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عَلَيْكُمْ بِالشِّفَاءَيْنِ: العَسَلِ وَالقُرْآنِ

“Hold fast to the two sources of healing: honey and the Qur'an.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Ibn Majah 3452 Hasan

A man told the Prophet ﷺ his brother had a stomach complaint. He was told to give him honey — three times, until on the fourth the man recovered. (Sahih al-Bukhari 5684; Sahih Muslim 2217)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim describes honey as cleansing for the blood vessels and intestines, useful both as food and applied externally to wounds, and especially suited to those with a cold, phlegmatic constitution.

Caution

Not a substitute for insulin management in diabetes; consult a physician before using honey therapeutically, especially for infants under one year (botulism risk).

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إِنَّ فِي الْحَبَّةِ السَّوْدَاءِ شِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ إِلَّا السَّامَ، وَالسَّامُ الْمَوْتُ

“In the black seed there is healing for every illness except death itself.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5688; Sahih Muslim 2215 Sahih

A companion recovering from illness was advised to crush five or seven seeds and apply the oil into each nostril, citing this same hadith from 'A'ishah (Sahih al-Bukhari 5687).

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim reads the phrase as similar to Qur'anic hyperbole ('destroying everything' meaning everything destructible) — i.e. a cure for every illness that is, by its nature, treatable. He lists over ten preparations depending on the ailment: with honey and warm water for stone-related complaints, applied to the navel for intestinal worms, or its smoke used to repel insects.

Caution

Excessive raw consumption can irritate the throat; introduce gradually and avoid large doses during pregnancy without medical guidance.

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مَنْ تَصَبَّحَ بِسَبْعِ تَمَرَاتٍ عَجْوَةً لَمْ يَضُرَّهُ ذَلِكَ الْيَوْمَ سُمٌّ وَلَا سِحْرٌ

“Whoever eats seven Ajwa dates in the morning will not be harmed that day by poison or sorcery.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5768–5769 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Classical commentators read this protective effect as specific to Madinan Ajwa of the Prophet's era; later scholars differ on whether it extends to other date varieties or requires the specific soil and cultivar. Dates more broadly are noted throughout the hadith corpus as the food the Prophet ﷺ broke his fast with.

Caution

High in natural sugars — those managing blood sugar should account for portion size.

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التَّلْبِينَةُ مُجِمَّةٌ لِفُؤَادِ الْمَرِيضِ، تَذْهَبُ بِبَعْضِ الْحُزْنِ

“Talbina soothes the heart of the sick person and eases a measure of grief.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5417; Sahih Muslim 2216 Sahih

'A'ishah would prepare it for mourning households and remark that patients often disliked its taste despite its benefit.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim classifies talbina as easily digested and gently nourishing — well suited to a weakened stomach or a grieving household where appetite has failed, functioning as both physical and emotional comfort food.

Caution

Contains gluten; not suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

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الشِّفَاءُ فِي ثَلَاثَةٍ: شَرْطَةِ مِحْجَمٍ، أَوْ شَرْبَةِ عَسَلٍ، أَوْ كَيَّةٍ بِنَارٍ، وَأَنْهَى أُمَّتِي عَنِ الْكَيِّ

“Healing is found in three things: a cupping incision, a draught of honey, or cauterization by fire — though I discourage my community from cauterization.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5680–5681 Sahih

The Prophet ﷺ was reported to have been cupped both while fasting and while in the state of ihram during pilgrimage.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim discusses cupping within the humoral framework of releasing 'corrupted blood,' recommending it particularly in the second half of the lunar month and in warm climates when the blood is thought most active.

Caution

Only perform with a trained, hygienic practitioner using sterile single-use equipment; not a replacement for treatment of underlying blood or cardiovascular conditions.

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مَاءُ زَمْزَمَ لِمَا شُرِبَ لَهُ

“Zamzam water serves the purpose for which it is drunk.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Ibn Majah 3062 Reports vary between Hasan and weaker chains; widely accepted in practice

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim recounts his own use of Zamzam water when unwell, describing recovery he attributed in part to sincere intention alongside the water's recognized physical properties as a mineral-rich spring source.

Caution

Not a substitute for medical treatment of diagnosed conditions.

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اغْسِلْنَهَا بِمَاءٍ وَسِدْرٍ

“Wash her [the deceased] with water and sidr.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 1253 Sahih

Sidr-water washes are also mentioned in instructions for the major ritual bath (ghusl) after specific conditions.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim notes sidr's cleansing, mildly astringent quality, useful for oily or irritated skin and scalp conditions, and its pleasant residual scent.

Caution

Patch-test before wider topical use; can dry sensitive skin with repeated use.

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عَلَيْكُمْ بِالْإِثْمِدِ عِنْدَ النَّوْمِ، فَإِنَّهُ يَجْلُو الْبَصَرَ وَيُنْبِتُ الشَّعْرَ

“Use ithmid kohl before sleeping, for it sharpens the eyesight and helps the lashes grow.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Ibn Majah 3497; Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1757 Hasan Gharib (graded good but singularly narrated)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim describes ithmid as drying and cleansing to the eye, best applied at night when the eye is at rest.

Caution

Modern lead- or antimony-based kohl sold in some markets carries heavy-metal toxicity risk, especially for children — use only cosmetic-grade, heavy-metal-tested products, and consult an ophthalmologist for any eye condition.

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نِعْمَ الْأُدُمُ الْخَلُّ

“What an excellent condiment vinegar is.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih Muslim 2051 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim recommends vinegar to counter honey's warming effect for those with a bilious temperament, and as a base for oxymel (sakanjabeen) — honey, vinegar, and water — to settle the stomach after rich or date-heavy meals.

Caution

Undiluted vinegar can erode tooth enamel and irritate the esophagus; always dilute before drinking.

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فَجَعَلْتُ أَتَتَبَّعُ الدُّبَّاءَ فَأُلْقِيهِ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ

“I began picking out the pieces of gourd [from the stew] and placing them in front of him, [having noticed he liked it].” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5433; Sahih Muslim 2041 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim notes gourd as cooling and moistening, gentle on a weak digestion, and a useful food to reintroduce after illness.

