What Is the Prophetic Advice Regarding Illnesses?
Question: Assalam ‘alaykum, My 2 year old son was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder Phenylketonuria at 8 months. As a result of late diagnosis, his cognitive, social, as well as motor skills are delayed, and he is still unable to walk or talk. For the past 4 months, he has started having seizure episodes as well. Please advise if there is Prophetic guidance for his condition.
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa baakatuh.
I pray you are well, and that Allah heals your child completely.
The Prophetic advice in such matters is twofold: inward and outward.
Turning To Allah
Inwardly, we are told to turn to Allah. We place our needs before Him, feeling our need, desperation, hope in His mercy and kindness, knowing that what He chooses for all His servants is what is in their best interests. Ask Him to heal your son, but be mindful that Allah may well have a better outcome planned for Him.
Taking the Means
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “O Servants of Allah, take treatment, but do not treat yourselves with the impermissible.” [Abu Dawud] Take all the means at your disposal. Sometimes, looking at alternative medicine can help too. Follow all the avenues that present themselves; perhaps Allah will grant him a cure through one you have not yet considered.
May Allah grant us all wellbeing in this life and the next.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.
