Miracles of Quran Prophetic Medicine -Fahmida Mehreen

Over the centuries, medical science has developed radically all across the globe. Today, people have access to modern amenities that many public and private hospitals can offer. A lot of procedures, like endoscopy for viewing internal parts, have become almost pain-free with moderate anesthesia. Scientists, researchers, and doctors are making their best efforts to make medicine and medical care facilities more comfortable and less frightening for the ill. The person who is already suffering from an ailment should not have to endure further trauma in the process of healing—that is the motto.

Regardless, centuries ago, when the Holy Book of the Quran was revealed to our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it came with mentions of some medicinal plants and foods that would help in sickness and act as preventives too. Today, hundreds of years down the line, scientists of different backgrounds and religions are shedding light on these substances for healthy living. The Quran mentions about nineteen medicinal plants such as camphor, date palm, fig, ginger, grape, garlic, lentil, olive, onion, pomegranate, summer squash, sweet basil, athel tamarisk (which brings up alkaline water that is deposited on the surface of the leaf), toothbrush tree, arak (distilled Levantine spirit), mustard, acacia (a plant used in medicines, baking ingredients, tools, and woodwork), cucumber, leek, and cedrus (a coniferous tree). Some of these plants were mentioned because of their multiple therapeutic properties detailed in the book. For instance, pomegranate demonstrates hypotensive, antimicrobial, and cancer-preventive qualities. A number of cardiovascular problems can be potentially resolved and controlled with the aid of grapes and grape seeds. Moreover, various studies conducted over the decades have proved that ginger is highly effective in relieving nausea and vomiting. In fact, this has become a basic life hack for many people around the world. People tend to carry ginger while traveling, and it is advised that people with motion sickness may choose to carry some ginger with them while they are on the go. The health benefits of olive oil and leaves have been studied in humans and animals. They are said to lower blood sugar, lower blood pressure, lower total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol, fight viruses and microbes, and boost the immune system.

As believers, we all have the faith that the Almighty is the Creator of all things, including diseases, and the Almighty is responsible for the cure. We often don’t connect to our creator when searching for remedies for a sickness because we have a tendency to treat it like a worldly affair and assume that the solution lies in the science and modern technologies that entrap us. Nonetheless, Prophetic Medicine, also known as at-Tibb an-Nabawi, is a complete code of medicine that came to mankind as a gift from Allah to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the revelations. Hands down, it is truly the ultimate healing for both the doctor and the patient—for the sick and the healthy. As narrated by Osamah bin Shourayk, “I was with the Prophet when the Bedouins came to him and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, should we seek medicine?’ He replied, ‘Yes, O slaves of Allah, seek medicine, for Allah has not created a disease except that He has, in addition, created its cure, except for one illness.’ They said, ‘And what is that?’ He said, ‘It is old age.’” Sahih in Ahmad.

Muslims who strive to follow the true principles of Shifa’a (cure) will undoubtedly strengthen their relationship with their Lord. Unfortunately, we live in an era where evil and corruption have become widespread, and innovation and fitnah carry the day. Thus, amidst these circumstances, the efforts of those seeking to implement prophetic medicine and to set their affairs straight will be recompensed with great rewards, as will those seeking to be righteous.

Because of the stressful life that we live in, from the workload, lifestyle, and a lot more, misfortunes like anxiety, depression, and sadness are nothing new. Yet, we have something of help from the Prophet (PBUH): take 1 to 2 tablespoons of 100% barley flour to a cup and a half of milk or water and drink it daily. In the Quran, Allah informs us about honey: “There comes forth from their bellies a drink of varying color that is healing for men. Verily, this is indeed a sign for people who think.” [Al Quran, 16:69]. Additionally, it is reported that the Prophet said: “Cure is in three things: a drink of honey, a slash of the knife used in Hijamah, and cauterizing by fire. And I prohibit my nation from cauterizing.” Sahih is in Bukhari. Honey has been prescribed as one of the best natural remedies for hair regrowth and skin brightening, along with olive oil and almond oil.

Black seed encompasses a significant part of prophetic medicine due to the vast benefits that come from it. Research has illustrated that it is a key to maintaining a healthy immune system so that the body can fight off infections that may enter the body. Black seed is an antioxidant and helps cleanse the body from toxins. It contains immense advantages for the body and is used as a remedy to treat a wide range of conditions like skin disorders, allergies, infections, conditions related to respiratory health, digestive system, kidney and liver function, circulatory and immune systems, as well as maintain and keep up general well-being. If you are experiencing a headache or muscular pain, mildly heat a little black seed oil and massage the affected area; alternatively, powder equal quantities of asparagus seeds, black cumin, fenugreek, and caraway. Try taking ¼ teaspoon of powder every morning with a glass of water to avoid the recurring pain. Also, if you have been suffering from a breathing disorder for a long time, mix a teaspoon of black seed oil in coffee and take it twice a day. Rub the chest with black seed every night and inhale the vapor of black seed in hot water. You are sure to find comfort if the Almighty wills. Senna, a shrub that grows to about 1 meter in height and is found in hot and humid climates, has yellow flowers and papery pods that contain six to eight seeds in them. These are highly effective in treating constipation and act as a conditioner for hair.

Olives have been mentioned many times in the Quran, and they are one of the blessed foods of this life. All parts of the olive tree are used, including its bark, leaves, fruits, and the oil that derives from it, for the purpose of ointments. Among its ample benefits, olive oil mixed with salty water is useful against blisters resulting from a fire burn. It is also useful against erysipelas (a skin disease characterized by infection of the skin and underlying tissue), eczema, sores, and urticaria (hives: elevated patches and severe itching caused by an allergic reaction).
Siwaak, commonly known as Miswak in our region, is a natural toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss that comes from a small tree called the Arak. Its twigs are usually cut to a hand span in length and of medium thickness. Many studies on the siwaak attest that the Messenger (PBUH) spoke when he said that the siwaak is purification for the mouth. It has also been shown that among populations where the siwaak is in use, there are low incidences of oral diseases and infections.

As believers in Allah and followers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), our trust in Allah is consistent. Thus, once our souls and our hearts become stronger in faith, it is without a doubt that defeating the illnesses and overcoming them will become much easier. Despite all the natural, homeopathic, and allopathic medicines this world has to offer, it is an undeniable fact that the most powerful cure for all ailments comes through drawing closer to the Lord, loving Him, remembering Him, and depending upon Him when seeking His help. Yet, it is of supreme importance to remind the believers that the recent scientific findings align with what the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) had prescribed for his Ummah centuries ago and are purely a further testimony to the truth that he spoke of the divinity of Allah’s revelations to His apostle. With all of these things in front of us, our faith shouldn’t be shaky; rather, it should grow stronger and experience an increase in Imaan as we accept and become mesmerized by Allah’s words, His miracles, and the knowledge of His Messenger.