رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

Prophet's Guidance on treating the sick by encouraging them and strengthening their resolve

فَصْلٌ فِي هَدْيِهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فِي عِلَاجِ الْمَرْضَى بِتَطْيِيبِ نُفُوسِهِمْ وَتَقْوِيَةِ قُلُوبِهِمْ

Guidance of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم in Treating Patients by Uplifting Their Spirits and Strengthening Their Hearts

رَوَى ابْنُ مَاجَهْ «فِي سُنَنِهِ» مِنْ حَدِيثِ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «إِذَا دَخَلْتُمْ عَلَى الْمَرِيضِ، فَنَفِّسُوا لَهُ فِي الْأَجَلِ، فَإِنَّ ذَلِكَ لَا يَرُدُّ شَيْئًا، وَهُوَ يُطَيِّبُ نَفْسَ الْمَرِيضِ

Ibn al-Qayyim wrote : Ibn Majah reported in his Sunan from Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri Radi Allaho Anh, who said: The Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "When you visit the sick, give them hope of a long life, for that does not change anything (regarding Allah's decree) but rather cheers up the patient." (Reported by Ibn Majah in Kitab Al-Jana'iz~Book of Funerals and by Al-Tirmidhi in Kitab Al-Tibb)

This Hadith reflects a profound and noble form of treatment, which involves uplifting the spirit of the patient. By offering comforting words and instilling hope, the natural strength of the body is revitalized, and the internal energy—essential for healing—is invigorated. This psychological boost aids the body's natural ability to fight illness or at least mitigate its severity, which is ultimately the goal of medical treatment.

The Effects of Positivity on Healing:

Cheering up a patient, soothing their heart, and bringing joy to them have a remarkable impact on alleviating their condition. This is because the spirit and the body's forces strengthen with such positivity, helping to repel harm.

Many people have observed that a patient's energy and morale improve upon being visited by loved ones, hearing kind words, or seeing those they admire. These interactions instill hope and reduce the mental burden of illness.

Benefits of Visiting the Sick: Visiting the sick encompasses four types of benefits:

Benefits to the patient: Comfort, hope, and emotional support.

Benefits to the visitor: Spiritual rewards and increased empathy.

Benefits to the patient's family: Reassurance and shared support.

General societal benefits: Cultivation of compassion and mutual care.

Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم demonstrated immense care and tenderness towards the sick:

He would inquire about their condition and preferences, showing genuine concern.

He would place his hand on their forehead or chest and supplicate for them.

He sometimes advised remedies suited to their illness.

He would perform WUDHOO (ablution) and sprinkle water from it on the patient.

He would often say: لَا بَأْسَ طَهُورٌ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ (بخاري)

"Do not worry, it is purification if Allah wills." This statement not only comforts the patient but also helps him view his ailment as a means of spiritual purification.

This beautiful example highlights the integration of physical and emotional care in the Prophetic tradition, emphasizing the importance of uplifting spirits as a critical part of healing.

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