Visiting the Sick
An act of mercy, reward, and healing, Visiting those who are ill is more than a social duty in Islam. It is a profound act of worship that brings comfort to the sick and reward to the visitor. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasised its importance as part of faith and community care.“When the Muslim visits his sick brother, he is harvesting the fruits of Paradise until he returns.” (Muslim)
The Spiritual Value of Visiting the Sick
Visiting the sick is a way of showing compassion and mercy. It reminds us of our shared humanity and our dependence on Allah. Each visit is a moment of healing, not only for the patient but also for the visitor, who is reminded of life’s fragility and the blessing of health.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever visits a sick person, a caller (angel) calls out from heaven: ‘You are good, your path is good, and you have prepared a place for yourself in Paradise.’”
(Tirmidhi)
There is also a beautiful duʿāʾ the Prophet ﷺ would recite when visiting the sick:
“Allāhumma rabban-nāsi, adhhib il-ba’s, ishfi anta ash-shāfī, lā shifā’a illā shifā’uk, shifā’an lā yughadiru saqaman.”
“O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove the harm and heal, for You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing, a healing that leaves behind no illness.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
This duʿāʾ reminds us that true cure rests only with Allah. If healing is written, He alone grants it, complete and perfect.
How to Visit with Adab (Etiquette)
Make Your Intention for Allah
Approach the visit as an act of worship, seeking Allah’s pleasure.
Be Gentle and Brief
Do not overstay. The Prophet ﷺ advised short, kind visits that uplift rather than exhaust the patient.
Offer Words of Hope
Encourage the sick with duʿāʾ and hopeful words. Remind them of Allah’s mercy, not their weakness.
Make Duʿāʾ for Healing
The Prophet ﷺ would say: “Lā ba’sa, ṭahūr in shā’ Allāh.” — “No harm, it will be a purification, if Allah wills.” (Bukhari)
Bring Comfort
Practical kindness — bringing food, offering to help the family, or simply listening — is part of the sunnah of care.
Duʿāʾs of the Prophet ﷺ for the Sick
As’alullāh al-ʿAẓeem Rabb al-ʿArsh al-ʿAẓeem an yashfiyak.”
“I ask Allah, the Mighty, the Lord of the Mighty Throne, to cure you.”
(Abu Dawud)
It is reported that reciting this duʿāʾ seven times brings healing if Allah has decreed it.
Together with the duʿāʾ Allāhumma rabban-nāsi, adhhib il-ba’s…, these words of the Prophet ﷺ carry deep comfort and hope for the ill and their families.
Lessons from Visiting the Sick
Visiting the sick teaches humility and gratitude for our own health.
It strengthens community ties and reassures the ill that they are not forgotten.
It offers a chance to reflect on life, death, and our inevitable return to Allah.