Etiquettes of Visiting a Sick Person

 

Visiting the sick is a noble act in Islam, embodying compassion, mercy, and solidarity within the Muslim community. It is a practical manifestation of the love and care that Islam encourages among individuals, offering not just physical presence but emotional and spiritual support to those in need. The Qur’an emphasizes acts of kindness and compassion, reflecting the broader ethical framework of Islam. Allah says:

وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ ۚ
“And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:2)

Visiting the sick is one of the ways Muslims cooperate in righteousness, offering comfort and solace to the afflicted. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also highlighted its importance, saying:

“مَرِّضُوا۟ ٱلْمَرِيضَ وَٰطْعِمُوا۟ ٱلْجَائِعَ وَفُكُّوا۟ ٱلْعَانِىٰ”

“Visit the sick, feed the hungry, and free the captives.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5649)

This act carries immense rewards, both in this world and the Hereafter, as it strengthens bonds of brotherhood, brings joy to the patient, and draws one closer to Allah. In this post, we will explore the etiquettes of visiting the sick, grounded in the Qur’an and Sunnah, to better understand its significance and proper practice.


The Importance of Visiting the Sick

 

Islam places great emphasis on the rights of individuals in a community. One such right is the care and compassion extended to those who are ill. This act is deeply rooted in faith and reflects the mercy and kindness encouraged by Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him).

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “The rights of a Muslim over another Muslim are six.” It was asked, “What are they, O Messenger of Allah?” He said,

“إِذَا لَقِيتَهُ فَسَلِّمْ عَلَيْهِ وَإِذَا دَعَاكَ فَأَجِبْهُ وَإِذَا اسْتَنْصَحَكَ فَصِحْهُ وَإِذَا سَانَ فَحَمِدَ ٱللَّهَ فَقُلْ يَرْحَمُكَ ٱللَّهُ وَإِذَا مَرِضَ فَزُرْهُ وَإِذَا مَاتَ فَاتَّبِعْ جَنَزَتَهُ”

“When you meet him, greet him with salaam; when he invites you, respond; when he seeks your advice, give him advice; when he sneezes and praises Allah, say to him: ‘May Allah have mercy on you (Yarhamuk Allah)’; when he is sick, visit him; and when he dies, follow his funeral.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2162)

This Hadith highlights visiting the sick as one of the essential duties and rights of Muslims towards one another.


Etiquettes of visiting a sick person

Quranic Perspective

 

While the Qur’an does not explicitly mandate visiting the sick, it emphasizes compassion, kindness, and care for others. These values naturally extend to visiting and comforting those who are unwell.

Emphasizing Mercy and Compassion

Allah says in the Qur’an:

وَأَحْسِنُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
“And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:195)

Visiting the sick is one of the most significant forms of doing good, as it provides moral support and strengthens the bond of brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam.

Encouraging Acts of Kindness

Allah also says:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأۡمُرُ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ وَٱلۡإِحۡسَـٰنِ وَإِيتَآيِ ذِي ٱلۡقُرۡبَىٰ
“Indeed, Allah commands justice, good conduct, and giving to relatives.”
(Surah An-Nahl, 16:90)

Visiting the sick, especially relatives, aligns perfectly with these divine instructions to show kindness and uphold family ties.


Prophetic Guidance on Visiting the Sick

 

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) provided numerous instructions and examples regarding visiting the sick. These teachings reflect the spirit of empathy and care that Islam encourages.

A Means of Gaining Reward

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“مَن زَارَ مَرِيضًۭا نَادَىٰهُ مُنَادٍۢ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ: أَتْبَعْتَ ٱلْخَيْرَ وَمَشَّيْتَ فِى ٱلْخَيْرِ وَيَسَّرَ لَكَ فِى دَارِهِۦۤ”

“Whoever visits a sick person, an angel calls out from the heavens: ‘You are good, and your path is good. May you enter your residence in Paradise.'” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 969)

This Hadith illustrates the immense reward associated with visiting the sick. It is not only an act of kindness but also a means of earning Allah’s pleasure and a place in Paradise.

Reflecting Allah’s Mercy

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“إِذَا زَارَ ٱلْمُسْلِمُ أَخَاهُ فِى ٱللَّهِ، فَإِنَّهُۥ يَحْتَسِىٰ فِى جَنَّةٍۢ حَتَّىٰ يَرْجِعَ”

“When a Muslim visits his sick brother, he is harvesting the fruits of Paradise until he returns.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2568)

This shows that the act of visiting the sick is deeply spiritual, drawing a person closer to Allah and increasing their reward in the Hereafter.

