Keep in touch with relatives and friends
It's Sunnah
In Islam, the importance of maintaining family relations is paramount. The Holy Quran says, "And be careful of [your duty to] God in whose name you demand [your rights] from one another, and [to] the ties of relationship; surely God is ever watchful over you!" (4:1)
The descendent and successor of Prophet Muhammad, Imam Jafar As-Sadiq was asked about this verse. He said "It means the family relationship. Surely God the most high has ordered it to be regarded and has magnified it. Do you not observe that He has mentioned it with Himself." Maintaining the bonds of kinship is called silat ur-rahm in Arabic. The exact meaning of the word rahm is "womb." It is derived from the Arabic root word raheem which means "to have mercy on."
The Prophet ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said:
“Anyone who wants to have his provision expanded and his term of life prolonged should maintain ties of kinship.” [Al Adab Al Mufrad]
“Anyone who wants to have his provision expanded and his term of life prolonged should maintain ties of kinship.” [Al Adab Al Mufrad]