Using medical treatments and medication

Question

Is this Hadith authentic?

Sayyiduna Usamah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said:

“Some Bedouins asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah, can we treat our ill [by using medication]?’ He (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied, ‘Yes, O servants of Allah! Use remedies, for indeed Allah did not make a disease but He made a cure for it’ or he said ‘a remedy’, except for one disease.’ They said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! What is it?’ He said: ‘Old age.'”

 

Answer

Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna Usamah ibn Sharik (radiyallahu ‘anhu). He has declared the Hadith authentic (hasanun sahih). Imam Abu Dawud (rahimahullah) has also recorded this Hadith with variation in the wording.

(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2038. Sunan Abi Dawud, 3851)

 

The commentators mention that these Hadiths indicate that using medicinal treatments and adopting means is not contrary to tawakkul and trust on Allah.

(Refer: Zadul Ma’ad, vol. 4 pg. 14)

 

Also see here

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar