Exploring Divine Shifa (Healing) In The Quran
Shifa (Healing) in the Quran is a concept that permeates the entire Quran. It’s not just limited to a handful of verses that explicitly mention healing. Instead, the Quran’s healing power is embedded in its very essence, as evident in its name, “Shifa,” which means “healing.” The Quran, as the word of God, provides a deep understanding of humanity and the interconnectedness of everything. Through its diverse teachings, the Quran offers guidance and comfort for various human afflictions, both physical and spiritual.
The Quran’s wisdom and knowledge are like an endless source of healing, offering insights into every topic it addresses. This unique quality is exclusive to the Quran. Therefore, it’s accurate to say that the subject of divine medicine or healing is as vast as the Quran itself.
Shifa (Healing) Through jihad
The word “Shifa” (healing) in the Quran is mentioned in a command in verse (9:14) which relates to jihad (fighting for the sake of God). The verse’s clear meaning suggests that fulfilling the duty of jihad brings healing to the hearts of believers. The unwavering commitment to jihad, undertaken for the well-being of one’s country and nation, frees believers from the traps of selfishness and indulgence. Jihad encompasses various forms; any essential service provided for the betterment of the nation and Islam constitutes jihad. Hence, believers who engage in such crucial endeavors are not only warriors but also living martyrs (57:19) in the eyes of God.
A Spiritual Doctor for the Soul and Body
Regarding the subject of Shifa (healing) in the Quran, It is said in verse:
O mankind! There has come to you an exhortation from your Lord, and a healing for those in the breasts and a guidance, and a mercy for the believers
Holy Quran
The Quran is a comprehensive medicine for the soul and spirit. It begins by providing guidance and encouragement, then leads individuals towards a state of perfect spiritual health, enabling them to attain the pure and sublime blessings reserved for those with sound hearts who are close to God.
- Medicine of Exhortation: The Quran’s initial verses serve as a wake-up call, urging individuals to reflect on their purpose in life and the consequences of their actions. It reminds them of their Creator and their responsibilities towards Him and their fellow beings.
- Medicine of Guidance: As individuals continue to engage with the Quran, they are guided towards a path of righteousness and virtue. The Quran provides clear instructions on how to live a moral and ethical life, promoting compassion, justice, and integrity.
- Medicine of Perfection: The ultimate goal of the Quran’s healing power is to elevate individuals to a state of spiritual perfection. This involves purifying their hearts from negativity, strengthening their faith, and cultivating a deep connection with God.
- Divine Bounty: By attaining spiritual health, individuals become recipients of God’s pure and sublime blessings. These blessings include inner peace, contentment, and a close relationship with God, the source of all goodness.
The Quran is a spiritual doctor, carefully diagnosing the ailments of the soul and providing the necessary remedies. It is a timeless and universal guide that can lead individuals towards true health and happiness.
Shifa (Healing) in the Quran: Honey
Verse (16:69) not only emphasizes spiritual Shifa (healing) in the Quran but also touches upon physical medicine. This verse unveils a treasure trove of medicinal benefits for both the soul and the body, a treasure whose blessings are everlasting. This treasure is honey, not just the natural honey produced by bees but also the honey of knowledge and wisdom that flows from the Quran.
In verse (17:82), the Quran is referred to as both medicine and healing, explicitly stating:
And We reveal in the Quran that which is a healing and mercy for the believers, but for the wrongdoers it increases nothing but loss.
Holy Quran 17:82
Prophet Muhammad A Spiritual Healer
The Quran’s healing properties have earned it the name “Shifa” (Healing). This signifies that God is not only our Sustainer but also our spiritual Healer. He sent the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, as a spiritual doctor, equipped with exceptional qualities, and bestowed upon us the Quran as a vast spiritual hospital. The Prophet imparted his medical expertise to his companions, enabling them to serve in this spiritual hospital. Only through this collaborative effort could the Quran’s healing purpose often referred to as “Shifa” (Healing) in the Quran be fully realized.
