Al-Iqnaʿ further instructs that the visitor should ask the patient about his condition, relieve his distress with words that put him at ease, avoid sitting for an unduly long time, and space his visits so as not to burden him.

In Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī (5743) and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim (2191) ʿĀʾishah reports: “The Prophet ﷺ used to offer protective supplication for some of his family members. He would pass his right hand over the person and say, ‘O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove the suffering. Heal, for You are the Healer; there is no healer but You. Grant a healing that leaves behind no ailment.’”

Sixth: “If he dies, follow his funeral.” Al-Bukhārī (1325) and Muslim (945) relate from Abū Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Whoever attends a funeral until the prayer is offered earns one qirāṭ, and whoever remains until the burial is completed earns two qirāṭs.” They asked, “What are the two qirāṭs?” He replied, “Like two great mountains.”

Al-Iqnaʿ remarks: “Following the funeral procession is a sunnah; it is a right owed to the deceased and to his family.”

Al-Ājurrī adds: “It is an act of goodness to accompany the procession in order to fulfill the right of one’s Muslim brother.”

It is disliked to raise one’s voice or cry out when the bier is lifted, even if that be through recitation or remembrance. One should accompany it with humility, reflecting on his own state, pondering death and the destiny of the deceased. Smiling is discouraged—laughing even more so—as is engaging in worldly conversation.