Etiquette of Visiting the Sick

There is no dispute in the fact that Islam has taught us the etiquettes of all the aspects of life, from marriages, to funerals, to running a government and list goes on. At the social level, there is a lot of stress on Muslims keeping good relations with their Muslim brothers and sisters. This begins with upholding blood ties and not breaking them, to the rights of neighbors. One of the actions that facilitates this social bonding is visiting each other in times of illness. When a person is ill, giving them hope that Allah will heal them and at the same time making them feel that there are people out there that care; can go a long way in speeding up the person's recovery. I don't think we need any research paper to prove this to us.

Imam Ahmad narrated that Jaabir (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever visits a sick person is plunging into mercy until he sits down, and when he sits down he is submerged in it.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 2504.

I think it is worth competing for this mercy. How many of us try to put this in to practice? Especially in these times, when friends who are always present in times of happiness are suddenly missing at times of grief.

Here's a list of Dos and Don'ts when visiting the sick.

DOs

- Make dua for the sick person. You can say these words, 'La ba's, tuhoor insha'Allah' (Don't worry, it's a purification Allah willing) This is an encouragement and a dua. Picture yourself really down with the Flu or a cold. You don't feel like eating, sleeping, sitting, walking etc. You're pretty much miserable. If someone can say a few encouraging words, with some sincerity, most of us would feel better. There are a lot of other duas that you can recite for the sick person.

- Bringing a gift or, even better, some home cooked food. Most of us like the taste of food that is cooked in other people's homes. It's probably because of the change in taste. Maybe if you didn't feel like eating, this might just stir up your appetite. So the next time you visit someone sick, try taking something with you.

DON'Ts

- Don't burden the sick person by visiting them every day of the week. There's nothing more annoying for a sick person than to have the same person come in, again and again.

- Don't use negative words or language or make a sad face. Not only is this contrary to Islamic spirit, its depressing for the patient/sick person. I've seen people who've come to visit the sick and say 'They're not going to make it!' Unbelievable! If you're gonna waste your breath, at least make some dua. You'll be rewarded for it, at the minimum.

- Don't overstay and become a burden. Keeping the visit brief and cordial is always the best. Unless you're taking care of the sick person or they like long visits. In other words, 'Don't wear out your welcome.'

- Always visit the person at the most convenient time possible. This rules out 'dead in the night' visits or early bird visits. The last thing you want to do is disturb a sleeping person who's ill.

These are just some of the guidelines that Muslim folks should be mindful of when visiting the sick. It's an important part of Islamic social life and brings Muslims close together. And remember, if you visit someone who's sick today, someone will visit you when you're sick tomorrow.

May Allah ease the suffering of the Muslims, both spiritual and physical.