or the patient may ask him.

5. One must weigh the benefit of remaining with the sick person for a longer time or leaving sooner; this is the correct view. Some scholars have advised that the visit should be brief so as not to burden the patient, but the sound position is that one considers what is most beneficial. If he sees that the patient is relaxed, cheerful, and comforted by his presence, he should stay a while, for that brings joy to the sufferer. If, however, he senses that the patient would prefer visitors to leave so that his family may come in and tend to him, he should rise and depart without delay.

6. The visitor should recall Allah’s blessing of good health, for a person does not truly appreciate that favor until he sees someone who has been deprived of it. As the saying goes, “Things are distinguished by their opposites.” So praise Allah for well-being and ask Him to make that blessing endure.

7. A further benefit is the hope of receiving the patient’s supplication for the visitor. The prayer of a sick person is likely to be answered, for Allah is near to those whose hearts are humbled for His sake, and the patient’s spirit is among the most broken—especially when the illness is prolonged and burdensome. One may therefore hope that such a patient’s supplication will be granted.