Putting Prophetic Medicine Into Perspective

 recent years, several books on prophetic medicine have been published, particularly in India and Pakistan, which do not project the true essence of the Prophet’s message. 

For instance, the author of a recently published book entitled Dibbun Nabawy Aur Jadid Science (Prophetic Medicine and Modern Science), claims that Prophetic treatment of heart attack by eating seven dates, as was suggested to Sa`ad ibn Abi Waqqas (RA), should still be preferred over modern by-pass surgery for the disease, provided people have faith in the treatment of the Prophet (SAW).

The learned author failed to understand that the Prophet PBUH, while suggesting to Sa`ad to take dates as temporary relief, also advised him to consult the expert physician Harith bin Kalda for treatment.

As a matter of fact, it is not desirable to consider the Prophet’s traditions on medicine as similar to the prescription of a physician. 

In this connection, the opinion of Ibn Khaldun (14th century AD) is highly relevant and realistic. He says, 

“The Prophet’s mission was to make known to us the prescription of the Divine Law and not to instruct us in medicine of the common practice of ordinary life” (Muqqaddima). 

In his opinion, even very authentic hadiths cannot be taken as a mere medicinal prescription, which is the duty of an experienced physician.

He says, however, that “with sincere faith, one may derive from them [hadiths] great advantage though this forms no part of medicine as it is properly called.” To emphasize his point of view, Ibn Khaldun refers to occasions when the Prophet tried to create confidence in his followers by advising them to take their own judgments in worldly affairs.

Prophetic medicine is a message par excellence. It is an advice to keep a healthy body and soul and to have faith in both physical and spiritual treatment. It is a command to us to strive hard to find newer medicines and newer remedies. It is a warning to those who consider diseases as the will of God for which no remedy is needed. 

It is an admonition for us to keep away from so-called spiritual treatment based on superstitions like sorcery, amulets, and charms.

The Prophet’s favorite condiments were honey, olive oil, salt, and vinegar. The Qur’an (2:168) says, "Yea people: eat of what is on earth, lawful and wholesome." According to Muslim, Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, "The stomach is the central basin of the body, and the veins are connected to it. When the stomach is healthy, it passes on its condition to the veins, and in turn the veins will circulate the same; and when the stomach is putrescence, the veins will absorb such putrescence and issue the same."

We can assume from this Hadith that the Prophet (SAW) ate what suited his stomach. And what better time to eat the best and the most suitable foods than during Ramadan? For the Prophet (SAW) has said, "Fast (the month of Ramadan) so to heal your bodies from diseases."

Using the Hadith as a guide, I have explored, in a five-part series, how some of the Prophet’s favorite foods are beneficial to our health. Part one deals with condiments; Part two, with fruits; Part three, with vegetables; Part four, with meat and milk products; and Part five, with grains. Barakallahu fiikum Ajma'in ya Ikhwah.