, and other righteous deeds, and they should likewise pray for his recovery, saying such words as, “No harm; this is a purification, God willing,” and the like.

Visiting the sick is a communal duty (farḍ kifāya): the Muslims must visit their ailing brother, and if one of them does so the obligation is lifted from the rest. It can become an individual duty (farḍ ʿayn) when the patient is a relative, for in that case the visit counts as maintaining family ties, and maintaining those ties is obligatory.

Know that the scholars—may Allah have mercy on them—have laid down etiquettes for visiting the sick. Among them is that the visitor should not engage the patient in lengthy conversation, asking repeatedly about his condition, his sleep, his food and drink, and the like, unless the patient finds such talk comforting and pleasant. If the patient feels annoyed and dislikes extensive speech—as is the case with some sufferers—then do not pursue conversation or burden him with questions.

For this reason they have said that the visitor should not prolong his stay, because the patient may have a need with his family or for himself and may not wish anyone to sit with him for long. Yet if you know that he feels at ease with a longer visit and is happy about it, then act in whatever way best serves his interest.

They have also said that one should refrain from visiting at times when people usually sleep or rest—such as the midday siesta or late at night—because that would trouble and distress him. Instead, visit in the morning or late afternoon, as circumstances dictate.

They further said that one should not visit him too frequently, coming to him morning and evening, unless a real need calls for it.

In sum, the visitor must consider the patient’s best interest in everything