Caution

None significant; a generally well-tolerated food.

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عَلَيْكُمْ بِالسَّنَا وَالسَّنُّوتِ فَإِنَّ فِيهِمَا شِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ إِلَّا السَّامَ

“Make use of senna and sanoot, for in them is healing for every ailment except death.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Ibn Majah 3457 Da'if (weak chain; cited by classical physicians more for its established herbal use than hadith authenticity)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim and later commentators discuss senna primarily as an effective, gentle purgative — a herbal practice broadly attested outside this specific narration as well.

Caution

Not for prolonged use; can cause cramping, dependency, or electrolyte imbalance with overuse. Avoid in pregnancy without medical advice.

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عَلَيْكُمْ بِهَذَا الْعُودِ الْهِنْدِيِّ فَإِنَّ فِيهِ سَبْعَةَ أَشْفِيَةٍ، يُسْعَطُ بِهِ مِنَ الْعُذْرَةِ، وَيُلَدُّ بِهِ مِنْ ذَاتِ الْجَنْبِ

“Use this Indian wood [costus], for it holds healing for seven ailments — sniffed for throat inflammation and given at the side of the mouth for pleurisy.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5692; Sahih Muslim 2214 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim lists costus among warming remedies for the chest and respiratory tract, used as a nasal preparation or mixed into oil.

Caution

Use only food/cosmetic-grade costus; concentrated essential oil preparations can irritate mucous membranes.

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الْحُمَّى مِنْ فَيْحِ جَهَنَّمَ فَأَبْرِدُوهَا بِالْمَاءِ

“Fever is from the heat of Hell, so cool it down with water.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 3263; Sahih Muslim 2209 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim explains this as cooling by cold water applied externally (poured or as a compress) rather than necessarily drinking large volumes, aimed at balancing the excess internal heat associated with fever.

Caution

For fevers above 39.4°C (103°F), fevers in infants under three months, or fever with severe symptoms (stiff neck, confusion, difficulty breathing, rash), seek emergency medical care rather than relying on home cooling alone.

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كُلُوا الزَّيْتَ وَادَّهِنُوا بِهِ، فَإِنَّهُ مِنْ شَجَرَةٍ مُبَارَكَةٍ

“Eat olive oil and rub it on your skin, for it comes from a blessed tree.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1851; Sunan Ibn Majah 3319 Sahih (graded authentic by al-Albani)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim notes olive oil as warming and softening, beneficial for joints and skin when massaged in, and slow to spoil compared to other oils of the era.

Caution

Topical use can trigger reactions in those with a nut/plant-oil allergy — patch test first.

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مَنْ أَطْعَمَهُ اللَّهُ طَعَامًا فَلْيَقُلْ: اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيهِ وَأَطْعِمْنَا خَيْرًا مِنْهُ، وَمَنْ سَقَاهُ اللَّهُ لَبَنًا فَلْيَقُلْ: اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيهِ وَزِدْنَا مِنْهُ

“Whoever is fed food by Allah should say, 'O Allah, bless it for us and feed us better than it'; and whoever is given milk to drink should say, 'O Allah, bless it for us and increase us from it.'” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3455; Sunan Abi Dawud 3730 Sahih

The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have said nothing suffices as both food and drink except milk (Sunan Abi Dawud 3730).

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim classifies milk as uniquely complete nourishment, gentle on digestion when fresh, and recommends warming it slightly for those with a weak stomach.

Caution

Not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy.

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لَوْ قُلْتُ إِنَّ فَاكِهَةً نَزَلَتْ مِنَ الْجَنَّةِ لَقُلْتُ هَذِهِ، لِأَنَّ فَاكِهَةَ الْجَنَّةِ بِلَا عَجَمٍ، فَكُلُوهَا فَإِنَّهَا تَقْطَعُ الْبَوَاسِيرَ وَتَنْفَعُ مِنَ النِّقْرِسِ

“If any fruit could be said to have descended from Paradise, it would be the fig, since paradise's fruit is seedless — eat it, for it helps with hemorrhoids and gout.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Cited by al-Suyuti in al-Durr al-Manthur; widely reported but weakly attested chain Da'if (weak chain — included for its cultural prominence in the genre, not as authenticated Prophetic instruction)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Even where the specific narration is weak, commentators including Ibn al-Qayyim discuss figs favorably within Galenic medicine as moistening and mildly laxative.

Caution

High natural sugar content; portion awareness for those managing blood sugar.

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مَا مِنْ رُمَّانَةٍ إِلَّا وَفِيهَا حَبَّةٌ مِنْ جَنَّةِ الْفِرْدَوْسِ

“There is no pomegranate that does not contain a seed from the pomegranates of Paradise.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Cited in Musnad al-Firdaws; weakly attested Da'if (weak chain — included for cultural/historical context)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim discusses pomegranate (sweet and sour varieties) within humoral medicine as beneficial for the heart, liver, and stomach depending on variety and ripeness.

Caution

Sour/tart varieties may aggravate acid reflux in sensitive individuals.

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وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ أَنَّهَا رُقْيَةٌ

“And what made you know that it [al-Fatiha] could serve as ruqyah?” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5749; Sahih Muslim 2201 Sahih

The full narration describes a companion reciting al-Fatiha over a tribal chief bitten by a scorpion, who recovered; the Prophet ﷺ approved of the practice and the wage received for it.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim treats ruqyah as a recognized category of Prophetic treatment provided it uses Qur'an, authentic supplication, or comprehensible Arabic — free from ambiguous incantations or anything resembling shirk.

Caution

Ruqyah is a spiritual practice alongside, not a substitute for, medical treatment of diagnosed conditions, especially envenomation, which requires urgent medical care.

