Health is the greatest blessing bestowed by Allah SWT upon His servants. However, as humans, we are not exempt from trials and tribulations, one of which is illness. In Islam, visiting the sick is not only a duty but also comes with etiquette that must be followed to attain blessings and benevolence. Let’s delve deeper into the etiquette of visiting the sick in Islam and how the act of giving charity can bring blessings and healing.
Etiquette of Visiting the Sick in Islam
1. Sincere Intention
Before any action, intention is the primary key in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “Indeed, actions are judged by intentions.” (Hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim). When intending to visit the sick, do so with the genuine intent to provide encouragement, courage, and sincere prayers so that healing may be swiftly granted by Allah SWT.
2. Choosing the Appropriate Time
The etiquette of visiting the sick also includes choosing the right time. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “One should visit their sick brother in the morning or in the evening.” (Hadith narrated by Muslim). Ensure the time you choose does not disrupt the patient’s rest and does not coincide with prayer times or other activities.
3. Praying for Healing
Upon arriving at the sick person’s location, offer a sincere prayer and ask for healing from Allah SWT. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “Two prayers that are not rejected are the prayer of the oppressed and the prayer of the one visiting a sick brother.” (Hadith narrated by Al-Hakim).
4. Speaking Gently
When visiting the sick, it’s crucial to speak gently and carefully. Allah SWT says, “And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed, Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.” (QS. Al-Isra: 53). Avoid discussing topics that may cause the patient to worry or become stressed.
5. Bringing Gifts or Fruits
As a gesture of care, bringing gifts or fruits when visiting the sick can bring them joy. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “Feed the hungry and greet those you know and those you do not know.” (Hadith narrated by Bukhari). This also shows your concern for their condition.
6. Maintaining Personal Hygiene
Personal hygiene is crucial when planning to visit the sick. Allah SWT says, “Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.” (QS. At-Taubah: 108). Ensure you wash your hands and wear clean clothes to avoid bringing germs or viruses that could endanger the patient.
Giving Charity for Healing and Blessings
1. Charity as a Form of Gratitude
In Islam, charity benefits not only the recipient but also the giver. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “O son of Adam, spend, and I shall spend on you.” (Hadith narrated by Bukhari). Giving charity as a form of gratitude for the health we enjoy is one way to attain blessings.
2. Charity as a Remover of Calamities
The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “Charity removes calamities and soothes the heart of the distressed.” (Hadith narrated by Tirmidhi). By giving charity, we can seek protection from Allah SWT against all misfortunes and illnesses.
3. Charity for Health and Healing
Charity can also be a deed that brings blessings in health. Allah SWT promises rewards for His servants who contribute to goodness, including healing from all diseases. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “Treat your sick by giving charity.” (Hadith narrated by Bukhari).
Call to Action: Give Charity for Health and Prosperity
As a concrete step, let’s increase our charitable acts as a form of gratitude for the blessing of health we experience. Giving charity is not just about giving money but also time, effort, and other forms of kindness to others. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “Indeed, charity appeases the Lord’s wrath and protects against an evil death.” (Hadith narrated by Tirmidhi).
Supporting Hadiths and Verses
- Hadith on Sincere Intention
- From Umar bin Khattab RA, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “Indeed, deeds are judged by intentions.” (Hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim).
- Hadith on Choosing the Appropriate Time
- From Abu Hurairah RA, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “One should visit their sick brother in the morning or in the evening.” (Hadith narrated by Muslim).
- Verse on Speaking Gently
- Allah SWT says, “And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed, Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.” (QS. Al-Isra: 53).
- Hadith on Feeding the Hungry and Greeting Others
- From Abu Hurairah RA, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “Feed the hungry and greet those you know and those you do not know.” (Hadith narrated by Bukhari).
- Verse on Personal Hygiene
- Allah SWT says, “Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.” (QS. At-Taubah: 108).
- Hadith on Charity as a Form of Gratitude
- The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “O son of Adam, spend, and I shall spend on you.” (Hadith narrated by Bukhari).
- Hadith on Charity as a Remover of Calamities
- The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “Charity removes calamities and soothes the heart of the distressed.” (Hadith narrated by Tirmidhi).
- Hadith on Charity for Health and Healing
- The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “Treat your sick by giving charity.” (Hadith narrated by Bukhari).
Let’s apply the etiquette of visiting the sick and the practice of charity in our daily lives as a manifestation of love for others and an effort to draw closer to Allah SWT. May our good manners and sincere charity lead us to blessings, healing, and prosperity from Him. Aamiin.