The Prophet (S.A.W)’s Expertise (Part 1)

The medicine of the Prophet (S.A.W) is often neglected yet is a very important aspect of our religion. The early Muslims gave this topic area much thought and investigation, and as a result they advanced in medicine infinitely more than other civilisations at the time. The likes of Imam al-Bukhari and Imam al-Tirmidhi (R.A) included separate chapters on Kitab al-Tibb (the book of medicine) in their revered compilations of Hadith.

This indicates that in the same way it is important to learn how to do Wudu, perform Salah and Hajj, importance should also be given to the prophetic medicine.

The Importance of good health in Islam

Good health is considered as one of the greatest gifts of Allah (S.W.T). It is impossible to fulfil the rights of Allah (S.W.T) and His creations in the absence of good health. This is the reason why there are so many Shari’ah rulings that are suspended for the ill. Fasting in Ramadan and attending Jumma prayers are just two examples.

There are many other AHadith of the Prophet (S.A.W) that stress the importance and value of good health. Here are just a handful:

There are two gifts of which many men are cheated – good health and free time. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Cited in al-Suyuti’s medicine of the Prophet, P.6)

Whoever wakes in the morning with a healthy body, and a self that is sound, and whose provision is assured, he is like the one who possesses the whole world (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)

Ask Allah (S.W.T) for forgiveness and health. After certainty of faith, nothing better is given to man than good health. (Al-Nasa’I), Cited in al-Suyuti’s medicine of the Prophet, P.7)

Amongst the wise sayings of Hazrat Dawood (A.S) are:

(i) Health is a hidden kingdom.
(ii) Sadness for one hour ages a man for one year.
(iii) Health is a crown on the heads of the healthy that only the sick can see.