Eyes watering and red, with the temperature rising, and an agonizing pain coursing the body, lying on our sides, and when swelling in our throat dutifully sends a stabbing pain, a groan escapes through our mouth. At this moment, the doorbell rings and enters someone, a platter of brownies in one hand and a basket of freshly picked strawberries in the other, with a dazzling smile that reminds one of bright sunshine and golden buttercups, a soft voice that inquires about our wellbeing. A streak of happiness gushes forth and satisfaction sets in, as we realize that our existence may have some weight in the hearts of others. Certainly when one is ill, not only does the physical and biochemical state of our body change, but our attitude also undergoes some modification, for the time being at least, and we learn to be more appreciative, and even a simple smile from others sends warmth down our hearts. So dear friends, can we then not try to bring some happiness to the ill? However, our intentions should be pure, and we should strive to principally please our Lord by doing these humble acts of kindness for verily the Messenger (peace be upon him) said, "The one who visits the sick is like a person who is in a fruit garden of Paradise until he returns." [Saheeh Muslim] "A fruit garden of paradise;" if only we were to perceive the magnitude of this phrase, then certainly we would hasten to the sides of our sick brothers. But the glad tidings do not cease here, for the following sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) reassures us of the rewards for the simple act of visiting the sick. Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: ‘There is no Muslim who visits a (sick) Muslim early in the morning but seventy thousand angels send blessings upon him until evening comes, and if he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels send blessings upon him until morning comes, and he will have a garden in Paradise.'" [Saheeh at-Tirmidhi] Furthermore, Imam Ahmad narrated that Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Whoever visits a sick person is plunging into mercy until he sits down, and when he sits down he is submerged in it." The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) also said, "Whoever visits a sick person or visits a brother in Islam, a caller cries out to him: ‘May you be happy, may your walking be blessed, and may you occupy a dignified position in Paradise.'" [Saheeh al-Tirmidhi] Visiting the sick does not involve only those whom you know; rather it is prescribed for those whom you know and those whom you do not know. Also, one should follow the proper etiquettes whilst paying such a visit. Visiting the sick now should no longer seem to us as a burdensome task on our busy schedules, rather the rewards that this simple deed brings to us is indeed phenomenal. So finally my friends, let's take the initiative to rush to our ailing friends with the sole purpose of pleasing Our Creator, and to pave for ourselves the path to Paradise by the mercy of Allah, whilst making our sick friends smile. At this time of year, with winter rolling in, the cold nipping at our fingers and toes, many fall ill. After reading this, how many will we visit?
