No matter how healthy we try to be, there’s always a chance that we’ll become afflicted with illness. This could be an illness of the mind, body, or heart; it could be as serious as a cancer or as simple as the common cold. When we’re ill, it’s essential to remember Allah (swt), as it was by His will that we became ill, and by His will that we may be cured.
And when I am ill, it is He who cures me. [Quran, 26:80]
Through Quran and Dua, we will find that healing not only depends on Allah (swt), but it also depends on our actions. It is possible that we have been afflicted as a test of patience, because of an ill deed, or maybe it is Allah’s (swt) way of expiating some of our sins, in shaa allah.
Healing the Body
Allah (swt) has graciously given us many remedies for healing our bodies when they become ill. Prophet Muhammad (saws) was a believer in holistic and natural healing and encouraged those who were ill to seek treatment through the knowledge and gifts Allah (swt) has given. You can learn more about prophetic medicine with this Free book, Healing with the Medicine of The Prophet.
There is no disease that Allah has sent down except that He also has sent down its treatment. [Prophet Muhammad (saws), Bukhari]
Proof of this is in the Quran, as Allah (swt) has given us hints as to which of His creations can benefit us. As an example, honey can be applied directly to burns in order to quicken healing, or it can be used to draw poison from bites, stings, or infected wounds. It can help with allergies and quicken the healing of ulcers, can fight colds and respiratory infections, and can even help with constipation.
And your Lord inspired to the bee, “Take for yourself among the mountains, houses, and among the trees and [in] that which they construct. Then eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down [for you].” There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought. [Quran, 16:68-69]
Healing the Mind
It is also very common to suffer from mental illnesses like depression. In this case, our mental illness causes our bodies to feel tired and heavy. We don’t have enough energy for our daily activities and find that we have a difficult time enjoying life and being thankful for Allah’s (swt) blessings. For this, we must turn to the Quran, as Allah (swt) can provide for us all of the answers and inspiration we need to uplift our spirits.
And We send down of the Qur’an that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss. [Quran, 17:82]
For more on how the Quran can heal depression, please read the article A Dose of Surah for Depression, and in shaa allah it will be of benefit and have you feeling back to your happy self in no time.
Healing the Heart
Illness of the heart could be by far the most dangerous of all. We do not want our hearts to fall ill so that we forget Allah (swt) and the mercy, knowledge, and blessings he has given us. Being a believer, Allah (swt) promises to guide us and cure this disease that lies in our hearts, whether it be jealousy or anger, impatience or selfishness, or hatred and ignorance, subhan allah!
O mankind! there hath come to you a direction from your Lord and a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts,- and for those who believe, a guidance and a Mercy. [Quran, 10:57]
Be Thankful for Good Health
Follow the teachings of the Quran and make sincere dua that Allah (swt) relieves you of any affliction you may be suffering from in the body, mind, or heart. Always remember our brothers and sisters in your dua’s, as it is likely that whatever ills you face, there is someone facing ills that are much worse. Health is a blessing for which we should be most appreciative, so be sure to thank Allah (swt) for your health!
“O Allah, Lord of mankind! Remove our suffering. Heal us as You are the healer, and none can heal but You. I beg You to bring about healing that leaves behind no ailment.” [Prophet Muhammad (saw), Bukhari]
The best way to be healthy is to live healthy. Keep yourself, your home, and your food clean and as natural as possible. Keep your mind free from stress and anxiety. Most importantly, learn how you can be healthier!
March forth, whether you are light (being healthy, young and wealthy) or heavy (being ill, old and poor), strive hard with your wealth and your lives in the Cause of Allah. This is better for you, if you but knew. [Quran, 9:41]
Praying you will benefit.