In (41:44) verse healing is mentioned:
Say (O prophet!) to those who believe, it is a guidance and a healing and as for those who do not believe, there is heaviness (deafness) in their ears, and it is blindness for them. Such are called to from afar
Holy Quran 41:44
Quran, A Source of Healing for Believers and Affliction for Non-Believers
The Quran’s wisdom is paradoxical, proving to be both a source of healing for believers and a catalyst for affliction for non-believers. Similar to how sunlight, while illuminating the world for those with healthy vision, causes discomfort for those with impaired eyesight, the Quran’s knowledge, and wisdom serve as a source of nourishment for those with receptive hearts, while exacerbating the spiritual ailments of those with closed minds. Just as a healthy person can savor a delicious meal, while someone with a stomach ailment finds it unbearable, the Quran’s wisdom nourishes the souls of those who approach it with sincerity.
The Quran encourages Muslims to adopt a lifestyle that promotes both physical and spiritual well-being. It advocates for speaking wisdom-filled words and engaging in good deeds, recognizing that these actions contribute to overall health and harmony. The Quran also guides Muslims in making informed choices about their consumption habits, emphasizing the importance of moderation and balance. It recognizes that excessive indulgence in even lawful things can have detrimental effects on one’s health and hinder their ability to pursue knowledge and engage in spiritual practices. By adhering to the Quran’s teachings, Muslims can cultivate a holistic approach to well-being, nurturing both their physical and spiritual selves.
Quran says in verse:
And those who disbelieve find their ease in this worldly life and eat like animals
Holy Quran 47:12
The Quran encourages us to observe the behavior of animals and reflect on their habits. Animals are driven by their instincts and are often selfish and gluttonous. This is because they are controlled by their animal souls. Humans, on the other hand, are unique in that they have the potential to rise above their animal nature and become more angelic. This is because we have both an animal soul and an intellect. Our intellect gives us the ability to choose between the good and the bad. If we allow our intellect to guide us, we can become like angels. However, if we follow our animal soul, we will become more like animals. This is why the Quran refers to some people as being “more astray than the cattle” (7:179; 25:43-44). These are people who have allowed their animal instincts to control them.
Prophet Ibrahim’s Affirmation of God as the Ultimate Healer
In verse (26:80), Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is mentioned in the context of Shifa (healing) in the Quran.
When I am unwell, He grants me recovery
Holy Quran 26:80
In verse 26:80, Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) acknowledges God as the ultimate healer of both body and soul. He recognized that while medicine and doctors may serve as intermediaries, the true source of healing lies with God, who has created remedies for every ailment except death.
This verse highlights the profound connection between God and the healing power of nature. Prophet Ibrahim understood that the essence of every medicine, whether it comes from plants, minerals, or other sources, ultimately originates from God. Just as the soul of a precious stone transforms a small quantity of rock into a radiant gem, the soul of medicine possesses the transformative power to restore health and well-being.
This concept extends beyond physical ailments to encompass spiritual healing as well. God’s healing power can mend wounded hearts, soothe troubled minds, and awaken the soul to its true potential. Just as physical medicine restores balance to the body, God’s healing touch restores harmony to the spirit, fostering inner peace and spiritual enlightenment.
Conclusion
The Quran is a divine source of healing that offers guidance, comfort, and spiritual nourishment for individuals seeking well-being. Its wisdom provides a holistic approach to health, encompassing both the physical and spiritual dimensions of human existence. Shifa (Healing) in the Quran extends beyond mere symptom relief; it aims to transform the individual from within, cultivating inner peace, contentment, and a close connection with God. Through its profound teachings, the Quran serves as a spiritual doctor, gently diagnosing the ailments of the soul and providing the necessary remedies for complete healing. Whether navigating physical maladies or seeking spiritual solace, the Quran’s timeless message remains a beacon of hope and a source of enduring comfort for all who seek genuine healing.