Assalaam Aleikum. I would like to know in some detail the proper etiquette for visiting sick people. Thank you.

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

First of all, it should be noted that visiting the sick is something religiously encouraged and it is one of the rights of a Muslim on his Muslim brother. The Prophet said: "Whosoever visits an ailing person or a brother in Faith seeking the Pleasure of Allaah, an announcer (angel) calls out: `May you be happy, may your walking be blessed, and may you be awarded a dignified position in Paradise". [At-Tirmithi and Ibn Maajah]. Furthermore, the Prophet said: "The rights of a Muslim on his Muslim brother are six, (and he mentioned) … if he gets sick, you should visit him." [Muslim].

The scholars stated some etiquettes of visiting the sick, among which are the following:

1-    Choosing a suitable time for the visit.

2-    Not sitting for a long time with the sick person.

3-    Lowering one's gaze (whilst in his house).

4-    Not asking the sick person too many questions.

5-    Showing one's concern about the sick person.

6-    Sincerely supplicating for the cure of the sick person. The Prophet said: “The one who visits a sick person who is not on the point of death and supplicates seven times: As'alu Allaah Al-'Atheem Rabbul 'Arsh Al-'Atheem an yashfiyaka (I beseech Allaah The Great, The Lord of the Great Throne, to heal you), except that Allaah will heal him from that sickness.”  [Abu Daawood and At-Tirmithi]. 

7-    To boast his morale by speaking good words to him, as it is reported that the Prophet said to a sick person: "It (your sickness) will be a purification from your sins, Allaah willing].” [Al-Bukhari]

8-    Encouraging him to be patient as there is a great reward in being patient.

9-  Warning him against being anxious and discontent, as one is sinful if he feels as such.