Question:
Is it true there is a hadith stating that Allah SWT will not prescribe any sickness without a cure?
Answer:
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
Every human is created by Allah SWT will not be free from being tested. These tests are in the form of sickness, poverty, death and others according to each individual’s capabilities. Among the main purpose Allah SWT test His slaves are to differentiate those who are good. Allah SWT states:
الَّذِي خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَالْحَيَاةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلً
“[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving,”
Surah al-Mulk (2)
Referring back to the above question, there are several hadiths that state Allah SWT prescribes a cure for every sickness. Among the narrations are:
- From Abu Hurairah RA, the Prophet PBUH said:
مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ دَاءً إِلَّا أَنْزَلَ لَهُ شِفَاءً
“There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment.”
Sahih al-Bukhari (5678)
- From Anas bin Malik RA, the Prophet PBUH said:
إِنَّ اللهَ حَيْثُ خَلَقَ الدَّاءَ، خَلَقَ الدَّوَاءَ، فَتَدَاوَوْا
“Indeed, Allah created disease and also its cure. Hence, seek medication.”
Musnad Ahmad (12596) [Syeikh Syu’aib al-Arna’outh states this hadith as sahih li ghairihi]
Reviewing both hadiths, it is clear that it means the knowledge regarding diseases is revealed through the angel Gabriel to the Prophet PBUH or it can also be understood with capability. These hadiths also show that seeking medication is only with what is permissible. Thus, it is prohibited for someone to seek medication from what is prohibited as stated by Imam al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani. (See Fath al-Bari, 10/135)
Furthermore, there are evidences that prohibit us from medicating with anything that is prohibited or dirty, they are as the following:
- From Abu Darda’ RA, the Prophet PBUH:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ أَنْزَلَ الدَّاءَ وَالدَّوَاءَ، وَجَعَلَ لِكُلِّ دَاءٍ دَوَاءً فَتَدَاوَوْا وَلَا تَدَاوَوْا بِحَرَامٍ
“Allah has sent down both the disease and the cure, and He has appointed a cure for every disease, so treat yourselves medically, but use nothing unlawful.”
Sunan Abu Daud (3874) [Syeikh Syu’aib al-Arna’outh states that this hadith is sahih li ghairihi]
While in another hadith:
- From Abu Hurairah RA, the Prophet PBUH said:
نَهَى رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَنِ الدَّوَاءِ الْخَبِيثِ
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade treating illness with foul things (Khabith), meaning poison.”
Musnad Ahmad (8048) [Syeikh Syu’aib al-Arna’outh states this hadith as hasan]
The above hadiths clearly prohibit the usage of prohibited and impure in medication. However, in al-Majmu’ it is stated that the prohibition (medicating with prohibited and impure substances) is when there is no necessity for its (prohibited and impure) usage while there are available pure and permissible medications. (See al-Majmu’, 9/58)
Conclusion
To conclude, there are sound hadiths stating that any disease is prescribed together with its cure. Furthermore, we are commanded to medicate with only that is permissible unless if it is in dire situations. Lastly, may Allah SWT bless us with health so that we are able to worship Him. Amin.
Wallahua’lam.