In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. Allah Almighty said: “And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs (that bore you).”
The verses of the Holy Qur’an, along with the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), have strongly encouraged maintaining ties of kinship and emphasized their importance both in religion and in worldly life. Indeed, a society whose members uphold compassion and communication becomes a fortified stronghold, a steadfast fortress. From such a society emerge strong families and a solid social structure that provides the world with leaders, guides, thinkers, teachers, preachers, and reformers—those who carry the torches of guidance and the lamps of light to their people and to all mankind.
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should maintain ties of kinship. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari).
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) also narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever wishes that his provision be increased and his lifespan be extended, let him maintain ties of kinship.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari).
Out of the bonds of affection and love grow companionship and friendship, quenching pure hearts with longing and devotion, and bearing the fruit of loyalty and sincerity—even among strangers brought together only by time and place. How then should the relationship be between blood relatives, descending from the same lineage, bound together by ties of kinship?
The answer to this lies in the breezes of love and sincere emotion that swept over us like gentle winds—refreshing our longing, soothing our yearning with kindness, mercy, and the unity of family bonds.
The warmth of the welcome, the sincerity of emotion, and the genuine enthusiasm for family unity were among the most prominent features of the visit by the Dalati family delegation from Homs to their relatives in both Al-Zabadani and Kafr Al-Zayt.
This gathering carried with it a strong desire and determination on the part of all cousins to strengthen family relations, to benefit from each other’s experiences, and to raise the family’s scientific, social, and even financial standing. Such positive development in relations among cousins, wherever they may be, is undoubtedly of great benefit to all parties and to Syrian society as a whole.
The meeting was successful on every level… hearts united… It reminded us of both spoken and unspoken words, echoing the saying of Prophet Lot (peace be upon him): “If only I had strength against you, or could take refuge in a mighty support.” It also reminded us of the strength of brothers together and their strength through one another.
On behalf of the entire Dalati family in Homs, I extend thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of these two gatherings, especially:
- All members of the family committee in Al-Zabadani (particularly Engineer Amer Al-Dalati, who coordinated the visit),
- The elders of the Dalati family in Al-Zabadani,
- All attendees, without exception—may Allah prolong their lives,
- Mr. Hisham Suleiman Al-Dalati, Director of the Department of Religious Endowments in Al-Zabadani,
- Mr. Ali Muhammad Al-Dalati,
- Lawyer Ahmad Al-Dalati in Kafr Al-Zayt.
I ask Allah Almighty to benefit us with what He has taught us. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.
Engineer Hassan Safwan Al-Dalati
2010-05-31
