Tawakkul and medication
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Answer
Tawakkul is translated as either trust or dependence. It is a very important part of our belief to have trust in Allah (SWA).
Allah (SWA) in the Holy Quran has said that:
“Put the trust on the exalted in might, the merciful.” Surah Shuarah v.217)
The absolute reliance upon Allah must be in every situation. It is the means of strengthening your Iman. It is knowing that no matter what happens, in the end everything will turn out to be good, as long as you depend on Allah to support and help remedy the situation. One must know that everything that happens happens because it is a part of a divine plan. If a person is tested with poverty or diseases there is good in it as long as we depend upon Allah (SWA).
This was the case of Yusuf Alayhis Salam when he was imprisoned, he had tawakkul. Ibrahim Alayhis Salam when he was thrown into the fire and of Saaidah Maryam when she gave birth alone, she had tawakkul.
There are many ahadith which encourage the Muslims to seek medical treatment. Saaidah Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam said; “there is no disease that Allah (SWA) has created, except that he has created its remedy.” (Sahih Bukhari p.848 v.2)
Saaiduna Usamah Bin Shuraik Radiallahu Anhu narrates; “O’ Prophet of Allah! Should we seek medical treatment for our illnesses? He replied; yes, you should seek medical treatment, because Allah (SWA), has left no disease without providing for its cure except for one ailment, old age.” (Sunan Tirimizi p.24 v.2)
The Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam not only instructed sick people to take medicine, but also invented many medicines and cures, which can be found in Imam Suyuti’s Tibb Nabawi.
Finally, it is stated in Fatawa Hindiyyah that there are three types of means to remove harms and difficulties:
1) Those that remove potential harm for certain such as the drinking of water in order to quench thirst and eating of food in order to remove hunger.
2) Those that by using them, it is presumed health will be restored such as medical treatment.
3) Those that may cure (but less significant than the second situation) such as the using of amulets etc…
With regards to the first type, abstaining from using them is no way considered as part of reliance and trust in Allah, rather it is unlawful to refrain from using these means. If a person was to die due to not drinking water, he will be sinful.
The second type of means, using it is not contrary to the concept of Tawakkul, and abstaining from its usage is not a sin also.
The third type of means is not essential in that complete reliance in Allah is only achieved by abstaining from using them.
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
