Q1408: If, for certain reasons such as avoiding certain sins a person minimizes their relations with their blood relatives, will that count as severing blood relations?

A: It will not count as severing blood relations, since concerning blood relations, no particular quality has been stated, and even if it is through telephone conversation, it will suffice; however, if one sees to their relatives' needs, it will be favorable.

Q1409: What is one's duty vis-à-vis their blood relatives who believe in Bahai faith, with regard to the emphasis that is put on blood relations in Islam? Do such people count as blood relatives at all?

A: Visiting them as blood relatives is the same as visiting others, and concerning blood relations, no particular quality has been specified, and it will suffice even if the contact with one's blood relatives is through telephone conversations, particularly if one knows that they can have positive influence on their Bahai relatives; but if this contact leads to one's deviation from the truth or skepticism in one's beliefs, such a relation must be severed as an obligation.

Q1410: A person has severed their blood relations with their cousins, uncle and aunt, since the uncle and aunt, despite knowing that the cousins have misappropriated his inheritance, have remained silent and refused to defend him against this unlawful and unjust violation of his rights. Now, who is considered the actual cause of this severance of blood relations?

A: The actual cause of this severance is the one, who has done their relatives injustice or despite having the authority and power to stand up against the violation of their relatives' rights, has refused to do so and remained silent; In any case, although it would be difficult, having blood ties, visiting and helping blood relatives who are unjust and hostile towards a person, brings even more rewards and blessings (as long as it does not lead to increase their injustice and hostility).