seem to be either over-strained or down with a cold.’
It is part of refined conduct that a person stifle the sound of his burp. It is disliked for two people to whisper together while a third is present, and likewise for a group of more than three to converse privately while excluding just one of their companions, whether they are on a journey or in any other situation. Travellers are also discouraged from hanging bells or strings around the necks of their horses.
There is no objection to treating any illness with whatever is reasonably expected to bring a cure, provided the remedy itself is not unlawful. Cauterisation, severing a vein, and cupping are all permissible, as is protective recitation (ruqya) against the evil eye and other harms. If a non-Muslim under Muslim rule performs a ruqya for a Muslim using the words and names of Allah, it is allowed. Whoever has afflicted someone with the evil eye should perform ablution for him, in accordance with the procedure for washing the one who cast the eye; we have explained this in detail in our book al-Tamhīd, and all praise is for Allah.
Visiting the sick is a confirmed sunnah, and the best visit is the lightest. The visitor should not prolong his stay beside the patient unless he is a close friend whose company comforts the sick person and whom the patient wishes to see. Whoever visits a sick person or a healthy one should sit where the host tells him, for a man knows best the private parts of his own home.
If Allah has placed a servant in someone’s possession, the master must not burden him with work beyond his capacity. He is responsible for the servant’s food and clothing in a manner appropriate to one of his standing, without harm or undue restriction. If the master has special food, he should give the servant a share sufficient to satisfy his desire. He should not employ the servant at night except out of genuine need and then only for light tasks. A female slave has the same rights as a male slave in all that we have mentioned. One must not require a slave who has no trade to earn a living, lest he be driven to steal.