Seven things to do [17.365]

Narrated Muawiya bin Suwald:

I heard Al-Bara’ bin ‘Azib saying, “The Prophet orders us to do seven things and prohibited us from doing seven other things.” Then Al-Bara’ mentioned the following:–

1. To pay a visit to the sick (inquiring about his health),
2. to follow funeral processions,
3. to say to a sneezer, “May Allah be merciful to you” (if he says, “Praise be to Allah!”),
4. to return greetings,
5. to help the oppressed,
6. to accept invitations,
7. to help others to fulfill their oaths.

[Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 43, Number 625]

While we’re reading the news of what’s going on in Gaza, many of us are horrified, and more so by our complete inability to help our Muslim brothers and sisters who are dying and being maimed beyond belief. One thing we can do is keep them in our du’aas. Some may say, “what’s the point of a du’aa? Its not the same as action!” Well, visiting the sick does not help heal them in and of itself…yet, contributing a feeling of caring and positivity to those who are ill is invaluable to the healing process. The same surely applies to prayer.