Following the Example of the Prophet

Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:

“مَرِضَ غُلامٌ لِرَجُلٍ يَهُودِىٍّ فَجَاءَ النَّبِىُّ ﷺ يَعُودُهُ وَدَعَاهُ إِلَىٰ الإِسْلَامِ فَأَسْلَمَ ثُمَّ مَاتَ فَقَالَ النَّبِىُّ ﷺ: ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِىٰ نَجَّاهُ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ”

“A Jewish boy who used to serve the Prophet (ﷺ) fell ill. The Prophet went to visit him and invited him to Islam. The boy accepted Islam and then passed away. The Prophet said, ‘Praise be to Allah Who saved him from Hellfire.'” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1356)

This example demonstrates the Prophet’s concern for all, regardless of faith, and his willingness to visit and comfort those in need.


Etiquettes of Visiting a Sick Person

 

Islam outlines specific etiquettes to ensure that visiting a sick person brings comfort and is not burdensome. Below are key etiquettes based on Islamic teachings:

Make the Intention Pure

The primary intention for visiting the sick should be to please Allah, offer support, and bring comfort to the patient. This sincerity enhances the spiritual value of the visit.

Pray for the Sick

One of the best gifts for a sick person is prayer. The Prophet (ﷺ) would supplicate for the sick:

أَذْهِبِ الْبَاسَ رَبَّ النَّاسِ، اشْفِ أَنْتَ الشَّافِي، لاَ شِفَاءَ إِلاَّ شِفَاؤُكَ، شِفَاءً لاَ يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا
“Remove the harm, O Lord of the people. Heal, for You are the Healer. There is no healing but Yours, a healing that leaves no disease behind.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5743)

Choose an Appropriate Time

Visits should be made at a convenient time for the patient. Avoid visiting during rest hours or when the patient may need privacy or medical attention.

Keep the Visit Short

Lengthy visits can tire the patient. The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized brevity in visits to ensure the sick person is not overwhelmed or exhausted.

Offer Words of Comfort

Provide uplifting and encouraging words. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“لَا تَتَمَنَّوْا۟ الْمَوْتَ لِمُصِيبَةٍۢ نَزَلَتْ بِكُمْ ۚ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا بُدَّ فَاعِلِينَ فَقُولُوا۟: اللَّهُمَّ أَمْتِنىٰ إِن كَانَتِ ٱلۡمَوْتُ خَيْرًۭا لِّى وَأَحْيِنِىٰ إِن كَانَ ٱلْحَيَاةُ خَيْرًۭا لِّى”

“Do not wish for death for any affliction that befalls you. If you must, then say: ‘O Allah, keep me alive as long as life is good for me, and cause me to die if death is better for me.'” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5671)

Maintain Good Hygiene

Ensure that you do not pose any risk to the patient by spreading germs. Washing hands and adhering to cleanliness is crucial, especially in hospital settings.

Respect Privacy

Avoid asking invasive questions about the illness or personal matters. Respect the patient’s dignity and privacy.

Bring a Gift if Possible

Offering a small gift, such as fruits or flowers, can brighten the patient’s day and show additional care.

Refrain from Negative Speech

Avoid speaking about distressing topics or comparing illnesses. Focus on positivity and reassurance.

Seek Forgiveness and Mercy

While visiting, reflect on your own mortality and ask Allah for forgiveness and mercy, as illness reminds us of the fragility of life.


The Social and Spiritual Benefits

 

Strengthening Community Bonds

Visiting the sick fosters unity and strengthens relationships within the community. It creates an environment of mutual care and support.

Enhancing Gratitude

Witnessing the trials of others helps us appreciate our health and blessings, encouraging gratitude to Allah.

Drawing Closer to Allah

Engaging in this noble act reminds us of our duty to Allah and our fellow human beings, deepening our spiritual connection.

Promoting Emotional Well-Being

For the patient, visits from loved ones and friends provide emotional comfort, reducing feelings of loneliness and despair.


Conclusion

 

Visiting the sick is a deeply rewarding act that reflects the essence of Islamic values—compassion, kindness, and brotherhood. By following the etiquettes outlined in the Qur’an and Sunnah, Muslims can ensure their visits are meaningful and beneficial, both for themselves and the patient.

Let us strive to uphold this beautiful tradition and earn the pleasure of Allah through small yet impactful acts of kindness. Remember the words of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):

“مَن فَرَّجَ عَن مُؤْمِنٍۢ كُرْبَةًۭ مِنْ كُرُبِ ٱلدُّنْيَا فَرَّجَ ٱللَّهُ عَنْهُ كُرْبَةًۭ مِّنْ كُرُبِ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ”

“Whoever relieves a Muslim of a burden from the burdens of this world, Allah will relieve him of a burden from the burdens on the Day of Judgment.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2699)

May Allah guide us to act with sincerity and compassion, and may He grant health to the sick and ease to those in difficulty. Ameen.


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