Hadith Text & Reference

"The one who visits the sick is in fact like one who is in the fruit garden of Paradise so long as he does not return."

Book: The Book of Virtue, Enjoining Good Manners, and Joining of the Ties of Kinship

Author: Sahih Muslim

Reference: Sahih Muslim 2568 a

Meaning & Significance

This noble hadith illustrates the immense spiritual reward for visiting the sick. The Prophet (peace be upon him) equates this act to being in the orchards of Paradise, indicating the visitor is enveloped in divine mercy and blessings during their visit.

The phrase "so long as he does not return" signifies that this heavenly state continues throughout the duration of the visit. It serves as a powerful motivation for Muslims to frequently engage in this compassionate act, strengthening community bonds and earning great divine favor.

Scholarly Commentary

Classical scholars explain that the "fruit garden of Paradise" (Rawdah al-Jannah) represents a place of ultimate delight, peace, and proximity to Allah's pleasure. By making this comparison, the Prophet emphasizes that the spiritual joy and reward experienced while visiting the sick is akin to the bliss of the Hereafter.

Imam An-Nawawi comments that this hadith encourages Muslims to visit regardless of the sick person's status, highlighting the universal nature of this virtue. The temporary nature of the reward ("so long as he does not return") motivates consistent practice of this noble deed throughout one's life.

Scholars also note that this act embodies essential Islamic values: compassion, social responsibility, and the remembrance of mortality. It softens hearts, strengthens communal ties, and serves as a reminder of the transient nature of this worldly life.

Practical Implementation

The visitor should maintain proper etiquette: offer sincere prayers for recovery, speak comforting words, keep visits brief to avoid burdening the patient, and provide practical assistance if needed.

This teaching extends beyond physical illness to include visiting those suffering from spiritual, emotional, or psychological distress, reflecting the comprehensive mercy of Islamic teachings.