Therapeutic properties
Certainly, you seem to be referring to the traditional Islamic doctrine of healing properties found in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace). This perspective holds that God, in His mercy, has provided cures for various diseases, and believers can find guidance for healing in the Qur’an and the hadiths of the Prophet.
Traditional Islamic medicine, often referred to as prophetic medicine, includes a wide range of natural treatments and practices derived from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Believers resort to these remedies to treat various physical ailments. This belief goes back to verses from the Qur’an, such as Surat Al-Isra: 82, which states that God sends down healing and mercy to believers.
Prophetic medicine includes treatments for many conditions, including but not limited to fever, flatulence, diarrhea, dropsy, wounds, poisoning, dental disease, sciatica, warts, and leprosy. The Prophet Muhammad is considered a medical reference for his companions, guiding them regarding diseases and their treatments. These treatments often include natural elements and minerals that are believed to have healing properties.
It is important to note that although these traditional treatments have importance in Islamic culture, modern medicine and healthcare practices have also made significant advances, offering a wide range of evidence-based treatments for various diseases. Many Muslims choose to integrate traditional and modern medicine, seeking the guidance of healthcare professionals while also adhering to the teachings of prophetic medicine.
1- Treatment with black seed (Shuniz
Certainly, you are referring to the significance of black seed (Nigella sativa) in prophetic medicine, as well as its various applications and benefits according to Islamic traditions.
In Islamic tradition, black seed is highly regarded for its healing properties. A hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah states that the Prophet Muhammad said, "You have this black seed, for it contains a cure for every disease except poison" (Sahih al-Bukhari). Ibn al-Qayyim, a prominent Islamic scholar, elaborated on the benefits of black seed. According to him, black seed is beneficial for various conditions, such as fever, leprosy, phlegm, chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, and digestive issues. It is also used in treating jaundice, spleen disorders, and dropsy.
The method of using black seed varies, including consuming it with raisins, making a powder, or applying it in oil form. The seed can be beneficial in cutting phlegm, alleviating chest pain, easing breathing difficulties, and even addressing issues like hemorrhoids.
It's important to note that while these remedies are deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, individual responses to treatments may vary. Many people choose to incorporate these natural remedies alongside modern medical practices, consulting healthcare professionals for guidance on their specific conditions.
If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect of this topic you'd like to know more about, please feel free to ask.
2- Treatment with miswak sticks
Certainly, the use of miswak sticks, also known as siwak, is highly regarded in Islamic tradition and has numerous benefits according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Several hadiths emphasize the importance of using the miswak. A narration from Aisha, the wife of the Prophet, mentions ten practices as part of the fitrah (natural disposition), including using the toothpick. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) expressed his wish to command his followers to use the miswak at every prayer if it were not difficult for them. It is also noted that the miswak purifies the mouth and is pleasing to the Lord.
Ibn al-Qayyim, a renowned Islamic scholar, highlighted the benefits of miswak. It sweetens the mouth, tightens gums, cuts phlegm, clears eyesight, makes the stomach healthy, clears the voice, aids digestion, facilitates speech, stimulates reading, remembrance, and prayer, expels sleep, and pleases the Lord. Medical research has shown that miswak contains antiseptic, cleansing, astringent, anti-bleeding, and germ-killing substances, including tannins and SINNGIRIN, which help kill germs and maintain oral hygiene.
Furthermore, miswak is desirable at all times and especially during prayer, ablution, when waking up from sleep, and for changing the smell of the mouth. It is particularly recommended for fasting individuals as it purifies the mouth and enhances the spiritual experience of fasting.
In modern times, toothpaste made from miswak extract utilizes its cellulose fibers, volatile oils, aromatic resin, and mineral salts, making it a natural brush enriched with substances that aid in cleaning the teeth effectively.
The use of miswak not only aligns with Islamic tradition but also offers practical health benefits, making it a valuable practice for oral hygiene and overall well-being. If you have any more specific questions or if there's anything else you'd like to know, feel free to ask.
3- Cupping therapy
Cupping therapy, a practice endorsed in prophetic medicine, holds significant importance in Islamic tradition. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) advocated for cupping and considered it one of the best forms of healing. Numerous hadiths emphasize its benefits, especially in the context of poisoning.
In a specific incident, when the Prophet was given a sheep in Khaibar as a gift, a Jewish woman had poisoned it. Upon realizing this, the Prophet sought treatment. Cupping was recommended and, as a result, some of the poisoned companions were cured.
