Malfuzat – Volume I — Page 255
Malfuzat - Volume I 255 that it is beneficial to use camphor with delphinium denudatum. You should procure a quantity of white turmeric, mix it with vinegar and make capsules of 243 milligrams each, and take these capsules with fresh lassi. It is very beneficial to administer these capsules to women and children daily. I am also preparing a medicine which, if God desires, will prove immensely beneficial. The fact of the matter is that this disastrous illness is such that it is useless to depend on any form of remedy, until Allah the Exalted showers His grace. Nonetheless, to promote general well-being and to take health precautions are an excellent means of protection and have proven advantageous. Hence, it is advisable that one refrains from all such things which result in the spread of noxious substances and filth. Foods that are warmer in their inherent nature, and which cause an increase in blood pressure, such as excessive meat or sweets; or extended periods of exposure to heat; or strenuous and exerting labour, should be avoided. To Make Use of Apparent Means Is Not Forbidden Seeking recourse to apparent means is not forbidden by the shariah. Someone asked the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, whether they should make use of medicine. The Holy Prophets responded by saying: 'Yes, use medicine; there is no illness for which a remedy does not exist. ' Indeed, this is absolutely true. No physician or doctor can claim that a certain medicine will definitely cure an illness, for if this was the case why would anyone die? Physicians and doctors ought to become righteous. They must have recourse to medicine, but pray as well. They ought to supplicate in seclusion. Those who were consumed by their pride were the first to be disgraced. It is said that Galen prided himself on being able to cure cases of diarrhoea. Yet, the power of God is astonishing. Galen died of this very disease himself. In the same manner, certain physicians develop fever or tuberculosis and then pass on from this temporal world. Depend on Allah Almighty Alone My purpose is to show that God Almighty disclosed the hollow nature of their claims and uncovered the reality of their vain boasting. They were defeated in the very field that they claimed expertise. This demonstrates that one should not make tall claims. My late father was also a renowned physician, with fifty years of