Tag: sunnah

Surah Al-Fatiha: dua and ruqya

“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.

Raise your hands to heaven

One of the most beautiful aspects about worship in Islam is that we are able to call upon Allah, subhaana wa ta’ala, directly; without the need of any intermediary. Imagine – if you were given a private audience with the most powerful king and while in his presence you could address him with all your needs and concerns. How much more astonishing that the Creator Himself, the King of Kings is ever ready, not just to listen to your supplication but to respond to it. Allah, subhaana wa ta’ala says in the Qur’aan:

‘And your Lord says, “Call upon Me; I will respond to you.” Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible’.

(Qur’aan 40:60)

There are certain etiquettes the supplicant is recommended to follow and certain times and situations when praying is encouraged and insha’Allah I will be covering some of these points in future articles on the same topic. As I write this post, it is the last hour of the day of Jummah and my earnest wish is that all our prayers be answered and that we are given the taufiq, the God-given ability, to be able to make dua.

Dua is often referred to as a ‘weapon’ or ‘fortress’ of a Muslim because of it’s inherent ability to potentially change the situation of the believer. Most people, not understanding the immense power of dua, pay little more than lip service to the act, running through a well-rehearsed list of needs and wants or repeating a prescribed prayer in Arabic without understanding its meaning. If they strongly believed that they were in the presence of the Almighty, their words would be more heart-felt, beseeching Allah in earnest.

The Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, was reported as saying:

“There is nothing more dear to Allah than a servant making dua to Him.” 

(At-Tirmidhi)

These are some points to consider the next time you call on Allah in prayer:

  • Pray with yaqeen, the certainty that Allah hears all dua and He will answer it in a way that is best for you. Allah is onmipotent, all-powerful, all knowledgeable and he knows what our hearts yearn for, whether or not we are able to vocalise it in speech. He is fully aware of our situation and He decrees what is best for us and when. There is nothing beyond His power and ability so don’t even for a second doubt that your dua will not be answered. It definitely will be, but maybe not in the manner you imagined.
  • Focus your attention while doing dua, be conscious that you have been given this ongoing opportunity to pour your heart out to the One who is the Controller, Sustainer and Creator of all. Give time to your supplication and avoid getting distracted. Try to find a quiet place and a few moments of peace where you can give the prayer justice.
  • Remember that dua is not just for requesting needs and wants but also to acknowledge our shortcomings; to turn to Allah with sincere regret and repentance for wrongdoings that may have been done consciously or unconsciously. A dua also provides an opportunity to show our gratitude for all the blessings Allah freely and continually gives.
  • Be persistent, like when a young child is asking a parent, knowing fully well that the parent will listen to their plea.
  • Purify your intentions and make dua whenever you feel the inclination, not just limiting it to recommended times.
  • Learn and use Allah’s magnificent Names to call upon Him. For example Al-Razaq, the Provider of all sustenance, to increase and put barakah in your rizq.
  • Complete your dua by sending salaam on the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. Finally, you can recite any dua from the Qur’aan and Sunnah as long as you understand it’s meaning.

This is just an introduction to the topic and insha’Allah I will be looking at some duas from the Qur’aan and Sunnah and the stories behind them. I will also be touching upon the points above with more detail and examples, insha’Allah.

May Allah, subhaana wa ta’ala, accept all our duas and may He give us the ability to call on Him, praise Him and remember Him often. Ameen.

Hijama – My First Time

Dear sisters, today I had my first hijama session. I had heard so much about the benefits of this treatment that, when given an opportunity, I decided to try it out myself.

Hijama, also known as wet cupping, is ‘the process of using a vacuum at different points on the body but with incisions in order to remove ‘harmful’ blood which lies just beneath the surface of the skin.’ It should only be administered by a qualified therapist.

As can be expected, I was nervous about having the procedure done but by anxiety was put to rest when I was reassured that the therapist applying the treatment, was a bona fide, qualified hijama administrator with many years of experience. Khadija had received her specialist training and qualification from The Cupping Clinic and has worked in the field for over seven years: currently at the Abu Halima Centre in Hanwell.

