Among the beauties of the Prophetic biography (Seerah)
is kindness toward the sick.
Their illness, when apparent to society,
often leads people to shun them out of fear of their appearance or behavior.
While some of us may readily approach ordinary people,
serving them and treating them well,
to stand by a needy patient,
or one who is mentally impaired, and to attend to their needs,
is something that rarely occurs except from noble souls
and precious characters like our Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, says:
A woman who had some mental impairment
said, "O Messenger of Allah, I have a need to discuss with you."
He replied, "O Mother of so-and-so,
choose whichever path you wish, and I will attend to your need."
He then stepped aside with her on one of the paths,
until she had finished expressing her need.
Here is the Prophetic school of noble character,
of kindness toward the sick,
and of benevolence toward those with special needs,
as they are called these days.
Observe the gentleness and mercy of the Messenger of Allah toward them,
even though many people feel burdened by serving them due to their affliction,
thinking it is a waste of time.
Yet he, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, remained patient with that,
stood for this poor woman,
attended to her affair,
and resolved her problem.
In this is evidence of social justice,
and that these patients have rights upon us,
and that their illness is not a reason to abandon or neglect them,
or to expose them to further harm,
or bullying and discrimination,
as happens from some ignorant people these days.
He, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
"Show mercy to those on earth,
and the One in heaven will show mercy to you."
And Allah is the One whose help is sought.
Among the beauties of the Prophetic biography (Seerah)
Among the beauties of the Prophetic biography (Seerah)