Khutbah from Medina

Healing Belongs to Allaah
Imam al-Madina al-Munawarrah ‘Abdul Muhsin Ibn Muhammad al-Qasim

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allaah, his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! This world is an abode of trials in which no man is safe from an illness that disrupts his life or weakens him. Afflictions are however a blessing; for our Lord showers mercy through trials and tries some with blessings. Bitterness of this world for the believer is the real sweetness of the Hereafter for him. Many a blessing given to a man has been a source of his illness and many a deprived person has been healed through his depravity.

Allaah says,

“It may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and you like a thing which is bad for you. Allaah knows but you do not know.” (2:216)

Affliction is a sign of Allaah’s love and the way to Paradise. The Prophet, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, said,

“Great reward goes with great affliction, and when Allaah loves a people, He tries them. Whoever shows contentment among them will earn the pleasure of Allaah and whoever becomes angry earns the anger of Allah.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Good health is one of the greatest blessings of Allaah. The Prophet, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, said,

“There are two blessings of which many people get deceived: good health and free time.” (Al-Bukhari)

Good health is one of the things that man will be called to account for on the Day of Resurrection. The Messenger of Allaah, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, said,

“The first thing that man will be asked of on the Day of Resurrection is, ‘Had I not given you health in your body and quenched your thirst with cold water?’ ” (At-Tirmidhi)

One of the most severe tests is to deprive a man of his health. The best individuals among men have been afflicted with diseases. Ibn Mas’ud entered upon the Messenger of Allaah, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, while he was suffering from an illness, and he said, “O Messenger of Allaah, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, you are seriously suffering from an illness”. The Prophet, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, said, “Yes, I am suffering from an illness as two men among you would do.” (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim).

Prophet Ayyub was also overwhelmed with disease for years.

Extract from Ibn Kathir’s book: Stories of the Prophets

*** Ayyub (alaihissalam) was repentant, remembering Allah with thankfulness, patience, and steadfastness. This was the cause of his rescue and the secret of Allaah’s praising him. A group of angels were discussing Allaah’s other human creatures, how those who were humble earned Allaah’s pleasure, while those who were arrogant incurred His displeasure. One of the angels remarked: “The best creature on earth today is Ayyub, a man of noble character who displays great patience and always remembers his Generous Lord. He is an excellent model for the worshippers of Allaah. In return, his Lord has blessed him with a long life and plenty of servants, as well as the needy and the poor share in his good fortune; he feeds and clothes the poor and buys slaves to set them free. He makes those who receive his charity feel as if they are favoring him so kind and gentle is he.”

Iblis overhearing all of this, became annoyed. He planned to tempt Ayyub (alaihissalam) to corruption and disbelief, so he hastened to him. He tried to distract Ayyub from his prayers by whispering him about the good things in life but Job was a true believer and would not let evil thoughts tempt him. This disturbed Iblis even more; thus he began to hate Ayyub even more.

Iblis complained to Allaah about Ayyub (alaihissalam) .. He said that although he was continuously glorifying Allaah he was not doing so out of his sincerity but to satisfy Allah so that his wealth should not be taken away. It was all a show, all out of greed. “If You remove his wealth then You will find that his tongue will no longer mention Your name and his praying will stop.”

Allaah told Iblis that Ayyub (alaihissalam) was one of His most sincere devotees. He did not worship Him because of the favors; his worship stemmed from his heart and had nothing to do with material things. But to prove to Iblis the depth of Ayyub’s sincerity and patience, Allaah allowed him to do whatever he and his helpers wished with Ayyub alaihissalam’s wealth.

Iblis was very happy. he gathered his helpers and set about destroying Ayyub alaihissalam’s cattle, servants and farms until he was left with no possessions. Rubbing his hands in glee, Iblis appeared before Ayyub in the guise of a wise old man and said to him: “All your wealth is lost, some people say that it is because you gave too much charity and that you are wasting your time with your continuous prayers to Allaah. Others say that Allaah has brought this upon you in order to please your enemies. If Allaah had the capacity to prevent harm, then He would have protected your wealth.”

True to his belief,  Ayyub (alaihissalam) replied: “What Allaah has taken away from me belongs to Him. I was only its trustee for awhile. He gives to whom He wills and withholds from whom He wills.” With these words, Ayyub  (alaihissalam) again prostrated to his Lord.

