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This chapter has been taken from the book “Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet” by Imam Ibn Qayyaim Al Jauziyah (RA).
There are two types of diseases that attack the heart (both are mentioned in the Quran) :
- Doubt and Error
- Lust and Desire
Allah (SWT) says about the disease of doubt :
In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allah (SWT) has increased their disease.
Al Quran 2:10
In addition, He (azza wa jall) said:
… and those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy) and the disbelievers may say: “What Allah intends by this (curious) example?”
Al Quran 74:31
Allah (SWT) says concerning those who refuse to make the Quran and Sunnah the basis of their judgements:
And when they are called to Allah (i.e., His words, the Quran) and his Messenger , to judge between them, lo! a party of them refuses (to come) and turns away. However, if the truth is on their side, they come to Him willingly with submission. Is there a disease in their hearts? Alternatively, do they doubt or fear lest Allah and His Messenger should wrong them. Nay, it is they themselves who are the Zalimun (polytheists, hypocrites and wrongdoers).
Al Quran 24:48-50
This is the disease of doubt and error. In addition, Allah says about desire and lust, adultery in this case:
O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery) should be moved with desire…”
Al Quran 33:32
Physical Diseases That Attack The Body
Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) says:
There is no restriction on the blind, nor any restriction on the lame, nor any restriction on the sick…”
Al Quran 48:17
These verses refer to ailments that might attack a person while performing the Hajj, while fasting or making ablution. They contain tremendous secret and wisdom, indicating the greatness and divine wisdom of the Quran and its sufficiency for those who have sound understanding and comprehension.
The science of medicine consists of three basic rules:
- preserving good health,
- avoiding what might cause harm (i.e., establishing immunity)
- and ridding the body of harmful substances.
Allah (SWT) has mentioned these three basic principles in connection with the performance of Hajj, Fasting , and ablution mentioned above,
But if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same no. (should be made up) from other days.
Al Quran 2:184
Allah has allowed the sick to break their fast because of their illness. Allah has in addition permitted the traveler to break their fast in order to protect and preserve their health and strength while traveling. Traveling uses tremendous physical effort that requires nourishment to sustain the body’s energy. This is why the traveler is given an exemption from fasting so his body can be supplied with the required nourishment. Further, Allah said:
And whosoever of you is ill or has an ailment in his scalp (necessitating shaving), he must pay a Fidiah (ransom) of either observing Sawm (fasts, three days) or giving Sadaqah (charity – feeding six poor persons) or offering sacrifice (one sheep).
Al Quran 2:196
Allah (SWT) has allowed the sick and those suffering from lice or sensitive scalp, to shave their head, which is normally prohibited, while wearing Ihram. Shaving the head and exposing the scalp in these cases removes the harmful substances and thus allows the sick person to get rid of whatever caused his illness and to recover from the condition that was aggravated because of the hair. This is an example of ridding the body of harmful substances, which had a higher priority (thus the exemption) than the general rule, no shaving of the head while in the state of Ihram.
There are ten things that might cause harm to the body when congested, unless the body eliminates them:
- blood when it is irritated
- sperm when it is excessive
- urine
- excrement
- air
- vomit
- the need to sneeze
- sleep
- hunger
- thirst
When any of these ten things are not properly dealt with or satisfied, as in the case of sleep, they will cause a particular type of illness. When Allah permitted shaving the head to remove harmful substances on the scalp, His treatment inspired His slaves to use the same practice in removing harmful substances caused by other ailments.
As for observing a certain precautionary measure (i.e., diet, or other type of abstention), Allah SWT said:
And if you are ill or on a journey, or one of you comes after answering the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women (by sexual relations) and you find no water, perform Tayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your faces and hands (Tayammum).
Al Quran 4:43
Allah has allowed the sick person to use clean earth instead of water to perform ablution for prayers; this spares his body from repercussions of using water while ill. This ayah sets the precedent for every type of precautionary or preventive measure (diet, etc.) that protects the body from harmful substances that one consumes or his body produces.
Allah, all praise is due to Him, has emphasized the three basic rules of science of medicine that we mentioned above.
We will now give several instances and examples that prove Prophetic medicine is superior and more comprehensive than any other method. (Read in Part 2)
Source : Healing With The Medicine Of The Prophet
Author: Imam Ibn Qayyim Al Jauziyah(RA)
Translation By: Abd El Qader, the son of Abd El Azeez
INSIGHT claims no right over the text. Provided only for educational purposes, to spread the word of Allah (azza wa jall) and the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).