Ibn al-Qayyim, a respected scholar, elaborated on the benefits of cupping. Cupping purifies the body's surface more effectively than bloodletting. It's especially beneficial when done on specific areas:
- Cupping on the shoulder is useful for shoulder and throat pain.
- Cupping on the cheeks aids diseases of the head, face, teeth, ears, eyes, nose, and throat caused by excess blood or its corruption.
- Cupping under the chin helps toothache, face and throat issues, and purifies the head and jaws.
- Cupping on the back of the foot is beneficial for groin boils, scabies, blisters, gout, hemorrhoids, elephantiasis, and back itching.
Regarding the timing of cupping, the Prophet preferred it during the second half and the third quarter of the lunar month. Modern medicine aligns with these timings, emphasizing that cupping during these periods is more beneficial than at the beginning or end of the month.
Cupping is generally recommended during the day, preferably in the second or third hour, post-bath. Cupping on an empty stomach is discouraged due to potential adverse effects, especially with poor and dense diets. Cupping after meals or on the seventeenth day of the lunar month is considered beneficial.
It's important to note that while cupping therapy is rooted in prophetic medicine, individuals should consult trained and reputable practitioners to ensure its safe and effective application. If you have any more specific questions or if there's anything else you'd like to know, feel free to ask.
4- Treatment with camel urine and milk
In Islamic tradition, there are references to the medicinal use of camel urine and camel milk, especially in the treatment of diseases such as dropsy. Ascites is an organic disease caused by a cold foreign substance that penetrates the organs and causes swelling. The Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace) recommended using camel urine and milk to treat dropsy.
This practice is based on a hadith narrated by Anas bin Malik, in which a group of people complained to the Prophet about rainy day. He advised them to go out to the camels of charity and drink their urine and milk. They followed the advice, but unfortunately later attacked the herdsmen, causing conflict and loss of life. This incident was mentioned in Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
As for the therapeutic properties of camel urine and milk, as explained by scientists and doctors, they lie in their gentle cleansing, their distinctive qualities, and their specific benefits. It is noted that camel milk, in particular, is characterized by its ability to purify, soften, stimulate diuresis and relieve obstruction. It is especially beneficial for liver aches and bad moods, as described by historical medical experts such as Al-Razi and Al-Isra'ili.
Camel urine, especially from dromedaries, is considered most effective in treating some diseases, including dropsy. Its distinct and gentle qualities are believed to be effective in treating health problems. It is worth noting that these treatments are rooted in historical contexts and traditional practices.
As with any conventional treatment, it is essential to approach these treatments with caution and consult qualified healthcare professionals for guidance. Modern medicine has made significant advances, providing evidence-based treatments for various diseases, including dropsy. Integrating traditional practices with modern, evidence-based medicine can provide a comprehensive approach to health care. If you have specific health concerns, it is best to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment.
5- Treatment with hone
In Islamic tradition, honey is highly regarded for its medicinal properties. The Quran itself acknowledges the healing qualities of honey: "There comes forth from their bellies a drink of various colors, in which is healing for people" (Quran, Surah An-Nahl: 69). The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged the use of honey as a remedy, emphasizing its effectiveness in treating various ailments.
A specific incident narrated in both Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim illustrates the Prophet's recommendation of honey for healing. In this hadith, a man complained about his brother's stomach ache. The Prophet advised him to give his brother honey. When the man reported back that the remedy hadn't worked, the Prophet insisted on using honey again. Subsequently, the brother was cured, affirming the efficacy of honey as a healing agent.
Ibn al-Qayyim, a renowned Islamic scholar, further elucidates the benefits of honey. He emphasizes its ability to cleanse veins and intestines, dissolve moisture, aid those with excess phlegm, cool and moisten individuals, act as a laxative, preserve pastes' powers, purify the liver, and serve as a diuretic. Honey is described as a versatile substance: food with foods, medicine with medicines, drink with drinks, sweet with sweets, and a source of joy.
Honey contains a variety of vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, D, K, and E) as well as essential minerals and salts, including iron, sulfur, calcium, potassium, iodine, sodium, tin, lead, and manganese.
The medicinal effectiveness of honey, like many natural remedies, is deeply intertwined with faith and acceptance. The Prophet's medicine is considered definitive and certain, rooted in divine revelation. Its efficacy depends on the patient's acceptance, belief in its healing properties, and the perfection of receiving it through faith and submission.
In summary, honey stands as a testament to the wisdom of prophetic medicine. Its multifaceted benefits and healing properties are extolled in both Islamic tradition and modern scientific understanding. As a natural remedy, it continues to be used by individuals seeking alternatives to chemical medicines.
