Visiting the sick (iyada)

عِيادة المريض

In the lexicon, iyada means visiting in general, but the word became fixed for visiting the sick ¹. The jurists differ on its ruling. The majority hold it a sunna or recommended act, which may rise to an obligation for some persons ¹. Ibn Alan of the Shafiis calls it a communal sunna, and others a communal obligation; al-Nawawi reports a consensus that it is not an individual obligation ¹. For the Malikis it is recommended if others perform it, and otherwise a communal obligation; it is an individual obligation on the one whose maintenance the sick person is owed ^{1 2}. Visiting a man of religious innovation is disliked, and forbidden to a scholar when it leads to harm such as encouraging the public to follow him ². Visiting a sinner is allowed in the sounder view; visiting a non-Muslim is allowed if his conversion is hoped for, and visiting a protected non-Muslim is allowed; on visiting a Magian there are two opinions ². Many reports praise it: on the Day of Judgment God reproaches the servant who did not visit a sick person, and one who visits a Muslim brother stays in the fruit-gathering of Paradise until he returns ³. Etiquette: do not stay long unless the patient is not burdened and at ease; come near, lay a hand on the body, ask about his condition, speak words that gladden him, counsel patience, and ask for his prayer ³. The visitor may bring something refreshing such as basil or fruit, give charity if the patient is needy, encourage repentance and a will if this does not distress him, and if the patient fears death, remove the fear by recalling his good deeds ⁴. Visiting is recommended at any suitable time, for any illness, without a set interval from its onset, and right after the news of the illness ^{3 4}. It is for all Muslims; kin and acquaintances have the stronger claim, and a neighbour is one near enough that custom expects affection and enquiry. An enemy who knows or suspects the patient dislikes his entry, and whose sight would harm him beyond what is usual, should not visit or it is disliked ⁴. If the patient craves food the visitor should give it, unless it harms him; he may not compel him to eat ⁵.