Healing: Insights from the Quran and Hadith

22 min readDec 14, 2021

The Quran and Hadith serve as holistic guides for medical treatment, incorporating various approaches such as medicine, therapy, mind-body practices, evidence-based practices (lifestyle changes), and alternative medicine in a coordinated manner for maximum benefit and relief.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of seeking treatment, highlighting the significance of both physical and spiritual well-being in the teachings of Islam. Abu ad-Darda reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Allah has sent down both the malady and its remedy. For every disease, He has created a cure. So, seek medical treatment, but never with something the use of which Allah has prohibited” (Reported by Abu Dawud). Fifteen hundred years ago, Allah granted advanced medical knowledge to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to promote, maintain, and restore health. For example, he treated the broken leg of Abdullah Ibn Attiq and restored the eye of Qatada Ibn Al-Numaan during the Battle of Badr. He also emphasized the importance of acquiring medical knowledge. He, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever practices medicine without any prior knowledge of it will be held liable” (Sunan Ibn Majah).

Food as Medicine

In the Quran, a variety of fruits, including olives, figs, date palms, pomegranates, grapes, jujube, citron, and bananas, are mentioned. Consuming the right amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meats, and dairy products provides the necessary vitamins and minerals. As stated in the Quran: “O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.” (Surah Baqarah: 172).

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) included polyphenol-rich foods like dates, olives, pomegranates, figs, and fruit vinegar in his diet, known for their potential benefits in digestion, weight management, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, mental health, and heart-related issues.

Health benefits of specific foods

Dates: A hadith reports: “Indeed, in dates, there is a cure” [Muslim]. Dates have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Ajwa dates, specifically, are praised for their immunity-boosting and digestion-improving qualities, with recent studies suggesting their potential to prevent cancer.
Figs: Figs act as a natural laxative, improving digestive wellness and aiding weight management due to their high fiber content. Ripe figs are also considered natural antibacterial medicine.
Raisins: Raisins promote digestive health, treat anemia, prevent cancer, reduce stomach issues, boost the immune system, and treat bacterial infections. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended their consumption, stating, “Eat raisins but spit out the stones, for there is an illness, but in the flesh, there is healing.”
Pomegranate: The Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said that pomegranate removes the effect of Satan and his whispers for forty days. Pomegranate’s medicinal uses include preventing heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoarthritis, and arthritis.
Quince: The Prophet (PBUH) advised eating quince, stating, “Eat Quince, for it sweetens the heart. For Allah, Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala has sent no Prophet as His messenger without feeding him on the Quince of Paradise. For Quince increases the strength up to that of forty men.”
Melons: The Prophet (PBUH) appreciated the consumption of melons, stating: “The heat of this [dates] neutralizes the coolness of that [melon].” Recent studies suggest that lycopene in watermelon plays a role in preventing cancer and tumor growth.
Cucumber: Abdullah ibn Jafar ibn Abi Talib (RA) observed the Prophet (PBUH) eating fresh dates with cucumber, as recorded in Sahih Bukhari.
Ginger and Lemon: Ginger and lemon are highlighted for their natural medicinal properties. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) praised the Quran reader’s example to that of lemon, indicating its pleasant smell and sweet taste.
Vinegar: Several hadiths emphasize the blessings of vinegar, with the Prophet (PBUH) stating, “A household which has vinegar will never suffer from poverty.” Vinegar contains polyphenols that may protect cells from oxidative stress and boost immunity.
Honey: Described as a cure for mankind in the Quran, honey has antimicrobial properties. The Prophet (PBUH) recommended honey for various ailments, with a hadith stating its effectiveness in treating abdominal troubles.
Olive oil: Olive oil, praised by the Prophet (PBUH), is highlighted for its antibiotic properties and potential to prevent various health conditions.

Medicinal Uses of Veggies

The Quran encourages the consumption of lawful and good (pure and organic) foods, emphasizing the medicinal uses of fruits and vegetables with no side effects. The vegetables that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) favored include zucchini, chard, mushroom, gourd, turnip, beet, and pumpkin.

Truffles in Medicinal Applications

A hadith associates truffles with healing properties, potentially relieving inflammation and reducing the risk of infection and chronic diseases.

Nigella Sativa Supports Healing

Nigella sativa, or black seed, is recommended by the Prophet (PBUH) for various ailments, and its seeds have antimicrobial effects on skin infections.

