Is it considered a sin to cease communication with envious and backbiting relatives who cause distress and depression, if the avoidance of communication is aimed at preventing harm and preserving oneself?

One must be keen to maintain communication with relatives and be patient with their harm. Whoever is patient with their harm and repels their harm with kindness, Allah will protect him from their evil and grant him His aid, as stated in the Hadith: "If you are as you say, then it is as if you are feeding them hot ashes, and you will continue to have a helper from Allah against them as long as you remain in that state." This is further supported by the Almighty's saying: "And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] with that which is better" and "But if you are patient and fear Allah, their [evil] plot will not harm you at all." Therefore, it is advisable to contact relatives while maintaining remembrance of Allah (dhikr), reciprocating their ill-treatment with kindness, and striving against one's self to overcome aversion. Messaging can be used if hearing their voice becomes difficult at times.