Question:
Is it true that there is hadith on angels will say ‘amin’ to du’a recited for the sick?
Answer:
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the many countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
Islam always emphasizes its ummah to preserve the relationships between humans as well as fulfilling others’ rights. This is because, there are sahih hadiths which state the rights which are wajib to be fulfilled by every Muslim to his brothers.
Narrated by Abu Hurairah RA, the Prophet PBUH said:
حَقُّ الْمُسْلِمِ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِ سِتٌّ " . قِيلَ مَا هُنَّ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ " إِذَا لَقِيتَهُ فَسَلِّمْ عَلَيْهِ وَإِذَا دَعَاكَ فَأَجِبْهُ وَإِذَا اسْتَنْصَحَكَ فَانْصَحْ لَهُ وَإِذَا عَطَسَ فَحَمِدَ اللَّهَ فَسَمِّتْهُ وَإِذَا مَرِضَ فَعُدْهُ وَإِذَا مَاتَ فَاتَّبِعْهُ
Six are the rights of a Muslim over another Muslim. It was said to him: Allah's Messenger, what are these? Thereupon he said: When you meet him, offer him greetings; when he invites you to a feast accept it. when he seeks your council give him, and when he sneezes and says:" All praise is due to Allah," you say Yarhamuk Allah (may Allah show mercy to you); and when he fails ill visit him; and when he dies follow his bier.
Sahih Muslim (2162)
According to this hadith, among the rights which are wajib upon every Muslim is visiting his sick brother. Based on the above question, there is indeed a hadith stating that the angels will say ‘amin’ to the du’a recited for the sick. This is in accordance with a hadith:
Narrated by Umm Salamah R.Anha, where the prophet PBUH said:
إِذَا حَضَرْتُمُ الْمَرِيضَ أَوِ الْمَيِّتَ فَقُولُوا خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ الْمَلاَئِكَةَ يُؤَمِّنُونَ عَلَى مَا تَقُولُونَ
Whenever you visit the sick or the dead, supplicate for good because angels say" Amin" to whatever you say.
Sahih Muslim (919)
Imam al-Nawawi (676H) when commenting on this hadith said that in it (in this hadith), it shows that it is Sunnah to say good words when visiting the sick like make du’a for him (for the sick), recite istighfar, ask for ease and lifting of pain for him and the like. Besides, angels are also present during that time and will say ‘amin’ for their words. [See: al-Minhaj, 222/6]
The scholars have highlighted some manners a person should be mindful of when visiting a sick person. Among them are:
- Choosing a suitable time to visit.
- Do not take a long time when visiting.
- Lower one’s gaze from what is prohibited.
- Do not ask or speak too much.
- Show worry and concern towards the sick person.
- Always make good du’a for the sick.
Conclusion
In conclusion, indeed, there is sahih hadith according to this matter and it is commanded to visit our brothers who are sick as angels will say ‘amin’ to every du’a and words said. Lastly, may Allah SWT make us among His servants who are healthy as well as putting us all in his Paradise. Amin.