Herbal Remedies

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prescribed various medicinal plants and herbs for different health-related issues, illustrating the importance of natural remedies.

Miswak as an Alternative Brush

The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) used miswak, a teeth-cleaning twig, to maintain proper oral hygiene.

Barley Flour Boosts Intestinal and Heart Health

Barley flour is noted for its medicinal uses in lowering blood sugar levels, reducing cholesterol, and improving heart health.

Mother’s Milk as a Defense Against Infection

Human breast milk is more antimicrobial than cow’s milk and infant formula. Breastfeeding is encouraged in the Quran: “Mothers shall breastfeed their children for two whole years, for those who wish to complete the term” (2: 233).

Camel Milk for Skin Disease

The Prophet (PBUH) recommended camel milk for diseases such as skin conditions. Camel milk is a viable option for individuals intolerant to lactose in cow’s milk. Camel milk is extraordinary due to its antioxidative, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-hepatitis, and anti-arthritis properties, treatment for paratuberculosis, prevention of aging, and remedy for autoimmune diseases. Insulin in camel milk is effective for improving long-term glycemic control in diabetic patients.

Milk Prevents Gut Absorption

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Drink milk, for it wipes away heat from the heart as the finger wipes away sweat from the brow. Furthermore, it strengthens the back, increases brainpower, augments intelligence, renews vision, and drives away forgetfulness” (Ibn Majah). Pure cow milk is crucial for bone development and muscle function, as well as for lowering blood pressure. However, high red meat consumption increases the risk of death from various diseases. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised: “Use the milk and fat of the cow and avoid its flesh (beef), for indeed its milk and fat are medicine, and its flesh is a disease” [Mustadrak al-Hakim].

Meat for Repair and Rebuild

“And we will aid them with fruit and meat, such as they desire” (Quran 52:22). The Prophet (PBUH) ate meat in moderation, recognizing its health benefits. However, excessive meat consumption can raise cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease and cancer. Umar ibn al-Khattab cautioned, “Beware of eating too much meat, for it can be as addictive as wine” (al-Muwaṭṭa).

Seafood Possesses Medicinal Properties

Prophet Muhammad ate nutritious whale meat. The Quran states: “Lawful to you is what you catch from the sea and use for food as provision for yourself and for the travelers…” (5:96). Seafood is vital for body functions and managing illnesses.

Fish Liver as a Supplement

Narrated by Muslim, the first food offered to the people of Paradise is “the caudate lobe of whale liver.” The caudate lobe of fish liver lowers cholesterol levels, lessens joint pain, improves cognitive function, and may help prevent some types of cancer.

Salt as a Healthy Mineral

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised taking dietary supplements, including vitamins and minerals from natural sources. He said, “One who eats a pinch of salt before and after a meal, Allah will protect him from 360 types of hardship, of which the easiest is leprosy.” Salt has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, aiding in conditions such as eczema, acne, or psoriasis. However, excessive salt intake can contribute to high blood pressure.

Purified Water as a Natural Medicine

“Water is the best drink in this world and the Hereafter” [Al-Haakim and Ath-Thahabi]. Water aids in repairing the body and reducing fever. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) treated wounds with water. Narrated Rubai bint Muadh bin Afra: We used to go on military expeditions along with Allah’s Apostle, providing people with water, serving them, and bringing the dead and the wounded back to Medina.

Purified water is one of the best medicines for clearing infections and speeding up the healing process. Allah teaches that the treatment of the skin disease (caused by bacteria) of Prophet Ayub (AS) is washed with the purified water that flows on the earth’s surface. “(The command was given:) ‘Strike with thy foot: here is (water) wherein to wash, cool and refreshing, and (water) to drink’ [Surah Saad, 42].

“The best water on the face of the earth is the water of Zamzam; it is a kind of food and a healing from sickness” (Muslim). Zamzam water is rich in minerals and pathogen-free water. “It is a blessing, and it is food that satisfies” (Reported by Muslim). There are many benefits of antibacterial, alkaline, and germicidal Zamzam water, such as enhancing energy levels in our cells and encouraging the growth of healthy bones. Prophet Ishmael’s mother used to drink Zamzam water from the water skin so that her milk would increase for her child.

