Allah says in the holy Quran: And We sent down in the Quran such things that have healing and mercy for the believers (al-Isra, 17:82)
Quran contains everything that man needs to make his life better. Unfortunately, we may not always understand fully the verses of Allah, and other times, we are absolutely ignorant. When we fall ill, we must of course, see the doctor because the saying goes, help yourself and God will help you. But alongside human intervention, a Muslim must seek the help of Allah. Remember that Allah is the one who inflicts illness, and it is He who cures. In order to achieve the best results, one should know how to supplicate, what to do and what to avoid. The Holy Quran contains not only contains cures, but also preventive measures for diseases, some of which even science has no cure for.
It is described as a cure for all ailment. Honey helps heal wounds, skin lesions, sunburns, gastric ulcers and other problems in the body. It can be given to patients with arthritis, and can help kill even the most resistant of bacteria. It is both antibacterial and antiviral, and can be applied to the eye to help cure cataracts.
Allah says in Quran: “Your Lord revealed to the bees: “Build dwellings in the mountains and the trees, and also in the structures which men erect. Then eat from every kind of fruit and travel the paths of your Lord, which have been made easy for you to follow.” From inside them comes a drink of varying colours, containing healing for mankind. There is certainly a Sign in that for people who reflect.” (Qur’an, 16:69)
2. Figs and olives
Allah says in Quran- “By the fig and the olive” [95:1] Allah has made oaths by these fruits, which tells us that they are extremely vital to human health. Daily intake of olive oil helps lower cholesterol. It also acts as a disinfectant for gums and teeth, and at the same time it improves brain function. Figs are essential for stomach ailments such as constipation. They also help cure infertility in males and females. Avoid cooking the olives, as heat destroys them.
“Allah has created every [living] creature from water. And of them are those that move on their bellies, and of them are those that walk on two legs, and of them are those that walk on four. Allah creates what He wills. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.” Surah 24:45
Water is essential to health. Drinking enough water would help to combat diseases such as back pain, arthritis, heart attack, kidney stones and gall stones. Water also drives the devil out of our body, because the shaytan is made of fire, and water extinguishes fire. So in general, water helps the body both spiritually and physically.
Dates are mentioned in Quran in several places, but particularly in Surah Maryam. We read that Maryam, Mother of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon them) ate dates when she gave birth to Jesus (pbuh).
The Quran says in Surah Maryam: “Shake the trunk of the palm toward you and fresh, ripe dates will drop down onto you.” (Surah Maryam: verse 25)
We see that dates can be very helpful to pregnant and nursing mothers. Dates are good for children too. They contain magnesium, potassium, calcium and other important nutrients that help the body.
“O you who believe! When you intend to offer the prayer, wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, wipe your heads, and (wash) your feet up to the ankles. If you are in a state of Janaba (i.e. had a sexual discharge) purify yourself.” (Quran 5:6)
Personal hygiene is the first step to combating disease, and it is emphasized in the Quran. Muslims are expected to be clean all the time. They should perform ablution five time daily, cleaning their face, hands, mouth, ears and legs. A Muslim must also bathe after sexual intercourse before he is allowed to pray, all in order to promote cleanliness. Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) advised the use of Siwak, a natural toothbrush which helps strengthen the teeth and prevent infection.
Fasting has been prescribed by Allah as a means to increase one’s emaan (faith), get closer to Allah and to protect oneself from sin. But it also helps the body to get rid of toxins, and helps to keep one;s weight in check. It helps protect one against hypertension and heart diseases.
Allah says in Chapter (2:184) – “Fasting is for a fixed number of days, and if one of you be sick, or if one of you be on a journey, you will fast the same number of other days later on. For those who are capable of fasting (but still do not fast) there is a redemption: feeding a needy man for each day missed. Whoever voluntarily does more good than is required, will find it better for him; and that you should fast is better for you, if you only know.”
“The servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say words of peace.” Surah Al-Furqan 25:63
A lot of strange ailments may affect a person because of what is known as the evil-eye. When a person looks at you with an eye of jealousy and evil, he/she is capable of inflicting a disease upon you. That is why Allah commands humility and politeness. A person should avoid unnecessary attention and always be humble, in order to avoid the evil eye and of course to be amongst those whom Allah loves.
8. Reciting Surah Al Fatihah
Surah Fatihah is known as Surah- Shifa, the chapter of healing. It is a powerful chapter that protects a person from all types of illness, including evils of man and shaytan. It protects against poison, sorcery etc. Recite it often, and rub it on the body of the patient.
The first verse must be recited before a Muslim does anything, particularly before eating or drinking.
9. Reciting Ayatul Qursi
Each and every Muslim should endeavour to memorize this verse. You can go to YouTube and learn it from there. It protects one from evil Jinns and sorcery.
10. Other verses a person can recite when ill
• And when I am sick, then He heals me. Ash Shu’araa 80
• Say unto them (O Muhammad!): For those who believe, it (the Qur’an) is a guidance and a healing. Fussilat 44
• For aching of the head or mental problems. Al Waqiah 19 (For headaches)
It is important to remember that everything depends on faith. A person must place his trust in Allah, and believe that Allah can do all things. He must also be patient because Allah has a plan for everything. May Allah (SWT) grant us all Shifa, and heal not only what hurts, but our hearts and souls. Ameen.