Before the session, I was informed about precautions. This procedure is not suitable for sisters who are pregnant, diabetic or taking medication for other ailments. It is advisable not to have a heavy meal prior to your appointment and you should be in a state of general good health. Always check in advance to avoid being refused on the day. You should not have had a heavy meal before your appointment and it is recommended that you have an empty stomach for optimal results. It is also encouraged to undertake this treatment on the ‘Sunnah days’, which are the 17th, 19th or 21st days of the lunar month.

I was told to sit on the edge of a chair and try to relax. The therapist first cleaned the base of my neck and on either side with an antiseptic wipe, then she proceeded to apply three suction cups at these points. Skilled practitioners use their knowledge of  acupressure points to decide the most suitable location for the cupping. I was being treated with three cups for general health. A particular area of the body may be cupped for specific problems.  As the air was drawn out of the cups, it felt as if my skin was being compressed: like the sensation when blood pressure is checked . I tried to remain calm as she removed the cups then using a sharp sterile instrument she made small tears in my skin. It was irritating but little more than pin pricks. It was a good thing that I couldn’t actually see her doing it! She replaced the cups and blood was drawn into the vessels. The therapist tapped the cups now and then to facilitate the blood flow. The cups were kept in place for a few minutes – this depends on the health and need of the individual – to remove the ‘bad blood’. The cups were then carefully removed, the area was cleaned and olive oil was applied to moisturise the skin.

Khadija, the lovely practitioner, told me that one of the best benefits of hijama was the removal of toxins from the blood, and ideally it should be administered twice a year. Toxins can build up in the blood stream as a result of poor diet, smoking or a sedentary lifestyle. Chemicals also accumulate in our bodies from our love of processed foods and the artificial additives they contain, Those who are suffering from migraine or old injuries would benefit from more frequent applications.

Her years of experience have made her skilful in not only performing hijama but also in discerning the quality of the blood being removed, which in turn indicates the health of the person. I was embarrassed to hear from her that I needed to drink more water and follow a healthy, balanced diet. If the colour and/or viscosity of my blood is testament to my state of health then I dread to think what the story the picture of my internal organs would tell. I thanked her for her advice and promised that I would try to adopt a more healthy lifestyle, insha’Allah.

The rest of the day I had a slight temperature and felt somewhat weak and tired. I was told that this was expected. It is wise to follow other precautions to avoid side effects: heavy physical activity soon after a session may result in the body going into shock and this may result in a fever. I was advised against having a shower until the next day and not eating a full meal for a couple of hours. 

Overall, I had a good experience of my first hijama session. The therapist was highly trained and experienced, she put me at ease and was ready to answer any concerns I had. Health and safety guidelines were followed, and sincere advice was given for my well-being. 

The most important fact to acknowledge is that this a sunnah practise. Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) received the treatment himself and advised his followers to do so.There are a number of ahadith (traditions of the noble Prophet) which mention the benefits of hijama:

“Indeed in cupping (hijama) there is a cure.”                                                        [reported by Jaabir ibn Abdullah (ra) in Saheeh Muslim (5706)]. 

 “Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping (hijama)…”                          [reported by Anas ibn Maalik (ra) in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5371)]. 

“I did not pass by an angel from the angels on the night journey except that they all said to me: Upon you is cupping (hijama), O Muhammad.”                  [reported by Abdullah ibn Abbas (ra) in Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3477)].

In the narration reported by Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (ra) the angels said, “Oh Muhammad, order your Ummah (nation) with cupping (hijama).” [Saheeh Sunan Tirmidhee (3479)].

In conclusion, hijama has many benefits, and by being a sunnah practise, you will be rewarded for obtaining this treatment and it will increase your barakah, insha’Allah. However, before deciding on the procedure, check your suitability to undertake it and check the standards of the clinic and therapist who will be performing the hijama.