Rights of Sick
Rights of Sick and Guest : A visit from us may cheer up a sick relative or friend. The Holy Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) used to visit the sick and comfort them. In Islam visiting the sick to enquire about their health and looking after them is considered to be a form of worship.
About visiting the sick, the Holy Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) said:
“When a Muslim becomes ill, visit him and enquire about his health.”
He also said,
“When you visit a sick person, console him by praying for his long life.
The Holy Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) said:
“Allah will say to someone on the Day of Judgement:
“O son of Adam, I was sick but you did not visit Me.” The man will answer: “You are the Lord of the worlds. How could I have paid a visit to You?” Allah will say: “Did you know that one of My servants was ill? Had you gone to see him, you would have found Me by his side.”When you hear that someone is sick, you should go and visit him. Wish the patient a quick recovery and try to cheer him up. Keep the visit as brief as possible.
Rights of Guests
Rights of Sick and Guest : Islam enjoins upon the Muslims to treat their guests with hospitality. Abu Hurairah has reported Allah’s messenger as saying: “He who believes in Allah and the last Day should honour his guests.’
The Holy Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) was extremely hospitable. People used to come in large numbers to his house and he entertained them all and served them personally. His hospitality was not confined to the Muslims only, but it was extended to all, even the Jews and the pagans.
Sometimes it so happened that his guests ate all that was available in the house and nothing was left for the Holy Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) and his family, so they had to go without food that night. When there were guests in his house, the Holy Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) used to get up many times at night to make sure that they were comfortable.
On the other hand, Islam also enjoins upon the guests not to overburden the host or to be a cause of inconvenience for him.
It is reported that the Holy Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the last Day, should be a host to his guests.” The companions asked: “How long is good hospitality?” The Prophet(sal lal la ho alai he wasalam) answered: “One day and night,” then said: “Three days. After this, all his expenses on hospitality would be charity.”
