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Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and arrange for the release of captives

Abu Mūsa al-Ash‘ari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and arrange for the release of captives."

GradingAuthentic
AttributionNarrated by Al-Bukhāri

Explanation

The Prophet (ﷺ) clarified that among the rights a Muslim has over his fellow Muslim are: feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, and freeing the captive.

Lessons

  • Encouragement of cooperation and mutual support among Muslims.
  • Encouragement to feed the hungry who need food, as this is a commanded act.
  • The legitimacy of visiting the sick—to comfort their hearts, pray for them, and attain reward, among other benefits.
  • The importance of striving to free a captive if he is taken by the disbelievers—whether through paying a ransom for his release or by arranging an exchange of captives.

Topics

Browse the Virtues and Manners section