The Medicine of the Prophet ﷺ also known as Al-Tibb Al-Nabawi is a form of natural Islamic healing. It is taken from the Quraan and Sunnah and covers illnesses of mind, body, and soul.

 Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said:  “Allah did not send down a disease except that He sent for it a cure.” Al-Bukhaaree 

Some of the herbs and other natural treatments mentioned in the Quraan and Sunnah have been used traditionally for thousands of years. It is now, as we look towards a more holistic approach to health, that modern-day scientists are discovering more and more the benefits of many of the traditional treatments of the past.

By the will of Allah, there are many ways for a Muslim to seek a cure, some have been listed below:

• Supplication: When we fall ill it is often a reminder of how much of our health we take for granted on a daily basis. An ill person is usually forced to slow down maybe take a day off work or even spend the day in bed! This is a great chance to reflect, remember to be grateful for healthier times and to supplicate to Allah and ask for his healing. In Islam there is great reward for visiting a sick person. A visit from a friend or family member can be a nice way of lifting one's spirits and can even be helpful. Islamically visits should be kept short and it is encouraged that the visiting person says a short supplication for the sick one.

• Recitation of the Quraan:

“And We sent from the Qur’aan that which is a cure and a mercy to those who believe.” (al-Israa’: 82).The Prophet ﷺ would visit the sick, make supplications for them and make Ruqyah, which is to cure with the recitation of the Qur’aan, which he would also perform upon himself during illness. Often times illness can cause us to feel low and sad. Reciting Quraan and spending some time reflecting upon its beautiful meanings can offer comfort for the body and soul.

• Black Seed: Allaah’s Messenger ﷺ said:“In the black cumin (Nigella Sativa) is a cure for every illness except death.”(Al-Bukhaaree, no. 5688).

Black seed has been used as a treatment (not just for cooking!) for thousands of years. It was even discovered in the tomb of King Tut. In the past black seed was used for everything from headaches and nasal congestion to intestinal worms. Today black seed has been scientifically proven to be beneficial in the treatment of digestive tract issues and respiratory conditions such as Asthma and allergies. Black seed can be found in the form of powder, oil or plain seeds.

• Honey:

Allaah ﷻ has stated:“There comes forth from their bellies (i.e. the bees), a drink of varying colour wherein is a healing for men.” (An-Nahl: 69)

In modern-day science Honey has been praised for its many benefits. It is known to be rich in antioxidants and according to some research can even be helpful in the treatment of high cholesterol and heart disease. Honey can also be a useful cough suppressor, it tastes much better than many medicines too! As many of us try to avoid sugar and find alternative ways to satisfy that nagging sweet tooth, honey is a great alternative to sweeten your tea and even bakes. It is important to remember that whilst honey is nutritious and beneficial there is still a high calorie and sugar count! Regular honey has many benefits however it often has sugar syrup and other additives in it. Raw honey can be more beneficial than regular honey as it is usually free of additives, raw honey sometimes even contains more antioxidants than regular honey. Blackseed honey and Sidr (Lote leaves) honey are a must-try too! 

We will be posting more on the use of black seed and honey and their mentions in the Quraan and sunnah shortly InshAllah!