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وَيُسْقَوْنَ فِيهَا كَأْسًا كَانَ مِزَاجُهَا زَنجَبِيلًا

“They will be given a cup there flavored with ginger. (Qur'an 76:17)” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Qur'an, Surah al-Insan 76:17 Qur'anic verse (not a hadith)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim classifies ginger as warming and drying, useful for a cold, sluggish digestion and for settling nausea — consistent with its continued use in traditional and modern herbal medicine alike.

Caution

Large doses may interact with blood-thinning medication; consult a doctor if on anticoagulants.

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سَيِّدُ إِدَامِكُمُ الْمِلْحُ

“The chief of your condiments is salt.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Cited by al-Bayhaqi in Shu'ab al-Iman; weakly attested chain Da'if (weak chain — included for its established place in the commentary tradition)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim discusses salt as an essential seasoning that aids digestion in appropriate quantity, while also warning against excess.

Caution

Excess dietary salt is linked to high blood pressure — those with hypertension or kidney disease should moderate intake and consult a doctor.

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مَا مِنْ دَاءٍ إِلَّا وَالْحِنَّاءُ لَهُ دَوَاءٌ

“There is scarcely an ailment for which henna does not offer some remedy.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Cited by al-Dhahabi in al-Tibb al-Nabawi; weakly attested chain Da'if (weak chain — included for its established place in the commentary tradition)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim and al-Dhahabi both describe henna's cooling, astringent quality — traditionally applied to minor burns, cracked skin, and as a hair conditioner and dye.

Caution

Only use pure, natural henna — 'black henna' products containing PPD dye can cause severe allergic skin reactions.

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صُومُوا تَصِحُّوا

“Fast, and you will become healthy.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Widely quoted; graded weak by most hadith scholars including al-Iraqi and al-Albani Da'if (weak chain — the underlying practice of fasting is nonetheless firmly established in Qur'an and authentic hadith)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim discusses periodic fasting as giving the digestive organs rest, likening it to how rest benefits any organ subject to continuous work.

Caution

Those with diabetes, eating disorders, during pregnancy/breastfeeding, or with other medical conditions should consult a doctor before extended fasting.

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نِعْمَ الْبَقْلَةُ الْهِنْدِبَاءُ

“What an excellent vegetable chicory is.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Cited by al-Dhahabi in al-Tibb al-Nabawi; weakly attested chain Da'if (weak chain — included for its established place in the commentary tradition)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim classifies chicory as cooling and mildly cleansing for the liver and digestive tract.

Caution

Those on blood-thinning medication should be mindful of chicory's vitamin K content.

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انْطَلِقُوا إِلَى إِبِلِ الصَّدَقَةِ فَاشْرَبُوا مِنْ أَلْبَانِهَا وَأَبْوَالِهَا

“Go to the herd [of charity camels] and drink from their milk and their urine.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 233; Sahih Muslim 1671 Sahih

The fuller narration describes the group as visitors unwell with the climate of Madinah, who recovered at the herd but then killed the shepherd and stole the camels — for which they were punished.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Scholars discuss this narration primarily as a specific historical medical directive tied to that group's condition and era, rather than a general standing recommendation; contemporary fatwa councils differ on whether it establishes a general permissibility for camel urine as treatment today, and it is included here for completeness of the source text rather than as practical guidance.

Caution

Not recommended as a modern home remedy; camel urine carries documented pathogen and MERS-CoV transmission risk. Camel milk itself is a widely consumed, generally safe dairy product.

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غَطُّوا الْإِنَاءَ، وَأَوْكُوا السِّقَاءَ، فَإِنَّ فِي السَّنَةِ لَيْلَةً يَنْزِلُ فِيهَا وَبَاءٌ لَا يَمُرُّ بِإِنَاءٍ لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ غِطَاءٌ ... إِلَّا وَقَعَ فِيهِ مِنْ ذَلِكَ الْوَبَاءِ

“Cover your vessels and tie your waterskins, for there is a night each year when an epidemic descends, and it settles into any uncovered vessel it passes.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih Muslim 2014 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Commentators note this as an early articulation of basic food-safety and disease-prevention hygiene, regardless of how the specific 'night' is understood.

Caution

None — a straightforward hygiene practice consistent with modern food safety guidance.

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كَانَ فِرَاشُ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ﷺ مِنْ أَدَمٍ وَحَشْوُهُ مِنْ لِيفٍ ... وَكَانَ طَعَامُهُمُ الشَّعِيرَ

“The household's staple food was barley bread, described repeatedly across narrations about the Prophet's ﷺ simple household diet.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 6459 and related narrations Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim discusses barley as cooler and lighter than wheat, well suited to fevers and convalescence, and the basis of talbina broth.

Caution

Contains gluten; unsuitable for celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

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لَوْلَا أَنْ أَشُقَّ عَلَى أُمَّتِي لَأَمَرْتُهُمْ بِالسِّوَاكِ عِنْدَ كُلِّ صَلَاةٍ

“Were it not that it would be difficult for my community, I would have commanded them to use the tooth-stick before every prayer.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 887; Sahih Muslim 252 Sahih

'A'ishah reported he would begin with the miswak on entering his home, and would clean his mouth with it on waking at night (Sahih Muslim; Sunan an-Nasa'i).

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim and later dental researchers alike note the arak twig's natural antibacterial compounds; the practice is now studied as an early precedent for regular mechanical tooth-cleaning.

Caution

Use a fresh-cut stick and replace it regularly; modern toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste remains the dentist-recommended standard for cavity prevention.

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إِذَا سَمِعْتُمْ بِهِ بِأَرْضٍ فَلَا تَقْدَمُوا عَلَيْهِ، وَإِذَا وَقَعَ بِأَرْضٍ وَأَنْتُمْ بِهَا فَلَا تَخْرُجُوا فِرَارًا مِنْهُ

“If you hear of it [the plague] in a land, do not go to it; and if it breaks out in a land you are already in, do not leave fleeing from it.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5728–5730; Sahih Muslim 2218 Sahih

Reported during Caliph 'Umar's journey to Syria, when he turned back on hearing of an outbreak there after consulting the companions on this hadith.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Classical and modern commentators alike read this as an early articulation of movement restriction to contain contagion — staying put rather than either advancing into or fleeing an outbreak zone.

