Islamic Healing

The primary aim of Islamic healing is to cultivate closeness to God and awareness of one’s true nature (i.e. spirit), which is believed to facilitate experiencing inner peace and general wellbeing.  The physical body and mind are vehicles for this purpose, therefore caring for them is essential for spiritual development.  

Islamic medicine is holistic with a focus on mind, body, spiritual and social heath, and diverse tools can be implemented, including Western medical approaches, to support healing.  Because each individual is unique in their symptom presentation and causes, a tailored approach is applied.  However, regardless of the modality utilised, the ultimate goal of Islamic healing is to facilitate God-consciousness and self-awareness.  

Following, I introduce some key Islamic healing principles, many of which are preventative in nature, referred to in the Quran and Hadith.

1. Maintaining Peaceful Relationships.  

Islam places tremendous importance on maintaining harmonious relationships with others. In fact, one of the main goals of the prophet Muhammed (PBUH) was to guide humanity in “perfecting good character”.  For this purpose, Islam sets out numerous practices that are not only important for spiritual progress, but also aim to reduce conflict and facilitate peace.  These include: 

• Honesty
• Not stealing
• Not harming others
• Continence
• Refraining from malicious gossip 

Forgiving others is also a key component of Islamic teaching.  Modern science has shown that it can significantly benefit mental health.  

Moreover, many western studies have found that poor interpersonal relations can increase risk of disease, even premature death.  From an Islamic perspective, commitment and application of these actions is not only a prerequisite for attaining higher spiritual states, it can also lead to greater peace and healing.  

2. Worship of God.  

This is characterised by ethical conduct where we strive to be fair, truthful, generous, self-restrained, forgiving and so forth.  However, it also involves daily prayers that entail recitation of revelation and expressions of gratitude to God, Sustainer of all.  

Research suggests that regular prayer enhances spiritual connection, while also improving mental, physical, and social wellbeing.  

3.  Asking God for Healing.  

Islamic teaching also encourages supplications asking God for healing a specific health difficulty.  There are some Hadith indicating how the prophet would practice this.  For example, some narrations suggest he would pass his right hand over an afflicted part and recite:  

“Oh Allah, Lord of mankind, remove the illness, cure him/her, for you are the healer, there is no cure except for your cure, a cure that leaves no trace of disease.”

In another narration, it is reported he would recite a prayer, blow into his hands, then rub his hands all over his body.  

Some research lends support to some of these healing methods.  For example, studies have found that Havening – which involves applying gentle strokes to hands, arms and face, can enhance psychological health.  Similar modalities such as Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch and Reiki also report improvements to mental and physical health.    

Gary Craig, the founder of EFT, has also developed a therapeutic approach called the Unseen Therapist.  This follows a very similar format to prayer based healing.  Interestingly, there are numerous case studies of people reporting profound healing of mental or physical health problems following this approach.  

4.  Dhikr

This involves choosing a religious word, such as a name or attribute of God, and reciting it slowly and repeatedly, while at the same time giving full attention to the recitation and its meaning.  In other traditions this is referred to as mantra meditation.  Studies have found that it can reduce stress, anxiety and increase a sense of calm.  

5. Other Healing Tools

There are many other suggested practices for enhancing mental and physical wellbeing cited in the Quran.  Some of these include:

• Maintaining a healthy diet that may include dates, honey, barley, black seed oil, olive oil, vinegar, figs, banana, ginger, fish, Zamzam water and aloe vera. 
• Maintaining daily physical cleanliness
• Hijamah
• Sleeping and waking early. 
• Regular fasting

Final Thoughts

These are just some key ways suggested to facilitate healing of mind, body and spirit from an Islamic perspective.  Remember, it is a holistic approach that must be tailored to each individuals needs, and by no means excludes Western medicine.  However, if your goal is to address the spiritual dimension of health then this is a pathway that may help you experience inner peace and connection to the Divine.

Wishing you health and happiness.  

Sadaf  

🙂