Islam is a complete life system, which covers every aspect of human life. Health and treatment are also given great importance in Islam. According to Islamic doctrine, both illness and treatment are from Allah, and it is the duty of man to take care of his health and get treatment when he falls ill. Let us understand the Islamic doctrine of medicine and treatment in the light of the Quran and Hadith.
1 It is Sunnah to treat
Rasul Allah said:
“Allah has created a cure for every disease, so treat it.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no: 5678)
This hadith clearly shows that treatment is permissible and accepted in Islam. Allah has created a cure for every disease, and it is man’s duty to seek that cure.
2 Use medicine
Rasul Allah said:
“O servants of Allah, treat yourself, because Allah has created a cure for every disease, except for one disease. The companion asked: ‘O Rasul Allah, what is that disease?’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘Old age.'”
(Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith no.: 3855)
In this Hadith, Rasul Allahu alaihi wasallam has clearly advised the use of treatment and medicines.
3 Use of natural things
Rasul Allahu alaihi wasallam has instructed the use of many natural things, which are part of Ayurvedic and naturopathy.
Honey:
Rasul Allahu alaihi wasallam said:
“Honey has healing properties.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no.: 5684)
Black cumin:
Rasul Allahu alaihi wasallam said:
“Black cumin is the healing material for every disease except death.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no: 5687)
Olive oil:
Rasul Allah said:
“Eat olive oil and massage the body with it, for it is from the blessed tree.”
(Sunan Tirmizi, Hadith no: 1851)
4 Avoid Haraam things
The use of Haraam (unlawful) things is forbidden in Islam. If a medicine contains alcohol or other Haraam substances, one should avoid using it. However, if there is no Halaal alternative and the patient’s life is in danger, Haraam medicines can be used as per the need, as saving lives is of utmost importance in Islam.
5 Tadabir and Tawakkul
Rasul Allah said:
“Tie your camel and then trust in Allah.”
(Sunan Tirmizi, Hadith no: 2517)
This hadith instructs to take measures and then trust in Allah (Tawakkul). That is, use medicines for treatment, but also trust in Allah.
6 Prayer and treatment
In Islam, great importance is given to prayer. Rasul Allah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said:
“Dua is the heart of worship.”
(Sunan Tirmizi, Hadith no: 3371)
Along with treatment, it is also necessary to pray, because the real cure is from Allah.
7 Taking care of health
Taking care of health is an important responsibility in Islam. Rasul Allah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said:
“A strong believer is better in the eyes of Allah than a weak believer.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith no: 2664)
This hadith emphasizes on staying healthy and becoming strong.
Conclusion
The Islamic principle of medicine and treatment is very clear:
1 Medication is Sunnah.
2 Use medicines, but avoid haraam things.
3 Prefer natural things.
4 Take measures and trust in Allah.
5 Make duaa a part of treatment.
6 Taking care of health is an important responsibility.
May Allah keep us healthy and grant us cure from every disease. Ameen.