Visiting the sick (ʿiyādat al-marīḍ) is a highly recommended act in Islam. It strengthens brotherhood, brings comfort to the ill, and earns immense reward. It is a right of a Muslim over another and a form of compassion that reflects the mercy of Islam.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"حَقُّ الْمُسْلِمِ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِ... وَإِذَا مَرِضَ فَعُدْهُ"
"The right of a Muslim upon another is... and if he becomes sick, visit him."
— Sahih Muslim (2162)
The reward is immense:
"مَا مِنْ مُسْلِمٍ يَعُودُ مُسْلِمًا غُدْوَةً إِلَّا صَلَّى عَلَيْهِ سَبْعُونَ أَلْفَ مَلَكٍ"
"No Muslim visits a sick Muslim in the morning except that seventy thousand angels pray for him..."
— Sunan At-Tirmidhi (969)
The Qur'an encourages kindness and compassion:
وَافْعَلُوا ٱلْخَيْرَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ
"And do good so that you may be successful."
— Surah Al-Ḥajj (22:77)
When visiting, we should offer duā like:
"أَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ، رَبَّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ أَنْ يَشْفِيَكَ"
"I ask Allah the Magnificent, Lord of the Mighty Throne, to cure you."
The Prophet ﷺ and his companions frequently visited the sick, bringing hope and spiritual comfort. Such visits remind us of the value of health, humility, and brotherhood.