Islam & Health

  

In Islam, health is an invaluable blessing – a favour from Allah for which believers must remain constantly grateful. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “There are two blessings which many people fail to make the most of: good health and free time.” (Bukhari)

Health encompasses the body, the mind, and the soul. It forms the essential foundation of worship, because without it, practices such as fasting (Roza), prayer (Salat), and other virtuous acts become difficult to perform. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “Do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands.” (Al-Baqara 2: 196)

 

This verse establishes a fundamental principle: safeguarding one’s health is not only a personal responsibility but also a spiritual obligation.

Islam: A Way of Life

Islam as a Deen, Not just a Religion

Islam is not merely a religion (Mazhab) centred on worship and rituals; rather, it is a complete way of life (Deen) that governs all aspects of human existence. Unlike Mazhab, which allows people to practice rituals freely alongside their occupations, Deen establishes moral, ethical, and legal principles that govern human behaviour in every domain – personal, social, economic, and political.

 

The Quran defines Islam as a Deen rather than a Mazhab: “Indeed, the religion (Deen) in the sight of Allah is Islam.” (Ali-Imran 3: 20)

 

This distinction is essential because Deen ensures that every action aligns with divine principles rather than personal whims or desires. For example, whereas some religions separate faith from governance, Islam integrates spirituality with justice, social responsibility, and legal systems, ensuring that no human activity contradicts divine laws.