Caution

Follow current public-health authority guidance during any real outbreak; this is a historical principle, not a substitute for official epidemic response.

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مَا مَلَأَ آدَمِيٌّ وِعَاءً شَرًّا مِنْ بَطْنٍ، بِحَسْبِ ابْنِ آدَمَ أُكُلَاتٌ يُقِمْنَ صُلْبَهُ، فَإِنْ كَانَ لَا مَحَالَةَ فَثُلُثٌ لِطَعَامِهِ، وَثُلُثٌ لِشَرَابِهِ، وَثُلُثٌ لِنَفَسِهِ

“No vessel is filled worse than the stomach. A few mouthfuls are enough to keep a person upright; if more is unavoidable, a third for food, a third for drink, and a third for breath.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2380; Sunan Ibn Majah 3349 Hasan Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim treats this as the single most important dietary principle in the corpus — overfilling the stomach was, in his Galenic framework, the root cause of most digestive and humoral imbalance.

Caution

Not intended as guidance for those managing eating disorders, who should follow individualized advice from a treating clinician rather than portion rules.

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خَمْسٌ مِنَ الْفِطْرَةِ: الْخِتَانُ، وَالِاسْتِحْدَادُ، وَقَصُّ الشَّارِبِ، وَتَقْلِيمُ الْأَظْفَارِ، وَنَتْفُ الْإِبِطِ

“Five things are part of natural disposition: circumcision, shaving pubic hair, trimming the mustache, clipping the nails, and plucking the underarm hair.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5891; Sahih Muslim 257 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Classical physicians grouped these under general bodily hygiene — reducing sites where bacteria and odor accumulate, well before germ theory offered a mechanism.

Caution

None significant; standard personal grooming.

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الْكَمْأَةُ مِنَ الْمَنِّ، وَمَاؤُهَا شِفَاءٌ لِلْعَيْنِ

“Truffles are of the manna [given to the Israelites], and their water is a healing for the eye.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5708; Sahih Muslim 2049 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim discusses truffle liquid mixed with kohl as an eye treatment, while noting scholars differ on whether the benefit applies broadly or was specific to the truffle varieties known in Hijaz.

Caution

Do not apply unknown plant extracts directly to the eye; consult an ophthalmologist for any eye complaint.

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مَثَلُ الْمُؤْمِنِ الَّذِي يَقْرَأُ الْقُرْآنَ كَمَثَلِ الْأُتْرُجَّةِ، رِيحُهَا طَيِّبٌ وَطَعْمُهَا طَيِّبٌ

“The believer who recites the Qur'an is like a citron: its scent is pleasant and its taste is pleasant.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5427; Sahih Muslim 797 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

While this hadith is a spiritual simile rather than a medical instruction, Ibn al-Qayyim discusses citron separately in his medical chapters as beneficial for the heart, digestion, and as a moth-repellent for stored clothing.

Caution

Citrus peel/rind preparations can interact with certain medications — check with a pharmacist if on regular prescriptions.

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فِرَّ مِنَ الْمَجْذُومِ كَمَا تَفِرُّ مِنَ الْأَسَدِ

“Flee from the leper as you would flee from a lion.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5707 Sahih

Elsewhere the Prophet ﷺ is reported to have taken a leprous man's hand and eaten with him, which scholars read as demonstrating that the general precaution does not require ostracizing or humiliating the afflicted person.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Classical commentators reconcile this with hadith negating 'contagion' by reading both as true: transmission occurs only by Allah's decree, and He has ordinarily made prevention part of that decree — so avoiding exposure is both prudent and theologically consistent.

Caution

Modern leprosy (Hansen's disease) is treatable with multidrug therapy and is only mildly contagious after prolonged close contact — consult current WHO/medical guidance rather than historical practice for actual cases.

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رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَأْكُلُ الْقِثَّاءَ بِالرُّطَبِ

“I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ eating fresh cucumber together with fresh dates.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Abi Dawud 3835; Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1844 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim explains the pairing within humoral theory: cucumber's cooling, moistening nature is thought to offset the date's warming sweetness, easing digestion of both.

Caution

None significant for most people.

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كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَأْكُلُ الْبِطِّيخَ بِالرُّطَبِ

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to eat watermelon together with fresh dates.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Abi Dawud 3836; Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1843 Grading disputed — some chains graded weak, cited widely in the commentary tradition regardless

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

As with cucumber and dates, Ibn al-Qayyim explains the appeal of pairing a cooling, water-rich fruit with a dense, warming one.

Caution

High combined sugar content — portion awareness for those managing blood sugar.

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كَانَ يُنْبَذُ لِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فِي أَوَّلِ اللَّيْلِ، فَيَشْرَبُهُ إِذَا أَصْبَحَ يَوْمَهُ ذَلِكَ وَاللَّيْلَةَ الَّتِي تَجِيءُ وَالْغَدَ وَاللَّيْلَةَ الْأُخْرَى وَالْغَدَ إِلَى الْعَصْرِ، فَإِنْ بَقِيَ شَيْءٌ سَقَاهُ الْخَادِمَ أَوْ أَمَرَ بِهِ فَصُبَّ

“A drink would be prepared for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ by soaking [dates or raisins] at the start of the night; he would drink it that day, the following night, and the next day until 'Asr — whatever remained after that was given away or poured out.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih Muslim 2004 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim highlights the strict timeframe as intentional: discarding the drink before natural fermentation could turn it intoxicating — an early, practical distinction between a fruit-infused drink and alcohol, which remains categorically prohibited regardless of source.

Caution

Must be discarded well before any fermentation begins; do not attempt to extend soaking time, as a fermented, intoxicating result is impermissible and unsafe to treat as a home remedy.