Saliva as a Promoter of Wound Healing

Saliva is a complex fluid that exerts direct antimicrobial activity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) maintained a gut and heart-healthy diet. Hadith indicates saliva of healthy believers who promote good microbes in their diet and maintain good hygiene may speed up wound healing. Narrated Yazid bin Abi Ubaid: I saw the trace of a wound in Salama’s leg. I said to him, “O Abu Muslim! What is this wound?” He said, “This was inflicted on me on the day of Khaibar, and the people said, ‘Salama has been wounded.’ Then I went to the Prophet, and he puffed his saliva in it (i.e., the wound) thrice, and since then, I have not had any pain in it till this hour.”

Antibiotic Sweat

Sweat glands play a crucial role in regulating the body’s internal temperature. The scent of human sweat can indicate the individual’s internal health condition. For instance, a vinegar-like odor in sweat may signal underlying health issues such as diabetes or kidney disease. The Quran provides a clue that hints at the presence of “antibiotics” in human sweat. Prophet Musa (PBUH) was instructed, “Insert your hand into the opening of your garment (underarm); it will come out white (clear), without the disease. And draw in your arm close to you [as prevention] from fear, for those are two proofs from your Lord to Pharaoh and his establishment” (28:32). There are two types of sweat glands — eccrine and apocrine — that produce sweat influenced by microbes. Body odor may indicate an imbalance in the gut ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of adhering to a gut-healthy diet and lifestyle, according to Allah’s teachings.

Believers with a balanced gut ecosystem, following a diet guided by the teachings of Allah and His messengers, may have natural antibiotic properties secreted in their sweat, acting as defense against microbial pathogens. ‘Aisha added: Verily, I saw the Prophet being inspired divinely (by angels or good microbes) on a very cold day and noticed the sweat dripping from his forehead (as the inspiration was over). Allah’s Apostle came to the house of Umm Sulaim and slept in her bed while she was away from her house. On the other day, he slept in her bed. She came and found him sweating, and his sweat falling on the leather cloth spread on her bed. She opened her scent bag and began to fill the bottles with it (as medicine and perfume). Interestingly, a Finnish company made perfume from human sweat.

Fasting Therapy for Preventing Diseases

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) practiced intermittent fasting, which increased stress resistance, decreased the incidence of diseases, and increased longevity. Fasting therapy is the shield against infection and inflammation. A recent study found that fasting for more than 24 hours may lower inflammation by reducing oxidative stress in cells. When breaking a fast, advise people to eat healthy food. He said: “If any one of you is fasting, let him break his fast with dates. In case he does not have them, then with water. Verily water is a purifier.”

Speak Less for Your Heart Health

A hadith on the authority of Ibn Umar states, “Do not talk excessively without remembering Allah because such excessive talk without the mention of Allah causes the heart to harden, and the person furthest from Allah is a person with a hard heart” (At-Tirmidhi). This Hadith also indicates that excessive speech causes the thickening of the heart muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. Eating less and speaking less contribute to longevity.

Wudu as a Preventive Medicine

Scholars believe that prophetic advice is much more preventive than curative. Wudu is a personal hygiene practice that consists of cleansing exposed body parts and the routes that harmful bacteria might attack. The Quran mentions: “O you who believe! When you prepare for prayer, wash your faces and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; rub your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. … Allah does not wish to place you in difficulty, but to make you clean and to complete His favor to you, that you may be grateful” (5:6). Moreover, the Prophet (PBUH) teaches us how to practice good hygiene etiquette, including handwashing, exposed body parts washing, trimming fingernails, oral care, facial and hair cleanliness, washing private parts properly after urinating and sexual intercourse, cleaning the house and the environment to improve human health.

Poor sanitation and poor hygiene are linked to the transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, body lice, infections, gastroenteritis, etc. Therefore, poor hygiene reduces human well-being and causes poverty. The Messenger of Allah (May Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that ‘He who cuts his nails on Friday will be in Allah’s (The Exalted) protection (from evil microorganisms, Satan) for the following week. He who cuts his nails on a Saturday will be spared from illness, and he who cuts his nails on Sunday will have poverty taken away from him. If someone is mentally unstable, then by cutting his nails on Monday, this illness will be cured. He who cuts his nails on a Tuesday will also be protected from illness. How often should you shave your armpits and pubic hair to reduce your risk of infection? Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) set us a time limit of no more than forty days for trimming the mustache, clipping the nails, plucking of armpit hairs, and shaving the pubic hair.” (Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)

