Merits of Visiting the Sick

As Muslims, the Prophetic tradition sets the precedent for our social development and interaction. The advent of Islam brought a new paradigm shift in the cultural behavior of the people. Today, our standards of conduct are firmly rooted in the Quran and the life example of Prophet Muhammad, God’s peace and blessings be upon him. 

In Sahih Muslim, one of the Companions of the Prophet, Abu Hurayrah narrated statements from the Prophet that were a deeply intelligent guidance as to the expected behavior of a Muslim when dealing with another Muslim.  

Ali ibn Abi Talib reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “A Muslim has six rights over another Muslim in good conduct: to greet him with peace when he meets him, to respond to his invitation, to respond to his sneeze, to visit him when he is sick, to follow his funeral prayer when he dies, and to love for him what he loves for himself.”
(Tirmidhi)

These rights point out conduct that not only demonstrates kindness and neighborly interaction, but also normalized cultural standards and values within the Muslim society.  All of these rights testify to the care that we should have for each other as Muslims.

It is the example of the Prophet to take into account the needs of all the believers – young, old, male, female. For example, in this report by Anas ibn Malik, his love for Muslim life was shown when he said. 

 “Verily, I might begin the prayer and I intend to prolong it, but then I hear the crying of an infant. I will shorten the prayer as I know his crying will distress his mother.”

(Sahih Muslim)

Visiting a sick person has blessed merit.

“Visit the sick, feed the hungry, and (arrange for the) release of the captive.''

(Sahih Bukhari)

“Whoever visits a sick person (for the pleasure of Allah), a Caller from the skies announces: You are indeed blessed and your walking is blessed and you have (by this noble act) built yourself a home in Paradise.’’

Visiting a sick person is truly an act of love, fellowship, and community connectedness.  Below are reminders for the best Adab (etiquette) when fulfilling this fifth right:  

Make Intention Before You Arrive 

• Allah Knows best the severity of the illness of the Muslim. When we visit we want to bring a calm, welcoming, and happy spirit with us. Make intention to visit and be a source of joy and comfort to your brother or sister in Islam.

Share Islam 

• Read Quran together
• Make Dua with them
• Make Salah together
• Wholeheartedly bring the gift of your presence and love!

Speak Words Of Encouragement 

• Plan on sharing good news of your life and the community. 
• Keep the conversation pleasant and normal, especially if the believer is gravely ill. 
• Don’t be negative. Don’t gossip, don’t share your misfortune, or that of others. 
• Steer away from disagreements.

Call Before Arriving 

• This follows the guidance from the Quran, Suratul Mu’minun ayah 27.
• Announce yourself when entering the room or if the patient seems disoriented from sleep or medication. 
• Calling ahead ensures the person can receive visitors, and the family is able to prepare for your visit. 
• It also prevents violation of hospital policy on time or number of visitors allowed at once

Be as safe as possible: Wear your mask and wash your hands 

• Sick people are vulnerable, and we don’t want to compromise them further.  
• Be aware of your own health when visiting so as not to transmit anything.
• Always remember to wear clean clothing.

Ask If It Is Okay To Bring Something To Eat Or Drink 

• Sick people may have a restricted diet or have their food intake monitored.
• Kindly bring something for the family or caregiver of the patient if you are visiting the home.
• Be prepared to clean up after yourself so as not to inconvenience anyone.

Touch With Care 

• Note any fragility and take that into consideration. Ask if you can touch them. You may only be able to touch the top of their hand or head.  
• As Muslims, we express our love and concern for each other with a hug, or by touching each other’s faces or holding each other’s hands. Just remember to be gentle.  

Prepare Your Children 

• Tell your children to expect changes in appearance or ability when they see someone sick and not to be alarmed. 
• Some people love to be around children when they are sick, others are overwhelmed. Remind your children to be on their best behavior and don’t prolong a visit if the patient starts to get tired or annoyed.
• Bring a game or snack for your child to keep them distracted.
• Discuss beforehand topics of conversation that are positive or interesting.  The child can include news of their life or special things they have done so they don’t blurt or ask inappropriate things.  
• If a conversation veers out of control due to a child’s curiosity or understanding, just redirect by gently turning away from discussing anything potentially awkward.

Listen 

• A sick person may want to share their medical situation with you due to a need to have their concerns heard. Don’t pry, don’t give medical advice, don’t downplay their condition by comparing it to your own or someone else’s, don’t offer unproven medical theories from social media or those based off of superstition.
• Stay away from platitudes that are dismissive or have no meaning.
• Don’t fill empty silences. Remember a sick person may find it more difficult to express themselves. Give them time to speak.

Be considerate 

• Don’t stay too long. 
• Don’t be too loud. 
• Note when the patient is tiring out or starts to doze. 

Trust in Allah, that your visit pleases Allah and is appreciated by the sick Muslim.