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إِذَا أَتَيْتَ مَضْجَعَكَ فَتَوَضَّأْ وُضُوءَكَ لِلصَّلَاةِ، ثُمَّ اضْطَجِعْ عَلَى شِقِّكَ الْأَيْمَنِ

“When you go to your bed, perform ablution as you would for prayer, then lie down on your right side.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 247; Sahih Muslim 2710 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim notes physicians of his era already associated right-side sleeping with easier digestion, since it was thought to position the stomach favorably relative to the liver.

Caution

Those with specific cardiac or respiratory conditions should follow their doctor's sleep-position guidance, which may differ based on individual diagnosis.

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إِذَا تَوَضَّأَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيَجْعَلْ فِي أَنْفِهِ مَاءً، ثُمَّ لِيَنْتَثِرْ

“When one of you performs ablution, let him draw water into his nose and then expel it.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 162; Sahih Muslim 237 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Commentators note the practical hygiene value of regularly clearing the nasal passage, a practice modern otolaryngology recognizes in saline nasal irrigation.

Caution

Use clean or previously-boiled/sterile water for nasal rinsing to avoid rare but serious waterborne infections.

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الشِّفَاءُ فِي ثَلَاثَةٍ: شَرْطَةِ مِحْجَمٍ، أَوْ شَرْبَةِ عَسَلٍ، أَوْ كَيَّةٍ بِنَارٍ، وَأَنْهَى أُمَّتِي عَنِ الْكَيِّ

“Healing is found in three things: a cupping incision, a draught of honey, or cauterization by fire — though I discourage my community from cauterization.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5680–5681 Sahih

In another narration the Prophet ﷺ is reported to have said he disliked cauterization and did not like to use it (Sahih al-Bukhari 5725).

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim reads this as permission without endorsement — cauterization remained a recognized last-resort option in classical medicine, but a discouraged one given its pain and risk of harm, to be used only once safer options were exhausted.

Caution

Cauterization/branding is not a home remedy; any burn-based treatment carries serious infection and scarring risk and should never be self-administered.

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تَدَاوَوْا، فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمْ يَضَعْ دَاءً إِلَّا وَضَعَ لَهُ شِفَاءً، غَيْرَ دَاءٍ وَاحِدٍ: الْهَرَمُ

“Seek treatment, for Allah has not created a disease without also creating a cure for it — except one: old age.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Abi Dawud 3855; Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2038 Hasan Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Scholars including Ibn al-Qayyim cite this as the doctrinal basis for treating medicine and scientific inquiry into disease as religiously encouraged, not fatalistically avoided.

Caution

General principle, not a specific treatment — always pair with the specific medical guidance appropriate to the condition.

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أَذْهِبِ الْبَأْسَ رَبَّ النَّاسِ، اشْفِ أَنْتَ الشَّافِي، لَا شِفَاءَ إِلَّا شِفَاؤُكَ، شِفَاءً لَا يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا

“Remove the affliction, Lord of humankind, grant healing, for You are the Healer; there is no healing but Yours — a healing that leaves no illness behind.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5675; Sahih Muslim 2191 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim frames supplication as one of three integrated elements of Prophetic treatment alongside physical remedy and professional skill — not a replacement for either, but accompanying both.

Caution

A spiritual practice alongside, not instead of, appropriate medical care.

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إِذَا أَوَيْتَ إِلَى فِرَاشِكَ فَاقْرَأْ آيَةَ الْكُرْسِيِّ ... لَنْ يَزَالَ عَلَيْكَ مِنَ اللَّهِ حَافِظٌ، وَلَا يَقْرَبُكَ شَيْطَانٌ حَتَّى تُصْبِحَ

“When you lie down to sleep, recite the Throne Verse... a protector from Allah will remain with you, and no devil will approach you until morning.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 2311 Sahih

Narrated by Abu Hurairah as advice given to him directly by a nightly visitor he had caught stealing from the charity stores, later confirmed by the Prophet ﷺ as truthful despite being 'a devil.'

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim discusses recitation before sleep as part of a broader nightly spiritual routine, alongside physical practices like ablution and right-side sleeping.

Caution

A spiritual practice, not a treatment for diagnosed sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea, which warrant medical evaluation.

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كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا أَوَى إِلَى فِرَاشِهِ كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ جَمَعَ كَفَّيْهِ، ثُمَّ نَفَثَ فِيهِمَا فَقَرَأَ فِيهِمَا: قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ، وَقُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ، وَقُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ، ثُمَّ يَمْسَحُ بِهِمَا مَا اسْتَطَاعَ مِنْ جَسَدِهِ

“Each night before sleeping, the Prophet ﷺ would cup his hands, breathe into them while reciting Surahs al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, and an-Nas, then wipe over as much of his body as he could reach.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5017 Sahih

'A'ishah reported doing the same for him during his final illness, wiping with his own hand for its greater blessing.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim treats this alongside other ruqyah practices as legitimate spiritual treatment, provided it uses only Qur'an and comprehensible, permissible supplication.

Caution

A spiritual practice alongside, not instead of, medical treatment for any diagnosed condition.

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إِنَّ الْأَبْرَارَ يَشْرَبُونَ مِنْ كَأْسٍ كَانَ مِزَاجُهَا كَافُورًا

“Indeed the righteous will drink from a cup mixed with camphor. (Qur'an 76:5)” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Qur'an, Surah al-Insan 76:5 Qur'anic verse (not a hadith)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim classifies camphor as strongly cooling, useful in classical medicine for reducing fever-related heat, though he cautions it is far more potent than foods like ginger and must be used sparingly.

Caution

Camphor is toxic in even modest oral doses and unsafe for children — modern use should be limited to well-diluted, externally-applied cosmetic products only, never ingested.

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كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يُفْطِرُ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ عَلَى رُطَبَاتٍ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ رُطَبَاتٌ فَتُمَيْرَاتٍ، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ حَسَا حَسَوَاتٍ مِنْ مَاءٍ

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would break his fast before praying with fresh dates; if none were available, dried dates; if neither, a few sips of water.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Abi Dawud 2356; Sunan al-Tirmidhi 696 Hasan Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim explains dates' quick-digesting sugars as well suited to restoring blood glucose gently after a day's fast, easing the stomach back into digestion before a full meal — broadly consistent with contemporary advice on fast-breaking.

