While we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), a person, one of the Ansar, came to him and greeted him. The Ansari then turned back. Upon this the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: o brother of Ansar, how is my brother Sa'd be 'Ubada? He said: He is better. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Who amongst you would visit him? He (the Holy Prophet) stood up and we also got up along with him, and we were more than ten persons. We had neither shoes with us, nor socks, nor caps, nor shirts. We walked on the barren land till we came to him. The people around him kept away till the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and his Companions with him came near him (Sa'd b. 'Ubada).
The Book of Prayer - Funerals
Sahih Muslim 925 - Commentary by Imam Al-Nawawi
Contextual Analysis
This narration demonstrates the Prophet's exemplary concern for visiting the sick, establishing it as a collective religious duty (fard kifayah) when performed by some Muslims.
The Ansari's brief visit and departure indicates the permissibility of short visits to the ill, provided the essential religious duties are fulfilled.
Juridical Rulings
Visiting the sick is a confirmed Sunnah with great reward, as evidenced by the Prophet's immediate action upon hearing of Sa'd's illness.
The Companions' lack of proper attire shows that visiting should not be delayed for worldly preparations - the spiritual obligation takes precedence.
Walking barefoot on barren land emphasizes the virtue of enduring hardship to fulfill religious duties and maintain community bonds.
Spiritual Dimensions
The Prophet's specific inquiry about "my brother" illustrates the Islamic concept of spiritual brotherhood transcending blood relations.
The collective visit teaches that community support during illness strengthens social ties and fulfills the rights Muslims have over one another.
The people making way for the Prophet demonstrates the respect due to those visiting the sick and the special merit of such visits.