It has been mentioned in several Ahadith and narrations that health and disease are all from God. It is cited in Qur’an in the language of Abraham:

وَإِذَا مَرِضْتُ فَهُوَ يَشْفِينِ

“When I fall ill, only He [God] restores me to health” (26:80).

Diseases have several physical and spiritual advantages for the patients. It is not possible to go into those details here. However, a disease is also called the ‘postman of death’. Thus, it could become the ransom of many minor and cardinal sins that had been performed by the afflicted person.

While cure of an illness was from God, we are directed to consult the doctors and specialist physicians as we live in a society with interdependence. On the authority of Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), it was mentioned in Al-Anwar An-Nu’maniyah that once a Prophet fell ill. He said that he would not seek cure for that illness, unless the One Who had made him ill, cured him. God replied that He would not grant him health unless he had consulted with the Physician and worked on his instructions.

So, it is important to mention here that Medicine being a great profession, was initiated through Wahi or revelation from God. The Prophets then taught this science to the erudite, which were later on called the Physicians.

Some Important Principles Of Keeping Healthy

God, his Prophet (S) and Imams (‘a) have provided some golden rules for keeping fit. An example is the statement that the belly is home to all illnesses and best of the medicine was to eat less. It was reported from Imam Ar-Ridha (‘a) that if people exercised moderation in their food habits, their bodies would remain healthy and strong.

A Christian physician once asked Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a), if there were any instructions related to the profession of medicine in the book of God and the sermons of the Prophet? Imam replied that both these sources had instructions in this respect. It was mentioned in the book of God:

وَكُلُوا وَاشْرَبُوا وَلَا تُسْرِفُوا

“Eat and drink, but do not exceed” (7:31).

Also, the Prophet of God had said, “Less consumption is the best medicine.” The Christian physician departed from the company of the Imam after stating that their Lord and the Prophet had omitted nothing in their advice to the profession of medicine.

Similarly, these spiritual healers (Prophets and Imams) have left several instructions to remain fit and healthy, along with spiritual benefits of several Qur’anic Verses and other relevant supplications.

Medicines Recommended By Imams (‘A) Are Good For Everyone

Although, the author of this Risalah has provided good explanation on the effectiveness of many medicines suggested by the Imams, we have opted to cite the results of research carried out by Mohaddas Jazairi. He said: “Some medical suggestions point towards benefits depending upon the personality type and the environment of the patient, such as the mention of honey. However, it is also true that Qur’an was not sent for a particular place or a person. Therefore, its medicines would be equally good for people of any land. All that is required is that the patients should exhibit confidence and poise towards the suggested modes of treatment, and use it without fear of any negative reaction.”