Caution

Those with diabetes should be mindful of the sugar content and coordinate fast-breaking timing and food choice with their doctor.

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دَعَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِسَوِيقٍ فَلُتَّ، فَشَرِبَ وَشَرِبْنَا، ثُمَّ قَامَ إِلَى الْمَغْرِبِ فَمَضْمَضَ وَتَمَضْمَضْنَا، ثُمَّ صَلَّى وَلَمْ يَتَوَضَّأْ

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ called for sawiq, which was mixed and drunk by him and those with him; he then rinsed his mouth for the sunset prayer without performing a fresh ablution.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5390 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim notes sawiq's convenience as a portable, easily digested travel food — a precursor to the general category of roasted-grain drinks still consumed across the region today.

Caution

Contains gluten if made from wheat or barley; unsuitable for celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

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مَنْ كَانَ لَهُ شَعْرٌ فَلْيُكْرِمْهُ

“Whoever has hair should take care of it [with oil and grooming].” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Abi Dawud 4163 Hasan

A man came before the Prophet ﷺ with disheveled hair and he gestured that he should go and fix it (Muwatta Malik).

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim discusses hair oils as protecting against dryness and brittleness, within the same category as olive oil's benefit for skin.

Caution

Choose oils appropriate to hair/scalp type; heavy oiling can aggravate certain scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis — a dermatologist can advise if irritation occurs.

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غُسْلُ الْجُمُعَةِ وَاجِبٌ عَلَى كُلِّ مُحْتَلِمٍ

“Friday's ritual bath is obligatory upon every adult.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 858; Sahih Muslim 846 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Commentators note the practical hygiene benefit of a guaranteed weekly full wash in a society without daily home bathing infrastructure — alongside its ritual purpose.

Caution

None; a standard hygiene practice.

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نَهَى أَنْ يُتَنَفَّسَ فِي الْإِنَاءِ أَوْ يُنْفَخَ فِيهِ

“He forbade breathing into a vessel [while drinking] or blowing into it.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Abi Dawud 3728; Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1888 Hasan

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Commentators read this straightforwardly as hygiene — avoiding the transfer of saliva and breath-borne particles into shared food and drink, a principle modern food safety fully endorses.

Caution

None; consistent with modern food-safety guidance.

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إِذَا اسْتَيْقَظَ أَحَدُكُمْ مِنْ نَوْمِهِ فَلْيَغْسِلْ يَدَيْهِ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُدْخِلَهُمَا فِي الْإِنَاءِ، فَإِنَّ أَحَدَكُمْ لَا يَدْرِي أَيْنَ بَاتَتْ يَدُهُ

“When one of you wakes from sleep, let him wash his hands before putting them into a vessel, for none of you knows where his hand spent the night.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 162; Sahih Muslim 278 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

A directly hygienic instruction, cited by modern commentators as a striking early parallel to handwashing protocols in contemporary infection control.

Caution

None; consistent with modern hygiene guidance — wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

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كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَتَنَفَّسُ فِي الشَّرَابِ ثَلَاثًا

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would take three breaths [pauses] while drinking.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5631; Sahih Muslim 2028 Sahih

He is reported to have said this was more thirst-quenching, more wholesome, and easier on the body (Sahih Muslim 2028).

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim connects this to broader digestive advice against consuming anything, food or drink, too quickly for the stomach to process comfortably.

Caution

None significant.

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لَا آكُلُ مُتَّكِئًا

“I do not eat while reclining.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5398 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Beyond its social/humility dimension, commentators note upright posture is generally considered better for digestion and for reducing acid reflux than eating lying down.

Caution

Those with reflux or swallowing difficulties should follow their doctor's specific posture guidance.

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يَا غُلَامُ، سَمِّ اللَّهَ، وَكُلْ بِيَمِينِكَ، وَكُلْ مِمَّا يَلِيكَ

“My boy, say Allah's name, eat with your right hand, and eat from what is nearest to you.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5376; Sahih Muslim 2022 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Commentators note the practical hygiene logic of the 'eat from what is nearest' instruction on a shared dish, alongside its etiquette dimension — reducing repeated reaching across a communal plate.

Caution

None; a straightforward etiquette and hygiene guideline.

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لَوْ يَعْلَمُ النَّاسُ مَا فِي الْحُلْبَةِ لَاشْتَرَوْهَا وَلَوْ بِوَزْنِهَا ذَهَبًا

“If people knew what benefit is in fenugreek, they would purchase it even at its weight in gold.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Cited in later Prophetic-medicine compilations; weakly attested chain Da'if (weak chain — included for its established place in the commentary tradition and continued herbal use)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Later commentators discuss fenugreek as warming and beneficial for digestion and postnatal recovery, consistent with its continued traditional and modern herbal use.

Caution

Fenugreek can affect blood sugar and has uterine-stimulant properties — avoid during pregnancy without medical guidance, and use caution alongside diabetes medication.

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مَنْ أُهْدِيَ إِلَيْهِ رَيْحَانٌ فَلَا يَرُدَّهُ

“Whoever is offered a fragrant plant [as a gift] should not refuse it.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih Muslim 2253 (general principle re: fragrant plants, of which myrtle is one classical example discussed by later commentators) Sahih (general hadith); myrtle's specific medicinal application is discussed in later, weaker-attested commentary literature

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Al-Dhahabi and later writers describe myrtle as cooling and mildly antiseptic, historically used in washes for minor skin irritation and as a hair rinse.

Caution

Patch-test before topical use; myrtle essential oil is potent and should always be diluted.

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لَا يُورِدَنَّ مُمْرِضٌ عَلَى مُصِحٍّ

“The owner of diseased [camels] should not bring them to graze among healthy ones.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5771; Sahih Muslim 2221 Sahih

Given in the same discussion as 'There is no 'adha [contagion occurring independently of Allah's decree]' — scholars read the two together as affirming both divine causation and the wisdom of ordinary precaution.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim treats this as consistent, not contradictory, with hadith negating independent contagion: precaution is itself part of how Allah's decree ordinarily operates.

