(144) Chapter: Visiting the Sick

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A young Jewish boy who was in the service of the Prophet (ﷺ) fell ill. The Prophet (ﷺ) went to visit him. He sat down by his head and said to him, "Embrace Islam." The little boy looked at his father who was sitting beside him. He said: "Obey Abul-Qasim (i.e., the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ))." So he embraced Islam and the Prophet (ﷺ) stepped out saying, "Praise be to Allah Who has saved him from Hell-fire." [Al-Bukhari]. Commentary: Herein, the example of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) inspires us to visit even a sick disbeliever and invite him to accept Islam. Besides, the Hadith tells that the company of the virtuous does bear fruit and that we should continue to hope that the heart of a disbeliever will turn to Allah at any moment. Furthermore, we come to believe that parents, though not clinging to the right way, may tell their offspring to pursue the truth.