Dear sisters, subḥān Allāh, I haven’t been feeling too good this week. I’m not usually one to get flustered over a bout of cold and flu, but I was really feeling sorry for myself: being grounded at home with aches and pains, sneezing, coughing and my throat feeling like fingernails scraping a blackboard. I didn’t mind the attention though, being inundated with suggestions of home remedies from well-meaning friends and family: from a traditional brew of honey, ginger and lemon to the bizarre suggestion of keeping a cut onion by my bedside! I am grateful for their concerns and comforted by their affection.
Seasonal changes often bring about the common cold and closed environments like schools are ideal breeding grounds for germs – viruses and bacteria happily make the rounds of pupils and staff alike. It is almost expected that you are next in line for a runny nose!
The Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) was reported as saying:
“No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.” (narrated by Abu Huraira (radi Allahu anhu) in Sahih Bukhari)
So, for even a minor illness, there is reward for the one who patiently endures. Of course, in the grand scale of things, a person may become inflicted with a debilitating or even terminal illness. If we remain steadfast in the remembrance of Allah in good times and in the face of small health setbacks, then we are more likely to successfully navigate more serious complaints. May Allah (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) always keep us safe and well and never place upon us a burden that we cannot bear.
Another thing I have learned this week is the importance of taking medicine. I am not a good patient at the best of times and feel frustrated when I’m slowed down by sickness. I am also very reluctant to take any medicines but I will now think differently after studying the lessons behind the famous Hadith:
One day Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it and he asked the Bedouin, “Why don’t you tie down your camel?” The Bedouin answered, “I put my trust in Allah.” The Prophet then said, “Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah” (At-Tirmidhi).
Taking the necessary means to achieve a particular outcome does not negate or in any way diminish Trust in Allah. Rather, a person is required to actively seek Allah’s Help by being proactive and putting in the ‘leg work’ first. For example, a person can supplicate to Allah until his red in the face for good grades in an upcoming exam but, he has to revise thoroughly for it first! Allah judges us on how well we use the resources at our disposal. For the success of any task, two conditions have to be met: you have to try your best to accomplish the task by taking the necessary (halal) means and leave the rest to Almighty Allah. If what you wish has already been written for you, it will happen – according to Allah’s Will. So…to overcome an illness, it is wise to take the treatment or medicine, as long as it is halal and you do not place total reliance of a cure in it.
As with every aspect of a believer’s life, there is a certain etiquette to be adopted when taking treatment for an illness. Our Noble Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam), is the best example for mankind. When you are taking a pill, always say Bismillah and a small dua. An example of a dua for cure, given in the Books of Bukhari and Muslim, as narrated by Anas (radi Allahu anhu) is:
“O Allah, Lord of Mankind, the One Who relieves hardship grant healing for there is no healer but You a healing leaves no trace of sickness”
By this you are acknowledging not only the greatness of The Almighty but also the fact that the medicine in and of itself is only a means and the cure is by the Mercy of Allah (subḥānahu wa taʿālā). Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said:
“There is no disease that Allah has sent down except that He also has sent down its treatment.” [The Book of Medicine: Sahih Bukhari]
The One who sent the disease has also sent the cure. As believers, this is a cause of great optimism and we must never give up hope, even in dire situations, nor ever despair of the Mercy of Allah.
Alḥamdulilāh, I am feeling much better now. If you or anyone you know are suffering from illness, do not lose hope, take the necessary means and call on Allah by His Name of Ash Shafi, for insha’Allah, there will be a cure.
May Allah grant our hearts and bodies Shifa. Ameen.
Notes
The picture is for illustration only, never take paracetamol with Lemsip or any other product containing paracetamol
Acknowledgement to hibamagazine for Ash-Shafi illustration