Praise be to Allah, Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and all his companions.
Visiting the sick is one of the noble manners brought by Islam. It is a right a Muslim has over his brother, and it brings comfort to the sick person, lightens his burden, reminds the visitor of the blessing of health, and strengthens love between Muslims. Visiting the sick is not merely a social custom; it is an act of worship for which a Muslim is rewarded when he intends Allah’s pleasure and follows the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him.
Visiting the sick means going to see the sick person, asking about him, making du'a for him, and comforting his heart. This applies whether the illness is severe or mild, as long as the visit brings benefit and does not cause harm or hardship for the sick person.
A Muslim should intend by visiting the sick to seek Allah’s pleasure, comfort his brother or sister, and follow the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. With this intention, a simple visit becomes worship and reward.
This hadith shows the great reward of visiting a sick person sincerely. The visitor remains in a reward described as the fruits and harvest of Paradise.
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Whoever visits a sick person continues to be in the khurfah of Paradise.” It was said: O Messenger of Allah, what is the khurfah of Paradise? He said: “Its harvest.” Narrated by Muslim.
Among the virtues of visiting the sick is that the angels pray for the visitor, and he receives a great portion of reward in Paradise.
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “No Muslim visits another Muslim in the morning except that seventy thousand angels pray for him until evening; and if he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels pray for him until morning, and he will have a harvest in Paradise.” Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi, who said it is hasan; it was authenticated or graded hasan by a number of scholars.
Visiting the sick is not a minor matter. It is one of the emphasized rights between Muslims and a means of strengthening brotherhood and mercy.
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The rights of a Muslim over another Muslim are five: returning the greeting of salam, visiting the sick, following funeral processions, accepting invitations, and saying yarhamuk Allah to the one who sneezes.” Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.
Its meaning is: there is no severe harm upon you, by Allah’s permission, and this illness may be a cause of purification from sins if you are patient and seek reward.
Narrated by Al-Bukhari.
The meaning is sound, and making du'a for healing is prescribed in general. A Muslim may also supplicate for his brother or sister with any good du'a Allah opens for him.
A hadith about its virtue was narrated by Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhi, and others. Some scholars graded it hasan, while others discussed its chain.
| Matter | Meaning or Action | Brief Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Visiting the sick | Visit, ask, make du'a, and comfort | One of the rights of a Muslim; agreed upon |
| La ba's, tahur in sha Allah | Comforting the sick person and reminding him of purification from sins | Al-Bukhari |
| As'alullah al-'Azim Rabb al-'Arsh al-'Azim an yashfiyak | A du'a for healing | Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhi, and others |
| Keeping the visit brief | Considering the sick person’s condition and need for rest | From the etiquette and mercy intended in the visit |
If visiting the sick person is not possible because of distance, health circumstances, or visiting restrictions, one may ask about him through a call or message, make du'a for him, and help his family with what they need. The goal is to bring comfort and benefit as much as one is able.
Visiting the sick is one of the emphasized rights of a Muslim. Many scholars considered it a confirmed Sunnah, and it may become obligatory in some cases, such as when the sick person has no one to care for his needs except this person.
Yes. It is permissible to visit a sick non-Muslim, especially if he is a relative, neighbor, or someone whose heart may be softened toward Islam. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, visited a Jewish boy who was sick.
The better approach is to consider the condition of the sick person. If he becomes tired, the Sunnah is to keep the visit brief. If he enjoys the visitor’s company and it is not difficult for him, then the matter is broader.
Make du'a for his healing, say: “No harm; it is a purification, if Allah wills,” and remind him of Allah’s mercy without forcing the conversation or making it too long.
Visiting the sick is a great act of worship that gathers mercy, comfort, du'a, and the strengthening of Muslim bonds. The Muslim should preserve this Prophetic character, visit the sick with etiquette and compassion, and make the visit a cause of easing pain, not adding hardship. Allah loves mercy and excellence.