Antibacterial Mechanism of Medicinal Clay

Animal-derived ingredients (animal fat) in soap have been used to make soaps and candles, but this soap might have bacteria and germs in it. Allah’s Messenger (S) taught that the fat of the carcass is used to coat the boats and varnish the hides, and people who use it for lighting purposes are forbidden (harmful) to use it. Various pathogenic organisms survive in fats even though they make soap, balm, and candles. The Quran promotes natural and clean clay-made soap for purification and skin care, “…you find no water, perform tayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your faces and hands…”

Sunlight as a Vitamin D Supplement

In the Quran, Surah Ash-Shams begins with the verse, “By the sun and its brightness.” The passage continues, “It is He who made the night a veil for you and sleep for rest, and the day a time for rising” (25:47). The body produces vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight, which is crucial for healthy bones, teeth, muscles, and the immune system. Additionally, it lowers the risk of certain types of cancer. However, excessive exposure to UVB radiation may lead to direct DNA damage and promote skin cancer.

Fever: A Sign That Our Immune System Is Defending Us Against Invaders

Allah chose the souls of the children of Adam as leaders of our bodies and planet Earth. Every day, we consume junk food, disobey the laws that maintain our body’s health, or engage in negligent acts, making our bodies vulnerable to harmful microorganisms. In the presence of an infection or virus, the body frequently experiences an elevation in temperature, leading to the onset of a fever. This increase in body temperature activates cellular mechanisms, ensuring that the immune system responds appropriately to combat the invading virus or bacteria.

Our irresponsibility towards the duty to care for our bodies is considered a sin. Narrated Abdullah: I visited the Prophet (PBUH) during his ailments, and he was suffering from a high fever. I said, ‘You have a high fever. Is it because you will have a double reward for it?’ He said, ‘Yes, for no Muslim is afflicted with any harm but that Allah will remove his sins as the leaves of a tree fall down.’ (Sahih Bukhari)

Cancer Treatment and Prevention

The Quran and Hadith shed light on cancer treatment and prevention. According to El-Khodary, M. (2018), Quranic verse №8 of Surah Al-Jumuah indicates the cause of cancer. His study suggests that cancer occurs when cells evade death by blocking the pathways of intrinsic and extrinsic cell death programs (Apoptosis). Success depends on reactivating these programs. Several studies indicate that Prophetic foods and medicines (e.g., dairy foods, honey, black seeds, dates, pomegranate, etc.) reduce inflammation and infection. Chronic inflammation is linked to an increased risk of cancer, and infections can contribute to chronic inflammation.

Maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and spiritually connecting with Allah through Salat (prayer) reduce the risk of cancer. Abu Dharr reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, came out during the winter while the leaves fell from the trees. He took hold of two branches and shook them until the leaves fell. The Prophet said, “O Abu Dharr!” I said, “Here I am, O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet said, “Verily, when a Muslim servant performs prayer seeking the countenance of Allah, his sins will fall away just as these leaves fall from this tree” (Musnad Ahmad).

Chronic stress and emotional imbalance may increase the risk of cancer. The benefit of practicing mindfulness, gratitude, and remembrance of Allah may play a role in reducing toxicity and stress. Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, passed by a tree with dry leaves, and he struck it with his staff, making the leaves fall. The Prophet said, “Verily, the praise of Allah, the glorification of Allah, the declaration there is no God but Allah, and the exaltation of Allah remove sins from the servant just as the leaves of this tree fall” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi).

Treatment of Cataracts and Eye Infection

Allah provides guidance on treating cataracts or poor vision without surgery. The Quran recounts the story of Prophet Yaqub (PBUH) losing his son Yusuf (PBUH), stating, “And Yaqub (PBUH) turned away from them and said, ‘O Yusuf, my sorrow!’ And his eyes were white from misery; he was very depressed” (Surah Yusuf, Verse 84). This story teaches us that tears protect the eyes from infection. Insufficient tears may elevate the risk of eye infection, leading to severe dry eyes, inflammation, corneal abrasion, corneal ulcers, and vision loss.

