Visiting the sick – II

What we can do when visiting the sick
There are many things we can do when visiting the sick. Below are some
important things that will enable us to make our visits more
productive :
The Prophet used to treat illness with Ruqya (words said forthe
express purpose of protection or cure charms) for person afflicted
with ulcers, wounds, or pain. He would place his index finger on the
ground, then lift it and say: "In the name of Allaah. The earth of our
land and the saliva of some of us cure our patients with the
permission of our Lord." [Al-Bukhaari]
We should take the time to listento the complaints of the sick person.
Encourage them to speakabout their condition and about what the doctor
has informed them regarding it. Some patients may want to discuss the
medication they're taking and how it makes them feel. If the complaint
does not include any objection to Allaah's Decree or despair of
Allaah's Mercy, then it is not reprehensible and should be encouraged.
It shows that we are interested and that we care and are concerned,
which gives them comfort .
It's important for us to be understanding and remember that although
our lives are going on as normal, their life is now limited to their
illness and it consumes them for the most part. Allowing them to share
all of the situations they are now faced with will also give us a
glimpse into their life as it is now. They may feel the need to
describe their suffering in great detail, mainly hoping for a kind
word to reassure them and ease their suffering.
Reassure them of their recovery. This makes them feel more at ease
with their circumstances when they see others optimistic. A sincere
supplication from us, even in their absence, can give hope and do a
world of good. The companions of the Prophet complained to him once of
fever and he did not criticize them or prohibit them from doing so. He
further promised them that it would be purification for them .
Talk to the sick about how to receive their affliction and trial with
patience. Remind them to place their trust in Allaah and of the good
reward of seeking Allaah's Countenance and maintaining that difficult
patience. 'Aa'ishah narrated that Allaah's Messenger, salallaahu
alayhi wa sallam, said: "Whenever a Muslim receives a prick from a
thorn or anything more serious than it, Allaah raises him one degree
and removes one sin from him because of it." Abu Bakr said: "The sins
of a Muslim are expiated through hardship, even through the tearing of
his shoelace, or by things he puts into his pocket and then loses them
and becomes dismayed. He will find all of this in his record."
We should encourage the sick to hope for the immediate, good reward
they may receive in this world of tranquility and contentment. Remind
him of Allaah's Love for those who are patient and His promise to them
of the reward in this life and the hereafter. Allaah Says what means:
"…And Allaah loves the patient." [Quran 3:146]
If we see the sick in fear or anxiety, then remind them of their good
qualities. Acknowledging their good qualities and deeds, no matter how
insignificant, will help to raise their self-esteem and restore their
trust and good faithin Allaah.
Telling stories can also have a very positive effect on a person,
especially stories that have good lessons that everyone can learn
from. Allaah Says what means: "There was certainly in their stories a
lesson for those of understanding..." [Quran 12:111]
Don't neglect the significance of narrating a story; it is not only a
form of education, but also entertainment - especially for those that
now may be physicallylimited. We should first take care to ensure that
the stories we tell are authentic and sound. The best stories, without
doubt, are the ones contained in the Book ofAllaah or told by the
Prophet . Those stories have great lessons and a good influence on our
hearts and conduct, especially when we know that they are truthful and
accurate. Some of the stories tell about ourscholars, their righteous
life and their great patience that can be inspiring to everyone in
times of trials.
Remind them of the importance of repentance and returning the rights
of others. Sick and healthy persons are commanded to turn to Allaah
with repentance because repentance is required atall times. Remind the
sick of this implicitly, explicitly or metaphorically by telling a
story.
Do not forget to educate the sick on the ritual acts of worship, such
as purity and cleanliness, maintaining Salaah (prayer), etc. If the
sick has knowledge, then there is no need to remind them of this,
because the reminder may be misunderstood and perceived as having bad
thoughtsabout the person. However, if thesick person is considered an
average person who may not know the rulings of some of these
obligations, then we should try our best to explain these to them.
Doctors should make sure that sand is available should the sick need
to make Tayammum (dry ablution) if they are unable to use water.
Hospitals should be informed of this issue so that they can facilitate
this matter in various departments.
We can try our best to make the sick share some of our own concerns or
business with them. This can be helpful to take the sick person out of
his closed circle that he resides within. We can also consult them in
these matters to get their mind off of their pain and suffering. Do
not, however, overburden someone illwith talk of your problems or
argumentative discussions. It's also important not to bring up
subjects that we know may upsetthem.
Relatives, friends and doctors should ask Allaah for the patient's
forgiveness. They should praise Allaah and thank Him for His Grace and
Gifts that cannot be numbered. Doctors cando all of the things
previously discussed if they ask Allaah for help and do all of this
for His Sake. Through their practice, doctors can be at worship all
the time if they perform work for Allaah's Sake and seeking His
Pleasure and reward.
Finally, we must all be aware of the rights that a sick person has
upon their Muslim physician. If the sick person complains of pain, the
doctor should attempt to raise his hope and promise to help him - even
if the case is seemingly hopeless - for nothing is difficult or
impossible with Allaah. The doctor should gradually inform the ailing
person and his family when of the nature of his illness reaches apoint
of seriousness and danger. To inform the sick of a serious condition
without such an introduction, a reminder and attempt to raise their
hopes of trust in Allaah may end up affecting the patient and their
family in a very negative way; possibly causing them to suffer and
worry needlessly.
Muslim doctors should always remember that the sick, infirmed or
diseased, is also a human being with feelings and emotions, and that
as their doctors, they have the ability to influence their patients.