Is a Muslim's refraining from entering the homes of his relatives, while continuing to speak to and greet them, on the pretext of fearing backbiting gatherings, considered a severing of kinship ties?

Allah commanded the joining of kin (Silat Ar-Rahim) and forbade cutting ties with them. The Sharia (definition) did not specify a particular method or amount for it; rather, it varies according to circumstances and customs. Whoever does not abandon their relatives and connects with them, even if only by greeting, is not considered a severer of ties.

It is permissible to abandon a relative for a legitimate Shar'i interest, such as if associating with them brings harm to one's religion, soul, or worldly life. If the gatherings of relatives involve backbiting, it is obligatory to rebuke the backbiter. If that does not work, then avoiding such gatherings becomes obligatory.