Old Time’s Sake

Adapted From Adopt a Sunnah No. 19
By Madrasah In’aamiyyah

To keep up old ties is a concept that is deep rooted in Islam.
The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said, "To maintain relationships is certainly a part of Iman (Islamic faith).

WIFE
It was the noble habit of the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam that when he used to slaughter a sheep for his household, he would send portions of it to the friends of his first and most cherished wife Khadijah radhiallahu anha after she ahd passed away.
When he received any gift, he would say that it should be taken to so and so, who was a friend of and used to love Khadijah radhiallahu anha.

VEHICLE
Abdullah Ibn Umar radhiallahu anhu was once on his way to Makkah for Umrah. On the way he met a shabbily dressed Bedouin whom he asked if he was the son of so and so. The Bedouin replied in the affirmative. Hearing this Ibn Umar radhiallahu anhu greeted him with full zeal, took off his turban and gave it to the Bedouin.
He then gave him his conveyance. At this, Ibn Umar radhiallahu anhu’s companion said that the Bedouin would have been pleased with whatever little he had given him. Ibn Umar radhiallahu anhu replied, "This person’s father is a friend of my father and I have heard our beloved Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam say, ‘Verily from the greatest forms of loyalty to ones parents after their death is for one to keep up ties with their friends.’" Here Ibn Umar radhiallahu anhu extended his kindness to the son of his father’s friend and not just the friend.

PARENTS
A man once enquired as to what rights his parents have on him after their demise. Among the things he was told by the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam was to maintain ties with those relatives who are linked to you via them and to pay respect to their surviving friends.
By doing this, one would also be pleasing his deceased parents as the Hadith tells us that parents are made aware of whatever the child does on their behalf.