Sahih Muslim 2569
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Verily, Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, would say on the Day of Resurrection: O son of Adam, I was sick but you did not visit Me. He would say: O my Lord; how could I visit Thee whereas Thou art the Lord of the worlds? Thereupon He would say: Didn’t you know that such and such servant of Mine was sick but you did not visit him and were you not aware of this that if you had visited him, you would have found Me by him? O son of Adam, I asked food from you but you did not feed Me. He would say: My Lord, how could I feed Thee whereas Thou art the Lord of the worlds? He said: Didn’t you know that such and such servant of Mine asked food from you but you did not feed him, and were you not aware that if you had fed him you would have found him by My side? (The Lord would again say: ) O son of Adam, I asked drink from you but you did not provide Me. He would say: My Lord, how could I provide Thee whereas Thou art the Lord of the worlds? Thereupon He would say: Such and such of servant of Mine asked you for a drink but you did not provide him, and had you provided him drink you would have found him near Me.
- This hadith presents a poetic and metaphorical account where Allah, on the Day of Resurrection, speaks to humanity in a symbolic manner. Using the language of sickness, hunger, and thirst, this Hadith conveys the profound message that neglecting to care for those in need is akin to neglecting Allah Himself. It beautifully emphasizes the interconnectedness of our actions towards others and our relationship with the Divine. By understanding the metaphorical nature of this Hadith, believers can appreciate the depth of its teachings and the importance of compassion, service, and accountability in their spiritual journey.
This hadith, found in Sahih Muslim (Hadith number 2569), highlights several important lessons:
- Caring for others: The hadith emphasizes the importance of caring for and visiting the sick. It shows that neglecting to visit someone in their time of illness is considered a failing in the sight of Allah.
- Recognizing Allah’s presence: The hadith teaches that Allah is aware of our actions and intentions, even in situations where we may think He is not directly involved. When we neglect to visit or help someone in need, we are neglecting our duty towards Allah as well.
- Service to others is service to Allah: The hadith conveys the idea that by serving and helping others, we are actually serving and pleasing Allah. When we provide food, drink, or assistance to those in need, we are fulfilling our obligations to Allah and demonstrating our love for Him.
- Accountability on the Day of Resurrection: The hadith reminds believers that they will be held accountable for their actions on the Day of Resurrection. It serves as a warning that neglecting to fulfill the rights of others can have serious consequences in the afterlife.
In summary, this hadith teaches the importance of compassion, empathy, and service to others. It emphasizes that neglecting the needs of others is akin to neglecting Allah Himself, and that we will be held accountable for our actions in the Hereafter.