When Prophet Yusuf (PBUH) heard of his father’s vision loss, he said to his brothers, “Take this shirt on the face of my father and put it on; he will see again, and bring his soul to me!” When the caravan left Egypt, their father said to his sons, “I really feel the breath of Yusuf, just don’t say that I’m wrong.” …when the herald of the good news came, he put Yusuf’s shirt over his face, and he received his sight” (Surah Yusuf, 93–96). What could be in the shirt of Prophet Yusuf except for his sweat? An Egyptian scientist has developed medicine using sweat to cure cataracts after reading this Quranic verse.

Fertility Problems in Aging Males

In Surah “Fig,” it is mentioned, “We have created man in the finest form” (4). The Quran hints at the medicinal advantages of figs and olives by saying, “I swear by the Fig and the Olive” (47). Interestingly, fig seeds resemble sperms, and olives resemble ovaries. Figs increase the number of male sperms to overcome male sterility, while olive oil reduces inflammation in the body, promoting regular ovulation and fertility. Choosing a fertile spouse is essential for successful human reproduction. The Quran provides solutions to fertility problems in aging males. The Quran mentions that Prophet Zechariah (PBUH) wanted a child, and our Creator accepted his prayer. Prophet Zechariah (PBUH) said, “My Lord, how will I have a boy when my wife has been barren, and I have reached extreme old age?” [An angel] said, “Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, for I created you before, while you were nothing.” [Prophet Zechariah PBUH] said, “My Lord, make for me a sign.” He said, “Your sign is that you will not speak to the people for three nights, [being] sound.” So, he came out to his people from the prayer chamber and signaled to them to exalt [Allah] in the morning and afternoon. [Allah said], “… take the Scripture [i.e., adhere to it] with determination.” And We gave him judgment [while yet] a boy…” (19:8–12). Allah advised Prophet Zechariah (PBUH) not to speak to the people for three nights. This verse indicates that voice pitch affects fertility in aging men with poor sperm count and semen quality.

The Quran mentions, “And be moderate in your pace and lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the voice of donkeys” (31:19). Mules are almost always infertile. They can’t make sperm. Allah teaches us that men with low-pitched vocals are fertile. Also, fasting during Ramadan is mandatory for all healthy adult believers according to the teaching of our Creator and His messengers. Fasting can benefit both male health and male fertility success rates. Imbalances in gut microbiota are found in PCOS, endometriosis, low testosterone in males, and inflammation and oxidative stress in unexplained infertility, according to a recent study. Fasting balances the good microbes in the gut ecosystem, improving the total sperm count, gonadotropic hormone levels, and testosterone with the level of prolactin.

Water Birth Method & Pain Relief During Labor

When Maryam (PBUH) delivered her baby Esa (PBUH), she was in a state of anxiety and grieved for pain. “Thereupon the angel below her cried out, ‘Grieve not, for your Lord has caused a stream of water to flow beneath you’” (19:24). This verse indicates water birth, a natural delivery method. Being in water during active labor can help labor progress faster. Maryam (as) experienced pains during her pregnancy with Isa (as), so Allah (SWT) instructed her to eat dates to ease her discomfort. “The pains of labor drove her to the trunk of a date palm. She [Maryam] said, ‘Oh if only I had died before this time and was something discarded and forgotten!’ A voice called out to her from under her, ‘Do not grieve! Your Lord has placed a small stream at your feet. Shake the trunk of the palm towards you, and fresh, ripe dates will drop down onto you. Eat and drink and delight your eyes’” [Qur’an, 19:23]. This verse indicates that eating dates during pregnancy can help ease labor pains and promote a healthy delivery for the baby. Also, dates act as natural antibiotics that can fight infection and stimulate a calming effect on the body, reducing anxiety during labor.

Removing Dangerous Blood Clots from The Heart

Surgery is one of the evidence-based practices. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was then taken to the Hijr, the semi-circular wall of the Kaaba, where the Prophet (PBUH) mentioned that the angel Jibril (PBUH) opened his chest and washed it with Zamzam water. Then he brought a golden tray full of wisdom and faith, and having poured its contents into Muhammad’s (PBUH) chest, he closed it. [Bukhari] Another hadith mentions: Anas ibn Malik reported: Jibril came to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him when he was a child playing with his friends. Jibril took hold of him and laid him on the ground, then he tore open his chest, took out his heart, and extracted a blood clot from it. Jibril said, “This was the measure of Satan (harmful bacteria) inside you.” Jibril (PBUH) washed his heart with Zamzam water in a golden vessel, and it was joined together and restored. The boys came running to his mother and said, “Muhammad has been killed!” They rushed to Muhammad and found that he was alive, and his color had changed. Anas said, “I myself saw the marks of the needle on his chest” (Sahih Muslim).

