I visited Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) while he was suffering from a high fever. I touched him with my hand and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! You have a high fever." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Yes, I have as much fever as two men of you have." I said, "Is it because you will get a double reward?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Yes, no Muslim is afflicted with harm because of sickness or some other inconvenience, but that Allah will remove his sins for him as a tree sheds its leaves."
Exposition of the Hadith
This noble narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (5660) reveals profound wisdom regarding divine wisdom in affliction. When the Prophet (ﷺ) stated he endured fever equivalent to two men, he illuminated the principle that prophets bear trials proportionally greater than their followers, commensurate with their elevated spiritual stations.
Theological Implications
The Prophet's affirmation that he receives double reward demonstrates that divine recompense corresponds to the magnitude of patient endurance. This establishes the Islamic doctrine that hardships serve as expiation for sins - a divine mercy cleansing the believer's spiritual record.
The analogy of tree shedding leaves beautifully illustrates how minor and major sins detach from the soul through patient perseverance during illness, leaving the believer spiritually purified.
Practical Guidance
This hadith teaches believers to reframe their perspective on suffering, viewing physical ailments as opportunities for spiritual advancement rather than mere misfortune. The patient endurance of discomfort becomes an act of worship that draws one closer to the Divine.
Scholars derive from this that visiting the sick is a recommended Sunnah, as it provides comfort and reminds the afflicted of the spiritual benefits inherent in their condition.