When Iblis saw this, he felt frustrated, so he again addressed Allaah: “I have stripped Job of all his possessions, but he still remains grateful to You. However he is only hiding his disappointment, for he places great store by his many children. The real test of a parent is through his children. You will see how Ayyub will reject You.”

Allaah granted Iblis authority but warned him that it would not reduce Ayyub’s faith in His Lord nor his patience.

Iblis again gathered his helpers and set about his evil deeds. He shook the fountain of the house in which Ayyub (alaihissalam)’s children were living and sent the building crashing, killing all of them. Then he went to Ayyub disguised as a man who had come to sympathize with him. In a comforting tone he said to Ayyub (alaihissalam): “The circumstances under which your children died were sad. Surely, your Lord is not rewarding you properly for all your prayers.” Having said this, Iblis waited anxiously hoping Ayyub (alaihissalam) was now ready to reject Allaah.

But again Ayyub (alaihissalam) disappointed him by replying: “Allaah sometimes gives and sometimes takes. He is sometimes pleased and sometimes displeased with our deeds. Whether a thing is beneficial or harmful to me, I will remain firm in my belief and remain thankful to my Creator.” then Ayyub (alaihissalam) prostrated to his Lord. At this Iblis was extremely vexed.

Iblis called on Allah. “O my Lord, Ayyub’s wealth is gone, his children are dead, and he is still healthy in body, and as long as he enjoys good health he will continue to worship You in the hope of regaining his wealth and producing more children. Grant me authority over his body so that I may weaken it. He will surely neglect worshipping You an will thus become disobedient.”

Allah wanted to teach Iblis a lesson that Ayyub was a devoted servant of his Lord so He granted Iblis his 3rd request but placed a condition: “I give you authority over his body but not over his soul, intellect or heart, for in these places reside the knowledge of Me and My religion.”

Armed with this new authority, Iblis began to take revenge on Job’s body and filled it with disease until it was reduced to mere skin and bone and he suffered severe pain. But through all the suffering Job remained strong in his faith, patiently bearing all the hardships without complaining. Allah’s righteous servant did not despair or turn to others for help but remained hopeful of Allah’s mercy. Even close relatives and friends deserted him. Only his kind, loving wife stayed with him. In his hour of need, she showered her kindness on him and cared for him. She remained his sole companion and comforter through the many years of suffering.

Ibn Asaker narrated: “Ayyyb was a man having much wealth of all kinds; beats, slaves, sheep, vast lands of Haran and many children. All those favors were taken from him and he was physically afflicted as well. Never a single organ was sound except his heart and tongue, with both of which he glorified Allaah, the Almighty all the time day and night. His disease lasted for a long time until his visitors felt disgusted with him. His friends kept away from him and people abstained from visiting him. No one felt sympathy for him except his wife. She took good care of him, knowing his former charity and pity for her.”

Therefore Iblis became desperate. He consulted his helpers, but they could not advise him. They asked : “How is it that your cleverness cannot work against Ayyub alaihissalam, yet you succeeded in misleading Adam the father of man, out of Paradise?”

Iblis went to Ayyub alaihissalam’s wife in the form of a man. “Where is your husband?” he asked her.

She pointed to an almost lifeless form crumbled on the bed and said: “There he is, suspended between life and death.”

Iblis reminded her of the days, when Ayyub had good health, wealth and children. Suddenly, the painful memory of years of hardship overcame her, and she burst into tears. She said to Ayyub: “How long are you going to bear this torture from our Lord? Are we to remain without wealth, children or friends forever? Why don’t you call upon Allah to remove this suffering?”

Ayyub (alaihissalam) sighed, and in a soft voice replied : “Iblis must have whispered to you and made you dissatisfied. Tell me how long did I enjoy good health and riches?”

She replied: “80 years.”

Then Ayyub (alaihissalam) replied: “How long am I suffering like this?”

She said: “7 years.”

Ayyub then told her: “In that case I am ashamed to call on my Lord to remove the hardship, for I have not suffered longer than the years of good health and plenty. It seems your faith has weakened and you are dissatisfied with the fate of Allah. If I ever regain health, I swear I will punish you with a hundred strokes! From this day onward, I forbid myself to eat or drink anything by your hand. Leave me alone and let my Lord do with me as He pleases.”