To me, here, “opened chest” indicates the procedure of surgery or surgical thrombectomy, which can lead to discoloration of the skin. Bacteria, fungi, or other germs (Satan) from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in your heart. If it’s not treated quickly, it can damage your heart valves and cause serious complications throughout the body. This Hadith also indicates heart surgery might change a person’s personality and intellect. However, as of now, no study has properly examined whether heart surgery is related to an individual’s cognitive changes. Future scientists might discover a way to install and extract data from the heart, and Allah knows the best!

Salat: Therapeutic Benefits for Physical and Mental Well-Being

Muslims pray Salat five times a day, which includes physical postures and body movements repeated in a set pattern with sincere spiritual prayer. Regular Salat is a mind-body practice that can strengthen the body as part of an overall training regimen for intense sporting activities like swimming, while also calming the mind. Salat also increases mindfulness, relaxation, patience, and concentration.

Salat is a duty for every Muslim who believes they are accountable for keeping their body and mind healthy. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Between disbelief and faith is abandoning the Salat.” (Jami at-Tirmidhi) Muslims commence their Salah with Takbir, and this initial posture plays a vital role in expanding the chest cavity, thereby supporting respiratory function. The Qayyam position in Salat contributes to elongating the spine, thus enhancing overall posture. The Ruku posture proves especially advantageous in alleviating stiffness around the neck, spine, and back. This position is particularly beneficial for the lower vertebral column, offering stability and improving flexibility in the hips and hamstrings. Moreover, it significantly reduces the risk of nerve compression in the lower back region. The Jalsa posture is notably effective in preventing degenerative knee problems. In summary, the various postures in Salah provide diverse physical benefits, ranging from respiratory support to spinal elongation and joint flexibility. Harvard University researchers suggest postures similar to prostration in Salat as the best medicine for back pain.

Physical Activity Decreases Anger

Researchers found that gastrointestinal issues causing irritation may send signals to the central nervous system, triggering mood changes (e.g., anger). Exercise and physical activities help improve digestion in the stomach. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) teaches how gut imbalance triggers anger and decreases anger through digestion with physical activity. He said, “If any of you becomes angry and he is standing, let him sit down (physical movement), so his anger will go away; if it does not go away, let him lie down.”

The Best Sleeping Position for Better Health

The Sunnah of the Prophet encourages lying on the right side, as it reduces pressure on the heart muscles by creating more space in the chest cavity. Research from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology indicates that individuals with congestive heart failure (CHF) reported greater discomfort when sleeping on their left side.

Stone Abdominal Press Technique for Therapeutic Purposes

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to tie two stones over his belly. A traditional hot stone abdominal press technique is used to get rid of belly fat.

Cupping Therapy for Gut Health, Digestion, and Weight Loss

Cupping therapy on the stomach can help boost gut health, improve digestion, and soothe abdominal pain. Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger (PBUH) said, “Whoever performs cupping (hijama) on the 17th, 19th, or 21st day (Islamic lunar month) then it is a cure for every disease” [Sunan Abu Dawud Hadith No: 3861]. The Prophet said, “Healing is in three things: cupping, a gulp of honey, or cauterization, (branding with fire), but I don’t like to be (cauterized) branded with fire.” The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) analyzed the risk-benefit of cauterization, which assists in preventing infection temporarily but increases the risk of infection by causing more tissue damage and providing a more hospitable environment for harmful bacterial growth.

Bio-Inspired Healthcare Products

Nature inspires us to develop new and better medical devices, healthcare products, and medicines. In the Quran, the spider is mentioned in verse 41 of chapter 29, Surah “The spider.” The component of venom of a dangerous funnel-web spider could prevent brain damage in stroke survivors. Additionally, spider silk inspires us to make biomedical adhesives. Animal testing and research are behind nearly every prescription medicine. Today, numerous medicines contain ingredients derived from animals and plants, usually goat, milk, fish, or cows mentioned in the Quran. Fish skin has long been used in the treatment of burns. Beef cattle also provide us with allergy medicine, vaccines, vitamins, burn ointment, first aid creams, respiratory inhalers, anti-rejection drugs, bandages, and other laboratory research materials. Lactose is derived from cow’s milk and is a frequently used filler or binder in tablets and capsules in pharmaceutical industries. However, we need to carefully check the ingredients before taking any medicine because many medicines are made from prohibited foods such as mice, rats, guinea pigs, dogs, monkeys, animal blood, etc.

