Guidance For the Sick & Those Who Visit Them By Shaykh Atiyyah Muhammad Salim

Illness is not merely a physical condition — in Islam it is a spiritual event. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "No fatigue, illness, anxiety, sorrow, harm, or sadness befalls a Muslim, even the prick of a thorn, except that Allah expiates some of his sins through it." (Sahih al-Bukhari 5641, Sahih Muslim 2573) Sickness, when met with patience and proper understanding, is among the greatest means by which Allah raises the believer's rank and cleanses them of sins. And visiting the sick is one of the rights a Muslim owes to their brother or sister in Islam.

About This Book

Guidance for the Sick and Those Who Visit Them by Shaykh Atiyyah Muhammad Salim covers both sides of this Islamic obligation: what the sick Muslim should know about their condition, and what those who visit them should say and do. Translated into English by Abu Ahmed Ayyub Elkins.

What This Book Covers

The Status of Illness in Islam

The book opens by establishing the Islamic perspective on sickness — drawing from Qur'an and authentic Sunnah to show that illness is not a punishment to be resented but a mercy that, when received with patience and gratitude, becomes a means of expiation and closeness to Allah. The stories and statements of the early Muslims on enduring illness with sabr are presented as models for the sick believer.

The Rulings and Etiquette of Visiting the Sick

Visiting the sick (ziyarat al-marid) is established in the Sunnah as a right of the Muslim upon their fellow Muslim. The book covers what to say when visiting, the prescribed supplications, how long a visit should last, and the reward promised to those who fulfill this obligation. The specific du'a the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) made when visiting the sick are presented with their authentic chains.

Supplications for the Sick

The authenticated supplications from the Sunnah that a sick person should make, and the supplications visitors should offer for those they visit — including Ruqyah established from the Sunnah.

About the Author

Shaykh Atiyyah Muhammad Salim was a Saudi Islamic scholar and judge known for his grounding in hadith and fiqh. Published by Authentic Statements Publications.

Who This Book Is For

Every Muslim who has been ill, who has a family member or friend who is ill, or who wants to know the Islamic etiquette of visiting the sick. Practical, concise, and grounded entirely in Qur'an and authentic Sunnah.

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Browse more works by Shaykh Atiyyah Muhammad Salim, explore our full fiqh and Islamic rulings collection, or see where to begin with our guide to the best fiqh books in English and the complete Islamic book reading guide by topic.