Natural Therapeutics of Medicine In Islam (2/4)

IV. Types of Natural Therapeutics

Among the natural healing treatments are the following:

A. Preventive medicine

B. Dietetic approach

C. Folk medicine

D. Hakim's medicine

E. Chiropractic

F. Naturopathy

G. Naprapathy

H. Homeopathy

In dealing with this subject, Islam's approach to healing is an eclectic one i.e., one is to use the best of every discipline so that the health of the individual will be preserved.

V. Diet And Natural Healing

As far as the diet is concerned, Islam has laid down the foundation in the Qur'an and the Sunnah for the best approach in keeping good health. This approach is mainly through selection of the best, preventive methods, and to be aware of any harmful drugs. The following is a summary of the principal ideas of Islam relating to diet and health:

A. Allah asked everyone to eat what is lawful (Halaal). The Qur'an states in Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow):

"Ye people: eat of what is on earth, lawful and wholesome" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:168). Read also (Surah Al-Maidah, 5:91)

B. People are to ENJOY their food as it affects their personality character. Enjoying the eating of food is a matter of worship as any other aspect of life in Islam.

C. Muslims are to SELECT the best quality of food. In this regard Allah says in the Qur'an in Surah Al-Kahf (The Cave):

"Now send ye then one of you with this money of yours to the town: let him find out which is the best food (to be had) ... " (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:19)

D. Muslims are to EAT the best food after selecting the best. Allah says in the Qur'an in Surah Al-A'raf (The Heights) "Eat of the good foods We have provided for you." (Surah Al-A'raf, 7:160)

E. The best approach in the process of prevention is the concept of MODERATION in eating habits. The Qur'an states emphatically this idea in Surah Al-A'raf (The Heights).

"Eat and drink, but waste not by excess, for God loves not the prodigals." (Surah Al-A'raf, 7:31)

F. Regarding the idea of moderation through diet, it is mentioned in Surah Taha whereby Allah says:

"Eat of the good things We have provided for your, sustenance, but commit no excess therein." (Surah Ta-Ha, 20:8 1)

G. Another approach that Islam demands from its followers is the idea of TOTAL ABSTINENCE of food and drinks for one whole month from dawn to sunset. The benefits of fasting have been tested and documented especially in biochemistry, physiology, clinical therapeutics, clinical nutrition, etc. It is beyond doubt that fasting helps the individual to get rid of most of the toxins in his body. At the same time fasting increases productivity and by its frugality curbs inflation. In this regard, it would be a good idea to point out here what Islam says in this regard. Allah says in the Qur'an in Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow):

"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may learn self- restraint" i.e. to have Taqwa (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

"Fast (the month of Ramadan) so that to heal your bodies from diseases."

The word Taqwa has been explained in many aspects some of which are related to health and disease, food and dietetics, physical fitness, etc. Finally, it has been explained to mean: self-training, self-restraint, self- control, self-discipline, self-education and self-evaluation.

It should also be mentioned here that the personality, behavior, and performance of the individual is affected by the food eaten and, therefore, one has to select the best type of food for his good health. There is thus a linkage between physical and mental health. A proverb related to this subject has been narrated saying:

“A sound mind in a sound body and vice versa".

It is difficult to reason well while one is physically sick. Similarly, mental illness may adversely affect various body functions (e.g. ulcer).

This dual, complementary approach to mental and physical health is exemplified by Islamic views towards the nursing of infants.

The advantages of breast feeding are numerous since the mother transfers many nutrients, hormones, and even antibodies through sucking. The particular amino acid composition of human milk may accelerate and even increase cognitive development in the infant. In addition, one must not forget how this close physical contact strengthens the emotional relationship between the mother and child", In this regard, Allah says in the Qur'an about breast feeding.

“The mothers shall give suck to their offspring for two whole years if the father desires to complete the term. But he shall bear the cost of their food and clothing on equitable terms. No soul shall have a burden laid on it greater than it can bear. No mother shall be treated unfairly on account of her child, nor father on account of his child. An heir shall be chargeable in the same way. If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation, there is no blame on them. If ye decide on a foster mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you, provided ye pay (the mother) what ye offered, on equitable terms. But fear God and know that God sees well what ye do." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:233)

(Continued)