40. Chapter: On dutifulness to parents and ties of kinship maintaining 316. Abu Hurayra said, "A man came to the Messenger of Allah, (PBUH), said, and asked, 'Messenger of Allah, what person is the most entitled to the best of my company?' He replied, 'Your mother.' He said, 'Then whom?' He replied, 'Your mother.' He said, 'Then whom?' He replied, 'Your mother. He said, 'Then whom?' He answered, 'Your father.'" [Agreed upon] In one variant, "'O Messenger of Allah, who is the most entitled to good companionship?' He replied, 'Your mother, then your mother, then your mother, then your father, then the nearest relative and the next nearest.'" 318. Abu 'Abdu'r-Rahman 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud reported that a man said, "Messenger of Allah, I have some relatives with whom I maintain relations but they cut me off. I am good to them and they are bad to me. I am forbearing to them and they are impatient towards me." He said, "If you are as you have said, then it is as if you are giving them hot embers to drink. You will continue to have a helper from Allah against them as long as you remain doing that." [Muslim] 319. Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah, (PBUH), said, "Anyone who desires the expansion of his provision or to have the best of his life prolonged, should maintain ties of kinship.'" [Agreed upon]