CUTTING OFF TIES

A hadith on this subject is found in various collections. Al-Bukhari records it in Kitab al-Adab, and Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj includes it in Kitab al-Birr wa al-Silah, under the chapter titled: The Prohibition of Severing Ties for More than Three Days Without a Valid Reason. The hadith states:

Abu Ayyub al-Ansari reported that the Prophet of Islam said: “It is not lawful for a Muslim to shun his brother for more than three nights. When they meet, one turns away and the other also turns away. The better of the two is the one who greets the other first.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 6077)

Al-Nawawi, (Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi, 1233–1277 CE), a renowned Islamic scholar, jurist, and hadith expert explains that, according to scholarly consensus, it is impermissible for Muslims to sever ties for more than three days—though doing so for up to three is excused. He states: “It is forbidden for people to cut off ties for more than three nights, and it is permissible during the first three.” (Sharh Sahih Muslim, Vol. 16, p. 117)

When someone breaks ties, it is usually due to a grievance. Therefore, this hadith clearly implies that even if one has a legitimate complaint against another, it is still not permitted to sever ties or stop speaking to them indefinitely.

Given the emotional pressure of such moments, a person may naturally feel anger. That is why the shari‘ah grants a concession for up to three days. Beyond that, cutting off ties becomes impermissible.

If someone has a grievance that remains unresolved, there are only two acceptable paths:

• Either resolve it through sincere communication,

• Or entrust the matter to God.

But as for severing ties completely—it is not permitted for a believer under any circumstance.