Crying bitterly and with a heavy heart, she had no choice but to leave him and seek shelter elsewhere. In this helpless sate, Ayyub turned to Allaah, not to complain but to seek His mercy: “Verily! distress has seized me and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.” so We answered his call, and we removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost), and the like thereof along with them as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all who worship Us.” (Ch 21:83-84)

Almighty Allah also instructed: “Remember Our slave Ayyub, when he invoked His Lord saying: “Verily! Satan has touched me with distress (by losing my health) and torment (by losing my wealth)!” Allah said to him: “Strike the ground with your foot: This is a spring of water to wash in and cool and a refreshing drink.” And We gave him back his family, and along with them the like thereof as a Mercy from Us, and a reminder for those who understand. (Ch 38:41-43)

Ayyub obeyed and almost immediately his good health was restored. Meanwhile, his faithful wife could not longer bear to be parted from her husband and returned to him to beg his forgiveness, desiring to serve him. On entering her house, she was amazed at the sudden change: Ayyub was again healthy! She embraced him and thanked Allah for His mercy.

Ayyub was not worried, for he had taken an oath to punish her with a hundred strokes if he had regained health but he had no desire to hurt her. He knew if he did not fulfill the oath, he would be guilty of breaking a promise to Allah. Therefore in His wisdom and mercy, Allah came to the assistance of His faithful servant and advised him: “take in your hand a bundle of thin grass and strike therewith your wife, and break not your oath.” Truly! We found him patient. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft returning in repentance to Us!” (Ch 38:44)

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “While Ayyub (alaihissalam) was naked, taking a bath, a swarm of gold locusts fell on him, and he started collecting them in his garment. His Lord called him: “O Ayyub! Have I not made you too rich to need what you see?” He said: “Yes, My Lord! But I cannot shun Your Blessings.” (Al Bukhari)

Contd.. Khutbah

Brethren in Faith! Suffering illness exalts one’s degree and erases one’s sins.. The Messenger of Allah, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, said,”No Muslim is afflicted with a disease or other affliction except that his sins are removed from him as leaves fall of a tree.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). The sick person will have the reward of what he used to do when he was healthy, written for him in his sickness even if he does not do them. It is during the illness that a believer increases in iman, dependence on Allah and having good opinion of Him. It is also the healing for diseases of the heart like arrogance, haughtiness, heedlessness and self-deception. The guided Muslim learns lessons from trial of his time, for all afflictions that is not in one’s religion is well-being.

The sign of Allaah in the creation of man has been known to a lot of doctors. Allaah says,

“And (there are signs) also in your own selves. Will you not then see?” (51:21)

The greatness of Allaah’s creature has astounded the wise men. Allaah says,
“Verily, We have created man in the best form.” (95:4)

It is the marvelousness of this creation that calls non-Muslims to Islam and that increases the iman of the believer. Let the doctor then take his job as an act of worship by reflecting on the blessings of Allah. Let him be a propagator of this religion by what manifests to him of the greatness and perfection of Allah’s creation.

O doctor, be conscious of Allah in all that you say and do. For your word is taken as far as diseases are concerned and your opinion is followed. The sick person is afflicted by Allah for a wisdom by which He wants to exalt him and purify him. Do not therefore disdain him because of his illness. If a doctor behaves arrogantly with his knowledge, Allah will relegate him. It is wise for him to say about things of which he has no knowledge, “I do not know”. For there are some diseases the cure of which Allah has removed its knowledge. Be gentle with the patient and do not feel inconvenienced with his complaints or rudeness. Give the patient good tiding that he will soon be alright, for Allah loves optimism.

The Muslim doctor should be sincere in his work; for it is by sincerity that ones work is blessed . He should endeavor to know the new things in his profession for the service Islam and Muslims without neglecting any of all that the Shari’ah teaches. He should believe in the existence of magic and its effect. He should not deny the existence of jinn and their mixing with man. He should believe in the existence of evil eye and that if anything could overtake the pre-decree, the evil eye would have done so.

The Muslim doctor is entrusted with the secrets of the patients. Let him protect that and not reveal it and let him treat them with compassion and kindness.

Fellow Muslims! No one cures but Allah and no one removes afflictions but Allah. The medicine and the doctor are only means by which Allah facilitates the healing. Therefore, make use of the means and use only lawful medications. Do not have total reliance on the doctor for none is capable of causing you any harm or benefit except Allah. Put your trust in Allah and submit your affairs to Him, for He is the One Who brings benefit and causes harm. Know that if the whole of the nation are to be gathered in order to benefit or harm you, they cannot do any benefit or harm to you except only by that which Allah has decreed for you. The most useful medicine is however total reliance on Allah, taking refuge with Him and having good opinion of Him.