The Quran: A Spiritual Guide for Recovery

“And declare that the Quran is guidance and healing for believers” (Quran 41:44). The teachings of the Quran, including remembrance and reliance on Allah, assist in utilizing the mind-body connection. This, in turn, helps individuals remain positive in managing diseases and disorders. Gratitude, motivation, and patience, which are teachings of the Quran, are crucial for patients battling long-term diseases to adjust to life with illness and undesirable sufferings. Individuals with chronic health problems seem to face a higher risk of suicide or developing mental health issues. Additionally, remembering God, relying upon Him, engaging in regular prayer, and making supplications to God have been shown to reduce stress. Chronic stress is linked to numerous diseases, including heart disease and tumor growth. It also contributes to increased inflammation, promoting the development of cancer, which may lead to premature death.

Today, some doctors acknowledge the influence of the Placebo effect and positive thinking, which can reduce stress and enhance patients’ well-being and aid in their ongoing battle against diseases for a quicker recovery. In contrast to the placebo effect, the verses of the Quran provide genuine hope, instill patience, offer motivation, and strengthen individuals during trials and tribulations. The Quran reminds mankind, “O mankind, indeed there has come to you from your Lord a healing for the diseases in the chest, and guidance and mercy for people who believe” (Surah Yunus: 57). Physicians and healthcare workers possessing both medical knowledge and human compassion can encourage and provide comfort to patients through Quranic verses. Prophet Muhammad and his companions selected specific Quranic verses to serve as spiritual relief or intervention for various diseases.

Dua, a powerful prayer of supplication, serves as a strategy to enhance the patience of those enduring chronic illnesses. The Quran imparts wisdom from the prayer of Prophet Ayyub (PBUH) who, when sick, prayed to Allah, saying, “Truly distress has seized me, but You are the Most Merciful of those that are merciful” (Quran 21:83–84). Allah teaches us how to have trust and what to say when we are ill: “…And when I am ill, it is [Allah] who cures me” (26:80). According to Hadith, it is recommended to touch the area of pain with the right hand while reciting this supplication: “Oh Allah! The Sustainer of Mankind! Remove the illness and cure the disease. You are the One Who cures. There is no cure except Your cure. Grant us a cure that leaves no illness.”

Ruqya is a spiritual healing therapy or approach designed to uplift and encourage the sick person, altering their negative thoughts by reassuring them that Allah is there to restore their health. This process involves the recitation of the Quran, seeking refuge, remembering Allah, and offering supplications. During the Prophet’s fatal illness, he recited the Mu’auwidhat (Surat An-Nas and Surat Al-Falaq) and then blew his breath over his body. When his illness worsened, I used to recite those two Suras, blow my breath over him, and have him rub his body with his own hand for its blessings” (Ma’mar asked Az-Zuhri: How did the Prophet use to blow? Az-Zuhri said: He used to blow on his hands and then pass them over his face).

Narrated ‘Abdul ‘Aziz: Thabit and I went to Anas bin Malik. Thabit said, “O Abu Hamza! I am sick.” On that, Anas said, “Shall I treat you with the Ruqya of Allah’s Apostle?” Thabit said, “Yes,” and Anas recited, “O Allah! The Lord of the people, the Remover of trouble! (Please) cure (heal) (this patient), for You are the Healer. None brings about healing but You; a healing that will leave behind no ailment.”

In conclusion, the Quran and Hadith provide a comprehensive guide for a balanced and holistic approach to health and well-being, incorporating various foods and practices that contribute to physical, mental, and spiritual vitality. Integrating these teachings into one’s lifestyle can lead to a harmonious and healthy life.

Reference:

El-Khodary, M. (2018). Quranic Verse №8 of Surat Al-Jumu’ah Describes Cancer as a Complete and Accurate Description and Leads Us to Determine the True Cause of Cancer. CellBio, 7(1), 1–11. doi: 10.4236/cellbio.2018.71001.