“And when I am ill, it is He Who cures me“
ash-Shuara, 26/80
Did you know that Surah Al-Fatiha is such a powerful dua (supplication) that it can be used for healing?
Allah, is our Creator and knows best about our condition. He states in the Quran that Mankind is created weak, and is susceptible to mental, spiritual and physical ailments. As a result, Allah provides Man with both means of preventing such ills, as well as their cure.
It is well known that all aspects of health are interlinked so, for example, mental stress and anxiety could very well lead to physical symptoms such as weight-gain and even acne. Likewise, low self-esteem may have an adverse effect on personal hygiene and may impact social skills.
Islam provides a holistic approach to maintaining health and well-being. Moderation is encouraged in the fulfilment of basic needs, like food and shelter. Even though Muslims are motivated to try and excel in all they do; in worship, in seeking knowledge and by doing good deeds, they have to be careful not to cross the limits. This could lead them into dangerous waters and that may result in arrogance and feelings of superiority.
“We send down (stage by stage) in the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe: to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss.”
(al-Isra, 17/82)
So what is this healing that Allah mentions in the Quran? It is the spiritual healing of the diseases of the heart; amongst which are envy, hypocrisy and arrogance. The root cause of such inflictions is neglecting our religious duties, because of distractions or lack of knowledge.
Ruqya is essentially a detox for our body and soul. One of the most effective methods of ruqya is by reciting specific duas and verses from the Quran. In particular, Surah Al-Fatiha is mentioned in the Sunnah as a powerful cure.
The travellers and the tribal chief
Abu Sa’id, may Allah be please with him, relates the time when a group of Companions were travelling and as night fell they came upon an Arab tribe. They requested hospitality, but were refused so had to camp in the desert instead.
A while later, someone came running from the tribe and asked them if they had any medicine or cure as the chief had been bitten by a scorpion (or a snake), and they didn’t know what to do. The travellers were reluctant because they had not been treated well but, they were offered some sheep, by way of compensation. So, they made their way back to the tribe.
Approaching the chief, one of the Companions started reciting Surah Al-Fatiha, blowing on his hands and then rubbing his hands on the wound. Slowly the wound started to heal and the chief recovered. The relieved tribesmen brought them their reward.
Before accepting their prize, the Companions decided to ask the Prophet (peace be upon him) for advice. Upon hearing their story, he cheerfully asked “How did you know it (Surah Al-Fatiha) was a cure?” He happily gave them permission to take the sheep they had been promised.
Some of the chapters and verses in the Quran specifically mentioned for protection and cure
- Chapters: Al-Fatiha, Al-Bakarah, Al-Ikhlass, Al-Falaq and Al-Naas
- Ayatul Kursi
- The last 2 verses in Surah Al-Bakarah
- Plus other specific verses
In essence the whole Quran is shifa. Try to listen, read or recite the Quran every day, for well-being and peace of mind.
May Allah cure all who are sick. I pray that He keep us all healthy and well, and steadfast on the Deen. Ameen.