What is the ruling on giving bouquets of flowers to patients when visiting them in hospitals?

The questioner : In this time, what is called bouquets of flowers has become widespread, especially when entering hospitals. What is the ruling on giving flowers to patients, and does this have a basis? And why do those responsible for this phenomenon not warn about it so that it may be avoided?

The Shaykh : I do not know of a basis for it, but if it has a pleasant scent that brings joy to the patient and makes him feel at ease, there is no harm in it. However, I fear that the matter will develop, so it would be better to leave it. Also, there may be another observation: the one visiting the patient seems to want to please him with a physical, bodily joy without praying for his healing and well-being, and without saying, "Be patient and count it as a reward, for you will have the reward and the wage." He thinks that by this gift he brings joy, and that physical joy is sufficient. This may also lead a person to pause in declaring it permissible, and perhaps you do not smell it yourself.

Another questioner : No, Shaykh. Huh? There is no god but Allah.

The Shaykh : There is no god but Allah. Why does he say "flowers"? He says "flowers," but are they black, or artificial? I do not see children being pleased with this.

Another questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : In any case, this custom is a separate matter, but I fear that the issue of physical comfort and physical ease will prevail over us, to the neglect of spiritual comfort. It should be looked into and reflected upon.

Another questioner : So, is it permissible?

The Shaykh : Pausing is the solution, but it is not that we shout about its prohibition, because prohibition is difficult. Prohibiting something for which no prohibition has been reported is difficult.