Third, his words “free the captive” refer to the prisoner: release the Muslim whom the unbelievers are holding. If the disbelievers kidnap a Muslim, we are duty-bound to secure his freedom; likewise, should they take him prisoner during a war with the Muslims, it is obligatory for us to ransom him. Freeing captives is, again, a communal duty (fard kifayah).

The author then cited the hadith of Thawban in which the Prophet ﷺ said: “When a Muslim visits his Muslim brother—namely, during his illness—he remains in the khurfah of Paradise.” They asked, “What is the khurfah of Paradise?” He replied, “Its fruit.” That is, for as long as the visitor stays seated with the patient, he is gathering the fruits of Paradise.

We have already explained that the proper length of a visit depends on the circumstances and the people involved. This second hadith is clear evidence of the virtue of visiting the sick: whoever wishes to partake of the fruits of Paradise should know that this is one of the means. Allah is the One who grants success.