The Importance of Prophetic Medicine (PBUH)

Prophetic medicine (al-Tibb al-nabawī) is the advice given by the Islamic prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with regards to sickness, treatment and hygiene as found in the hadith. It is a valuable source of guidance and healing for Muslims who seek to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) in all aspects of life. In this blog post, we will explore some of the benefits and principles of prophetic medicine, as well as some examples of hadith that illustrate its application.

Benefits of Prophetic Medicine

Prophetic medicine has many benefits for the believers, both in this world and in the hereafter. Some of the benefits are: –

It is based on divine revelation and the wisdom of the Prophet (PBUH), who was the best of creation and the most knowledgeable of all matters. Therefore, it is more reliable and trustworthy than any other source of medical knowledge.
It is holistic and comprehensive, taking into account the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of health and well-being. It does not only focus on curing diseases, but also on preventing them and enhancing the quality of life.
It is simple and accessible, using natural and readily available remedies and methods that anyone can apply. It does not require expensive or complicated equipment or procedures that may be harmful or inaccessible to many people.
It is compatible and complementary with other forms of medicine, as long as they do not contradict the teachings of Islam and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). It does not reject or oppose scientific medicine, but rather encourages seeking cures and treatments from all lawful sources, as the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it, with the exception of one disease, namely death.”

Principles of Prophetic Medicine

Prophetic medicine is based on some fundamental principles that guide its application and practice. Some of the principles are:

The belief in the power and will of Allah, who is the Creator and Sustainer of everything, and who alone can heal and cure. No medicine or treatment can benefit or harm without His permission and decree. Therefore, the believer should always rely on Allah and seek His help and mercy in times of illness and distress, as well as thank Him and praise Him for His blessings and favors in times of health and ease.

The balance and moderation in everything, avoiding excess and deficiency, as well as harm and waste. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Your body has a right over you.” [^2^][2] Therefore, the believer should take care of his or her body and health, by eating and drinking what is lawful and wholesome, and avoiding what is unlawful and harmful. The believer should also exercise and rest, and avoid stress and anger, as they affect the health and well-being of the body and the soul.

The prevention and precaution, before the occurrence and aggravation of diseases and illnesses. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best medicine is prevention.” [^3^][3] Therefore, the believer should follow the prophetic guidance and teachings on hygiene, cleanliness, sanitation, vaccination, quarantine, and other measures that protect and preserve the health and safety of oneself and others.

The treatment and cure, after the diagnosis and consultation of diseases and illnesses. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment.” [^4^][4] Therefore, the believer should seek and use the appropriate and lawful remedies and methods that are recommended by the Prophet (PBUH) or by qualified and trustworthy physicians and experts. The believer should also be patient and hopeful, and not despair or give up, as Allah may test or purify him or her through sickness and hardship.

Examples of Prophetic Medicine

Prophetic medicine includes a variety of remedies and methods that are derived from the hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) or from his practice and approval. Some of the examples are: –

Honey:
- The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Honey is a remedy for every illness and the Qur’an is a remedy for all illness of the mind, therefore I recommend to you both remedies, the Qur’an and honey.” Honey has many benefits and uses, such as boosting the immune system, healing wounds and infections, soothing coughs and sore throats, and improving digestion and metabolism.
Cupping (hijama):
- The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Healing is in three things: A gulp of honey, cupping, and branding with fire (cauterizing).” But I forbid my followers to use (cauterization) branding with fire.” Cupping is a method of drawing out blood and toxins from the body by applying suction cups to certain points on the skin. It helps to improve blood circulation, relieve pain and inflammation, and treat various diseases and conditions.
Black seed (Nigella sativa) or black cumin:
- The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Use this black seed. For indeed it contains a cure for every disease except As-Sam” And As-Sam is death.” Black seed or black cumin is a plant that produces small black seeds that have many medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and anti-cancer. It can be used to treat asthma, allergies, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and many other ailments.
Olive oil:
- The Prophet (PBUH) said,
  - “Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it is from a blessed tree.” Olive oil is a healthy and nutritious oil that is extracted from the fruit of the olive tree. It has many benefits and uses, such as lowering cholesterol, preventing heart disease, moisturizing the skin and hair, and enhancing the flavor and aroma of food. –
- Dates:
  - The Prophet (PBUH) said, “He who eats seven ‘Ajwa dates every morning, will not be affected by poison or magic on the day he eats them.” Dates are a type of fruit that grow on palm trees. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They provide energy, prevent constipation, protect the liver, and strengthen the bones and teeth.

Conclusion:

Prophetic medicine is a valuable and beneficial source of guidance and healing for Muslims who seek to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) in all aspects of life. It is based on divine revelation and the wisdom of the Prophet (PBUH), who was the best of creation and the most knowledgeable of all matters. It is holistic and comprehensive, taking into account the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of health and well-being. It is simple and accessible, using natural and readily available remedies and methods that anyone can apply. It is compatible and complementary with other forms of medicine, as long as they do not contradict the teachings of Islam and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). It is based on some fundamental principles, such as the belief in the power and will of Allah, the balance and moderation in everything, the prevention and precaution before the occurrence and aggravation of diseases and illnesses, and the treatment and cure after the diagnosis and consultation of diseases and illnesses. It includes a variety of remedies and methods that are derived from the hadith of the Prophet (PBUH) or from his practice and approval, such as honey, cupping, black seed, olive oil, and dates. We ask Allah to grant us health and well-being, and to make us among those who follow the guidance and example of His beloved Messenger (PBUH).

References:

Medicine – Sunnah.com – Sayings and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم)

[^1^][1]: Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 76, Hadith 1
[^2^][2]: Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 62, Hadith 127
[^3^][3]: Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 31, Hadith 3436
[^4^][4]: Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 76, Hadith 1
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 76, Hadith 69
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 76, Hadith 3
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 76, Hadith 71
Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Book 25, Hadith 1846
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 76, Hadith 83