The Virtue of Visiting the Sick

Sahih Muslim 2568 b
Thauban, the freed slave of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: He who visits the sick continues to remain in the fruit garden of Paradise until he returns.

The hadith from Sahih Muslim 2568 b highlights the great reward for visiting the sick, describing the act as being akin to remaining in the “fruit garden of Paradise” until the visitor leaves. There are several reasons why this act is highly rewarded and why Allah has granted such a significant reward for it:

1. Compassion and Kindness: Visiting the sick is an expression of compassion and care, two qualities highly valued in Islam. By showing kindness to someone in a vulnerable state, the visitor exemplifies the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who emphasized caring for the needy, the weak, and the sick. The act strengthens bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community.

2. Emotional and Spiritual Support: Illness often leads to physical and emotional distress. Visiting the sick provides them not only with physical support but also emotional and spiritual comfort. This act helps alleviate their suffering, and the reward from Allah is a reflection of the importance of supporting others in times of need.

3. Promoting Brotherhood: Islam places a strong emphasis on the concept of ukhuwah (brotherhood), which binds Muslims together in mutual care and support. Visiting the sick reinforces this bond, as it shows a concern for the well-being of fellow Muslims, thus fostering unity and empathy within the community.

4. Reminder of Mortality: Visiting the sick also serves as a reminder of our own mortality and the transient nature of life. It encourages humility and gratitude for good health, prompting individuals to reflect on their own lives and the blessings they have been given by Allah. This reflection can lead to increased mindfulness of one’s actions and a greater desire to do good.

5. A Symbol of Allah’s Mercy: Allah’s mercy is vast and all-encompassing, and He rewards acts of kindness like visiting the sick as an expression of His love and mercy. By visiting the sick, one aligns themselves with the mercy of Allah, and in return, Allah promises a reward that is unparalleled—a place in the “fruit garden of Paradise.”

6. An Act of Charity: In Islam, charity is not limited to wealth or material possessions. Visiting the sick is a form of sadaqah (charity) that benefits the recipient both emotionally and spiritually. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has highlighted that acts of kindness, even when not directly material, are immensely valuable in the eyes of Allah.

In summary, the reward for visiting the sick is a reflection of the deep importance of empathy, support, and kindness in Islam. It encourages Muslims to take care of each other, fostering unity and a sense of shared responsibility. The hadith also demonstrates Allah’s infinite mercy, as He rewards even small acts of goodness with great rewards, such as the promise of being in the “fruit garden of Paradise.”