Seeking medication with the Qur’an and invocations narrated in the Sunnah are the best healing for disease, so is sincere and humble supplication with certainty of faith. Doing a lot of alms giving is also one of the best medications. There are in this world some certain and divine medications that emanated from the Prophet, Salallahu alayhe wa salam: Pressed dates of Al-Madeenah. It prevents the effects of poison and magic spell. The Messenger of Allah, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, said,

“Whoever eats every morning seven ‘ajwah dates, no poison or magic spell will harm such a person.” (Muslim)

Water is also a medication for fever. The Prophet, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, said,”Fever is of the fragrance of the Fire, so douse it with water.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Also, nothing like honey in meaning has been created for us. Cupping is also one of the best methods of healing. The Messenger of Allah, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, said, “The best of what you treat yourselves with is cupping”. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) The black seed is also a cure from all diseases. The Prophet, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, said, “Make use of the black seed for in it is a cure for all diseases.”

There are however some diseases that cannot be cured except with the Qur’an and the Prophetic invocations. They are used for untying a magic spell and expulsion of evil spirits.

Muslims also possess blessed water that is the noblest of all waters and the highest in esteem. It is Zamzam water that springs from the blessed land in the sacred House of Allah. It is a kind of food and cure. These are the curing prophetic medications from which those who accept them and believe in their curing effects benefit.

Brethren in Faith! A lot of Istighfar (seeking for forgiveness) removes diseases and reduces their effects. Allah says,

“Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain and add strength to your strength. So do not turn away as criminals.” (11:52)

Sins close doors of knowledge. Islam has forbidden being in seclusion with a strange woman for the purpose of medical examinations and the like. Muslims should therefore follow the injunction Islam in everywhere. Mingling of male and female workers in medical institutions weakens knowledge and removes the blessing of medication. It is also one of the causes of keeping one away from Allah and from healing. The Messenger of Allah, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, said,”I have not left after me for men a trial that is greater than women”. Conversely, obeying Allah opens doors of knowledge, spiritual upliftment and perfection of deeds. The patients as well as medical personnel should move closer to Allah for removal of the afflictions; for when the trials becomes severe, none removes them but Allah. Keeping away from Allah and disobeying Him in times of bliss are among the causes of misery.

Fellow Muslims! Of the firmness and completeness of faith is to persevere and be content with what has been decreed. Be content, dear patient, with what Allah has portioned out for you. Have patience of the willing noble servant of Allah, for the end of patience is good. Allah says,

“And if you endure patiently, verily, it is better for the patient ones.” (16:126)

Whoever perseveres and is contented, Allah will keep for him what is greater. Remember also that, what Allah afflicted you with is only to purify and elevate you and that, what Allah endows you with of favours are manifolds of what He takes from you. Showing anguish does not cure the illness but aggravates it. If you are afflicted with disease, praise Allah that you were not afflicted with more than that. Supplicate to your Lord in seclusion and do not forget the remembrance of Allah as a way of thanking Him for His abundant gifts. No situation is uglier than when man repents to Allah in affliction and then becomes a sinner during time of bliss.

When you start recovering from your illness, know the estimation of Allah’s blessing on you, hold on to good relationship with your Lord and be always conscious of Him in times of bliss; He will know you in your times of hardship.

Make a sincere repentance to Allah and learn lessons from vicissitudes of time. Beware of satanic ways like having bad opinion of Allah, getting annoyed and showing anguish, for Allah is always All-Compassionate with His slaves and He is the One that removes calamities and hears the agony of the sorrowful. He says,

“If Allah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He and if He touches you with good, then He is able to do all things.” (6:17)

Fellow Muslims! One of the best ways by which man treats his illness is to search his heart, to reform it and to strengthen his soul by relying on Allah, seeking refuge with him, humbling himself before Him, giving alms, invoking Allah, returning to Him in repentance, doing good to people, aiding the wronged and relieving the distressed. Ibn al-Qayyim said,

“May Allah have mercy on these medications. Many nations have tried it regardless of their religions and beliefs and found it to be very effective in healing what the doctors could not heal. And we and others have also tried these things on many occasions and found that they achieved what physical medications could not achieve.”