Health is a sacred treasure that
Allah has granted to each of us; it is a capital that cannot be purchased with
money. In the Qur’an, Allah says: “And do not
throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction” (Al-Baqara 2:
196). Among the many interpretations of this verse, one is that a believer must
preserve his health, and this is also a religious obligation; a responsibility
towards our Creator – Allah. In another verse, Allah says: “And do not kill the (human) life (Nafs) which Allah has
made sacred, except by justice” (Bani Isra’il 17:34).
This divine reminder shows the value of the human body as a sanctuary that must be protected. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also said: “Your body has rights over you” (Bukhari). This Hadith teaches us that caring for health is not a luxury, but a duty.
In modern society, the medical
system has been transformed into a business. What should have been a noble
service, based on compassion and mercy, has now become an industry seeking
profit. Many clinics and hospitals impose exorbitant bills; sometimes, even for
a minor illness, families are forced to take loans, and the whole household
falls into despair. Health today has become a commodity; medicines are sold at
excessive prices; high-quality treatments are reserved for the wealthy, for
those who can afford to spend on their health. The poor suffer, and sometimes
they prefer not to go to the doctor for fear of debts. This situation is not
only in Mauritius, but worldwide, as it has become a plague spreading across
countries and societies.
This deviation shows a system that
has strayed from its original mission, which is to relieve human suffering. In
the Qur’an, Allah warns against injustice: “And
do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly” (Al-Baqara 2: 189).
Exploitation in the medical field is a form of injustice that destroys families
and societies.
Modern medicine has extraordinary
advances; it can save lives, it can cure serious diseases. But when “profit”
becomes the priority in the medical world, compassion disappears. Many
pharmaceutical companies seek to maximise their profits; sometimes they delay
affordable treatments to maintain high prices. This deviation shows a system
that has forgotten human value. Islam teaches that knowledge and medicine must
be used for the well-being of humanity, not to enrich a few. The Holy Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Whoever relieves a believer of a burden, Allah will
relieve him of a burden on the Day of Judgement” (Muslim). This Hadith
shows the value of compassion in medicine: when you relieve suffering, it is a
spiritual act, not a commercial transaction.
Preserving the body is a spiritual
duty. In Surah Al-A’raf (7: 32), Allah says: “Eat
and drink; but do not commit excesses. For Allah does not love those who commit
excesses.” This verse teaches balance in diet and health. Too much
indulgence (eating carelessly and excessively) brings diseases; too much
neglect brings weakness. Islam teaches moderation: nourish your body with
healthy foods, take necessary vitamins, and avoid excesses. Among vitamins,
Vitamin C is an essential treasure. Known as ascorbic acid, it is not produced
by the body and not stored; therefore, it must be supplied daily. It
strengthens the immune system, fights infections, especially in winter when
microbes spread widely. It has strong antioxidant power; it neutralises free
radicals, protects cells against premature ageing, and reduces the risk of
serious diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative
disorders.
Fruits and vegetables rich in
Vitamin C are a natural blessing: guava, kiwi, papaya, and citrus fruits such
as orange and lemon, red cabbage, parsley, and red pepper. A single guava can
provide more than double the daily required dose of Vitamin C; one kiwi per day
is sufficient. Papaya is also recommended as it beautifies the complexion and
helps digestion; lemons are rich in flavonoids that enhance the effect of
Vitamin C in the body, helping absorption.
These fruits and vegetables not
only nourish the body, but also beautify the face, give energy, and protect
against fatigue. In winter – especially here in Mauritius as we enter the
season – cover your body with warm clothes, but also cover your immune system
with Vitamin C. A deficiency in Vitamin C can cause fatigue, loss of appetite,
and frequent infections; in the past, sailors suffered from “scurvy” due to
lack of fresh fruits. Today, even if scurvy is rare, a lack of Vitamin C
remains dangerous. Adults need about 110 milligrams per day. But caution: do
not exaggerate. Too much Vitamin C can cause intestinal disorders, kidney
problems, and may even act as a pro-oxidant beyond 500 milligrams per day.
Health is a capital that must be
cultivated with discipline. Taking vitamins, especially Vitamin C, is a simple
but powerful way to preserve the body. Modern medicine may be expensive; but
prevention remains free and accessible. A lemon, a papaya, a kiwi – these are
natural remedies that protect against diseases. People must be aware that
health has no price; it cannot be bought with money once it is lost. Therefore,
take care of your health, nourish your body with good foods, and thank Allah
for every breath of life He allows you to take. A household remains strong when
health remains strong; a society prospers when its people remain healthy.
Thus, remember well that health is
an Amaanah (trust) that Allah has given to each of us. Preserve it with
discipline, nourish it with vitamins, protect it against excesses, and do not
let the medical system exploit human weakness. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Ask
Allah for forgiveness and health, for after certainty (faith), no one has
received a better gift than health” (Ibn Majah).
This Hadith shows the value of
health as a supreme gift. Therefore, take care of your body, take Vitamin C and
other vitamins recommended by certified doctors, and live a balanced life, far
from diseases and far from medical debts. Health is a gift from Allah; keep it,
preserve it well with wisdom, moderation, and gratitude towards Allah. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of 24 April 2026~05 Dhu'l Qaddah 1447 AH Delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.