On the day of resurrection God most high will say, “Son of Adam, I was sick and you did not visit me.” He will reply, “My Lord, how could I visit Thee when Thou art the Lord of the universe?” He will say, “Did you not know that my servant so and so was ill and yet you did not visit him? Did you not know that if you had visited him you would have found me with him? Son of Adam, I asked you for food but you gave me none.” He will reply, “My Lord, how could I feed Thee when Thou art the Lord of the universe?” He will say, “Did you not know that my servant so and so asked you for food and yet you gave him none? Did you not know that if you had fed him you would have found that with me? Son of Adam, I asked you for drink but you gave me none.” He will reply “My Lord, how could I give Thee drink when Thou art the Lord of the universe?” He will say, “My servant so and so asked you for drink but you gave him none. Did you not know that if you had given him something to drink you would have found that with me?’’Muslim transmitted it.
Commentary on the Divine Hadith
This sacred tradition (Hadith Qudsi) from Sahih Muslim, also referenced in Mishkat al-Masabih 1528 under the book of Funerals, reveals the profound connection between serving creation and serving the Creator. The scholar Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali explains that God has made Himself, in His majesty, metaphorically present in the suffering of His servants.
Theological Significance
Al-Qurtubi notes that this hadith establishes visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, and giving drink to the thirsty as acts of immense spiritual reward. When one serves a believing servant, they essentially serve God through His creation.
Imam al-Nawawi comments that the rhetorical questions "How could I visit Thee?" demonstrate human limitation in comprehending divine transcendence, while God's response reveals His immanence through His creation.
Practical Implications
Al-Ghazali emphasizes that this hadith transforms mundane acts of charity into profound worship. Visiting the sick becomes visiting God, feeding the hungry becomes feeding God, and quenching thirst becomes serving God directly.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that the repetition of "Son of Adam" serves as a powerful reminder of human origin and ultimate accountability before the Creator on the Day of Resurrection.
Eschatological Context
This tradition, while appearing in funeral-related collections, addresses the ultimate judgment. Scholars note that neglect of basic human compassion indicates spiritual deficiency that will be exposed in the hereafter.
The format of divine questioning mirrors the courtroom of the afterlife, where deeds are weighed and intentions revealed before the Sovereign Judge.