The Reward of the Patient in Illness and How to Be Patient with It

Question:
The questioner (R. 'A. 'A) from al-Zulfi says: Does a sick person receive a reward if he is patient? And what is the manner of being patient with illness?

Answer:
He has a great reward if he is patient and seeks reward from Allah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: So patience is that when a person is ill, he does not do what contradicts the Shari'ah: he does not tear his clothes, he does not wail, and he does not do what Allah has forbidden. Rather, he is patient, seeks reward, and speaks good words. This is part of patience. As for his complaining to people, saying "I am like this, I am like this," this is contrary to patience. But ... merely informing about his illness is permissible, such as informing that he was afflicted with this or that, without complaining to people, or informing the doctor so that he can treat him, is permissible. As for doing what Allah has forbidden, such as shouting, wailing, tearing clothes, slapping the cheeks, pulling out hair, or the like, this is not permissible. Yes.