Caution

For actual livestock or public-health biosecurity concerns, follow current veterinary and health authority guidance.

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كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا عَطَسَ وَضَعَ يَدَهُ أَوْ ثَوْبَهُ عَلَى فِيهِ، وَغَضَّ بِهَا صَوْتَهُ

“When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ sneezed, he would place his hand or garment over his mouth and lower his voice with it.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Abi Dawud 5029; Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2745 Hasan

The well-known verbal exchange — saying 'al-hamdu lillah' and receiving 'yarhamuk Allah' in reply — is separately recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari 6224.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Commentators note the direct respiratory-hygiene value of covering the mouth, alongside the social and spiritual dimension of the reply exchange.

Caution

Modern guidance recommends sneezing into the elbow or a tissue rather than a bare hand, to reduce surface contamination — consistent with the underlying principle here.

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إِذَا تَثَاءَبَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيُمْسِكْ بِيَدِهِ عَلَى فِيهِ

“When one of you yawns, let him place his hand over his mouth.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih Muslim 2995 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Paired in the same hadith with a description of yawning as undesirable and best restrained where possible — commentators note the shared hygiene logic with sneezing etiquette.

Caution

None; a straightforward, low-cost hygiene habit.

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ضَعْ يَدَكَ عَلَى الَّذِي تَأَلَّمَ مِنْ جَسَدِكَ، وَقُلْ: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (ثَلَاثًا)، وَقُلْ سَبْعَ مَرَّاتٍ: أَعُوذُ بِعِزَّةِ اللَّهِ وَقُدْرَتِهِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا أَجِدُ وَأُحَاذِرُ

“Place your hand on the part of your body where you feel pain and say 'Bismillah' three times, then say seven times: 'I seek refuge in Allah's might and power from the evil of what I feel and what I guard against.'” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih Muslim 2202 Sahih

Narrated by Uthman ibn Abi al-'As, who complained to the Prophet ﷺ of a pain he had felt in his body since embracing Islam; the Prophet ﷺ taught him this formula in response.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim discusses this hadith as an example of Prophetic ruqyah that pairs a physical act (the hand on the affected spot) with verbal dhikr — treating pain as something addressed at both the bodily and spiritual level simultaneously.

Caution

A supplication, not a diagnostic tool — persistent or severe pain still warrants proper medical evaluation.

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بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، تُرْبَةُ أَرْضِنَا، بِرِيقَةِ بَعْضِنَا، يُشْفَى سَقِيمُنَا، بِإِذْنِ رَبِّنَا

“In the name of Allah: the dust of our earth, with the saliva of one of us, by which our sick one is healed, by our Lord's permission.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5745; Sahih Muslim 2194 Sahih

Reported that the Prophet ﷺ would moisten a finger with saliva, touch it to the ground, then apply it to the affected spot while reciting this formula.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim places this within his broader treatment of legitimate Prophetic ruqyah — a category he's careful to distinguish from folk charms, precisely because it pairs a real physical means with words attributing the actual cure to Allah alone.

Caution

Describes a historical practice for minor irritations; deep cuts, punctures, or infected wounds need proper wound care and, where needed, medical attention.

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أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ

“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Qur'an 13:28 Qur'anic verse (not a hadith)

Compare Sahih al-Bukhari 6407: 'The example of the one who remembers his Lord and the one who does not is that of the living and the dead.'

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

In Al-Wabil al-Sayyib, Ibn al-Qayyim writes at length on dhikr's effect specifically on grief, loneliness, and anxiety — treating it as a parallel discipline to his physical-medicine writing, aimed at the heart rather than the body.

Caution

A spiritual practice, not a replacement for professional support where anxiety or grief is severe or ongoing.

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وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ مَا هُوَ شِفَاءٌ وَرَحْمَةٌ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

“And We send down of the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy for the believers.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Qur'an 17:82 (see also 10:57, 41:44) Qur'anic verse (not a hadith)

Distinct from the specific narrated incident behind the existing 'Ruqyah with Surah al-Fatiha' entry — this verse is the general principle those specific narrations are built on.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim opens the spiritual-medicine section of Zad al-Ma'ad by arguing the Qur'an is the most complete cure available, addressing diseases of the heart first and, by Allah's permission, the body as well.

Caution

Complements rather than substitutes for appropriate medical care in serious illness.

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مَنْ عَزَّى مُصَابًا فَلَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِهِ

“Whoever consoles one who has been afflicted (by loss) will have a reward like his.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Ibn Majah 1601; Jami' al-Tirmidhi 1073 Da'if (weak chain — the specific wording is weakly attested, though visiting and supporting the grieving is independently well-established in sound hadith)

Classical practice held that condolence visits take place within the first three days, offering words of comfort rather than extended discourse.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Sits alongside the Talbina entry on this site as part of a broader communal response to grief — treating bereavement as something addressed through both spiritual consolation and practical care.

Caution

Grief that persists or significantly disrupts daily functioning is worth discussing with a doctor or mental health professional.

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إِنَّ الرُّقَى وَالتَّمَائِمَ وَالتِّوَلَةَ شِرْكٌ

“Indeed, (impermissible) incantations, amulets, and love-charms are shirk (association with Allah in worship).” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Abi Dawud 3883 Sahih (graded authentic by al-Albani)

Scholars distinguish this from the Fatiha-ruqyah and hand-on-pain entries elsewhere on this site: those pair Qur'an/dhikr with a belief that the cure comes from Allah alone, which the tradition permits and even encourages.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim devotes real space in Zad al-Ma'ad to this distinction, precisely because the genre of Prophetic medicine was, even in his own time, sometimes blurred with folk superstition he considered outside its bounds.

Caution

This entry describes a boundary the tradition itself draws, not a how-to for any practice.

