Question:
Asalam,ulakum,
My question is, what does Islam say about keeping ties with your uncles and aunts who are two-faced? My extended family tend to meet on occasions, gossip, swear and talk about each other behind each other’s backs.
Can I move away myself from them and not call them? Can I only meet and give salam when I have to meet at weddings etc? I do not wish to talk to them as they are in witchcraft and backbiting. They are known in the community as evil people and the community laughs at them because my uncle and aunts talk about each others’ siblings to the community in a bad manner.
I want to stay away from their evil eyes. I do not wish to tell them anything about me as they are very jealous people. They have put my family through very bad times.
Answer:
audhu billah mina ‘sh-shaytani ‘r-rajeem,
Bismillahi ‘r-Rahmani ‘r-Raheem,
wa `alaykum salam,
To sit with backbiters, and magicians is not an obligation even if they are relatives. Minimize your contact with them and protect your faith from their darkness. When you have to see them at family functions use your best manners to keep peace, or at least avoid unnecessary antagonism.
وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَشۡهَدُونَ ٱلزُّورَ وَإِذَا مَرُّواْ بِٱللَّغۡوِ مَرُّواْ ڪِرَامً۬ا
{Those who witness no falsehood and, if they pass by futility, they pass by it with honourable (avoidance)} Surat al-Furqan 25:72
Dr. Karim Tourk
