many responsibilities for my people and I have asked quite a few of them to help and cooperate with me, instead they have been very harsh to me. O Amir al-Mu’minin, command them to help me and encourage them to cooperate with me.’ The Imam asked, ‘Where are they?’ He said, ‘Those are a few of them as you may see.’ The man has said, ‘The Imam directed his horse to their direction, which began to move faster than trudge. Certain men from his companions followed, but they had difficulty catching up with him, and he would slow down for them until he reached the people and offered them greetings of peace. He asked them about their lack of cooperation with one of their own people. They complained before the Imam and he complained against them. Amir al- Mu’minin (Ali ibn abu Talib) عليه السلام said, ‘A man must maintain good relations with relatives; they are more deserving of benefitting from his virtuous deeds and achievements. The relatives must maintain good relations with one of their own in times of need when things are against him. Those who maintain good relations with relatives and help financially are rewarded. Those who cut off good relations with relatives and turn away commit a sin.’ The man has said, ‘The Imam then turned his horse around and directed it to move.’”