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عَلَيْكُمْ بِالسَّنَا وَالسَّنُّوتِ، فَإِنَّ فِيهِمَا شِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ إِلَّا السَّامَ

“Use senna and sanoot, for in them there is healing from every disease except death itself.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Ibn Majah 3457 Hasan Gharib (graded good but singularly narrated)

The existing Senna entry on this site covers the laxative half of this same hadith; this entry covers its lesser-known, disputed companion ingredient.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim and later commentators list several candidate identifications for sanoot without settling on one — an unusually honest gap in the classical commentary tradition.

Caution

Because the ingredient's identity is genuinely disputed, treat any modern application with particular caution.

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null

“null” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya, Zad al-Ma'ad (medical commentary, not hadith) Ibn al-Qayyim's medical commentary (not hadith — no Prophetic narration is cited for this entry)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim describes frankincense as warming and drying, useful in his framework for cold, damp conditions of the chest — drawing on the wider Greco-Arabic medical tradition he engages with throughout Zad al-Ma'ad, distinct from the hadith-sourced entries elsewhere on this site.

Caution

Included here as classical commentary only, not as a Prophetic instruction; not a substitute for medical treatment of respiratory conditions.

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null

“null” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya, Zad al-Ma'ad (medical commentary, not hadith) Ibn al-Qayyim's medical commentary (not hadith — cupping, not fasd, is the practice with direct Prophetic narrations)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim discusses fasd alongside hijama (cupping) as the two recognized bloodletting methods in the classical medical tradition he draws on, noting differences in when each was considered appropriate — but only cupping carries direct Prophetic narrations, which is why it has its own separate entry on this site.

Caution

A historical medical-commentary topic, not a practice this site recommends or instructs in; any bloodletting therapy today should only be performed by a qualified practitioner.

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null

“null” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyya, Zad al-Ma'ad (medical commentary, not hadith) Ibn al-Qayyim's medical commentary (not hadith — no single narration is cited for this entry)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim discusses regular, moderate physical movement as part of the six 'necessary causes' classical physicians held responsible for maintaining health, alongside diet, sleep, and emotional balance — general medical philosophy rather than a specific Prophetic instruction.

Caution

General historical commentary, not a specific exercise program; consult a doctor before starting new physical activity if you have underlying health conditions.

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مَنْ أَحَبَّ أَنْ يُبَسَّطَ لَهُ فِي رِزْقِهِ ... فَلْيَتَوَضَّأْ عِنْدَ طَعَامِهِ

“Whoever wishes to have his provision expanded... let him perform ablution (wash the hands) at his meal.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Jami' al-Tirmidhi 1846 Da'if (weak chain — included for its established place in the hygiene practices of the tradition)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Later commentators read this alongside general Prophetic table manners — eating with the right hand, starting with Bismillah — as part of a coherent hygiene-and-etiquette framework around meals.

Caution

A straightforward, low-cost hygiene habit with no downside.

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لَا يَبُولَنَّ أَحَدُكُمْ فِي الْمَاءِ الدَّائِمِ الَّذِي لَا يَجْرِي، ثُمَّ يَغْتَسِلُ فِيهِ

“None of you should urinate in standing water that does not flow, and then bathe in it.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih Muslim 281 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Grouped by commentators with the site's existing 'Covering Vessels & Tying Waterskins' entry as part of a broader set of Prophetic instructions protecting water sources from contamination before germ theory existed to explain why.

Caution

None; a straightforward public-hygiene instruction.

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حَقُّ الْمُسْلِمِ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِ خَمْسٌ: رَدُّ السَّلَامِ، وَعِيَادَةُ الْمَرِيضِ، وَاتِّبَاعُ الْجَنَائِزِ، وَإِجَابَةُ الدَّعْوَةِ، وَتَشْمِيتُ الْعَاطِسِ

“The right of a Muslim over a Muslim is five: returning the greeting, visiting the sick, following funeral processions, accepting invitations, and responding to one who sneezes.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 1240; Sahih Muslim 2162 Sahih

A separate narration adds that whoever visits a sick person is said to remain 'in the harvest of Paradise' until returning (Sahih Muslim 2568).

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Commentators frame this as recognizing illness as a social, not just physical, event — the sick person's isolation and emotional state are treated as part of what needs tending to, alongside any physical remedy.

Caution

None; check with the patient or household first if contagion or fatigue is a concern.

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إِنَّ هَذِهِ ضِجْعَةٌ يُبْغِضُهَا اللَّهُ

“This is a lying position that Allah hates.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Ibn Majah 3724; Sunan Abi Dawud 5040 Sahih

Narrated after the Prophet ﷺ saw a man sleeping on his stomach in the mosque and woke him with his foot to say this.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Commentators pair this with the existing 'Sleeping on the Right Side' entry as two halves of the same guidance on sleep posture — one positive instruction, one direct discouragement.

Caution

None; a simple posture note, not a treatment for any specific sleep disorder.

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وَجَنَّاتٍ مِنْ أَعْنَابٍ

“...and gardens of grapevines...” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Qur'an 16:11; 80:28 (among several verses naming grapes as a provision from Allah) Qur'anic verse (not a hadith)

The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have enjoyed grapes and other fruits; specific hadith on preparation methods are fewer than for dates.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim discusses grapes as nourishing and moistening, suited to hot, dry constitutions, and notes both fresh grapes and their dried form (raisins) feature throughout the classical dietary tradition.

Caution

None specific; moderate a high-sugar diet as usual, particularly for those managing diabetes.

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بَيْتٌ لَا تَمْرَ فِيهِ جِيَاعٌ أَهْلُهُ

“A household with no dates in it — its people go hungry.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih Muslim 2046 Sahih

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim describes dates generally as warming and nourishing, forming a dietary staple alongside milk in the Hijaz, distinct from the specific protective property attributed to Ajwa dates in the morning-consumption hadith covered elsewhere on this site.

Caution

High in natural sugars; moderate intake if managing diabetes or blood sugar.

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