One of the important practices that strengthen relations within the Muslim community is visiting those who are ill. When a person is bed-bound with illness, a visit by those who mix with him in society, friends and relatives is very encouraging. It first tells him that his absence is felt, and that people care about him and wish him well. Moreover, it diverts his attention from his complaint, as he needs to talk to his visitors about various things.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught his companions and followers by practical example, as well as by clear instruction. Where practical example served better, he took every step to ensure that the aim was clear to those around him. Inquiring about an absent person is one way to learn about his condition and take necessary action to help him. Abdullah ibn Umar reports: “We were sitting with God’s Messenger when a man from the Ansar came over and greeted him before he turned round to leave. The Prophet asked him: ‘Brother of the Ansar! How is my brother Saad ibn Ubadah?’ The man said that Saad was all right. The Prophet said to us: ‘Who of you would like to visit him?’ The Prophet then stood up indicating his intention to visit Saad and we went with him. We were more than ten people, but we had no shoes, slippers, head covers or shirts. We walked over salty, rough areas until we reached his home.” (Related by Muslim.)

It is clear that the Prophet wanted to impress on his companions the importance of visiting a patient. They were aware that Saad was ill, because he was often with the Prophet. Since he was absent for a few days, he would either be away or ill. The Prophet inquired about him asking a man of his own people. As the man reported that he was recovering, the Prophet made clear that he intended to visit him and asked who would join him. His companions were always keen to accompany him, and they went a long distance, when they were totally unprepared for such a rough walk, having no shoes or slippers. That the Prophet encouraged them to take such a walk imparted a clear idea of the importance of visiting patients.

Another Hadith gives us a clear idea about the timing of visiting a patient. Anas reports: “The Prophet used not to visit an ill person until three days have passed.” (Related by Ibn Majah.) This is important, because many minor illnesses do not last several days. Therefore, if one has some sort of infection, or a cold, or a headache, one is likely to have improved after three days’ rest. If such a person resumes his usual activity within three days, then the need to visit him is over. It is better for the patient and his family that he is left alone in those early days. If he is still ill after three days, he is sure to welcome a visit because it will give him a diversion and encouragement to resist the illness.

Needless to say, this applies to ordinary friends and acquaintances. Close relatives and best friends may need to visit a patient at the start of his illness, particularly to ensure that he has the necessary care, or that he is seen by a doctor if this is necessary, or that his family have what they need of food and other requirements.

Sometimes when we visit a patient we are at a loss what to say to him. The Prophet always provides us with the best guidance in all situations. Anas reports: “When God’s messenger entered a sick person’s room he used to say the following prayer: ‘Lord of all mankind! Remove distress. Give recovery, as You are the One who gives recovery. No one gives sound health other than You. Make it a full recovery that leaves no trace of illness.’” (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

We note the emphasis in the Prophet’s prayer on the fact that it is God alone who grants recovery from illness. It is He who has given us the immune system that fights illness, and it is He who has given different substances their qualities that help overcome the agents causing disease. By giving such emphasis the Prophet reminds the patient that his condition is not permanent. It is curable and the cure should be sought first and foremost with God, as He is the one to grant recovery and give good health. Moreover, by starting the visit with a prayer for the patient, the Prophet ensured that a relaxed atmosphere would replace the grim situation that disease is bound to create. We should learn this and remember it whenever we visit a patient.

Sometimes the severity of the illness makes a sick person very impatient. Thus, comforting him becomes very difficult. Indeed, a patient in such a situation may say words that are unhelpful to him or to his family. He could offend his visitors. A Muslim should never say anything of the sort, remembering always that his illness will earn him good reward from God if he tolerates it with patience, accepting it as an act of God that he must endure. Even the Prophet was on occasions met by such a response.

Abdullah ibn Abbas reports: “The Prophet went to see a man who was ill. He said to him: ‘No distress! It is all purification, God willing.’ The man replied: ‘You said that it is purification. No, indeed. It is a fever boiling over an old man to ensure that he will be visiting the grave.’ The Prophet said: ‘So it is then.’” [Related by Al-Bukhari.)

It is recommended when visiting a patient that we stand next to him, put our hand over his forehead and say the words the Prophet said, “No distress! It is all purification, God willing.” This means a purification of sin, as the patient will be rewarded and part of his reward is the wiping of his past sins. Moreover, it could mean physical elimination of what causes the disease as his body fights the illness. This old man, however, was made too irritable by his illness that the Prophet’s soothing words had no meaning to him. He described his condition as a boiling fever that was certain to cause his death. The Prophet did not like his remark, but he would not reply to it as this could have aggravated the situation. He only said to the man that it might be as he described.