Is it true that life is extended by maintaining good relations with family members?

Is it true that life is extended by maintaining good relations with family members?

  بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب حامدا ومصليا ومسلما

It is mentioned in a hadith that Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may peace and salutations be upon him) said, 

“Whoever wishes for his provisions to be increased and for his life to be prolonged, he should maintain family ties.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Therefore, the virtue mentioned in your query is found in an authentic hadith. However, the question arises: how can a person’s life be prolonged when everyone’s time of death is predestined? The answer is that this hadith does not literally mean that one’s life will be prolonged and their death will be delayed. Rather, this hadith means that Allah will put so much barakah and blessing in such a person’s life that they would be able to accomplish much more than people do regularly in their time.

والله اعلم

Allah Knows best.

Approved by: Mufti Husain Ahmad Madani