Today’s book club opened my eyes to something beautiful. Islam is not just about getting to heaven and avoiding hell. It is also about how we live our daily lives and enjoy them, from what we eat to how we care for our bodies. The Quran offers clear guidance, and the Prophet Muhammad showed us how to live it all with grace and balance. Pretty amazing, right?
I also learned that Islam does not exist in a bubble. It embraces modern medicine, though with clear boundaries. We discussed how Islam shares common ground with other belief systems, such as using herbs for healing, practicing mindfulness through sholat or meditation, and building a strong connection with nature. One fun fact that surprised me: the Prophet used to hug trees. Yes, hug them. If I remember correctly, this reminds me of Balinese Hinduism, which also teaches harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. This concept is known as Tri Hita Karana.
The discussion also reminds me that true healing includes Allah SWT in every step. There is even a diagram called the Prophetic Paradigm for Health, covering everything from prevention to prayer. As the Quran says, “He who cures me when I am ill” (26:80). The Prophet also said, “Allah has sent down a disease except that He has also sent its cure” (Bukhari).
The book Prophetic Healing by Saiyad Salahuddin Ahmad offers practical tips based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad SAW. His guidance is meant for all humankind and remains relevant across time.
I bought this book last month, and now it feels like a health manual. Flip through the pages and you will find timeless wisdom. Not old school. Just forever relevant. Thank you to Seekers Book Club by Maktaba Book, Najihah, and Izza, who facilitated the discussion on a lovely Sunday afternoon at Wardah Bookshop, Singapore.
I also want to share Sami Yusuf’s “Healing”, which has beautiful lyrics:
A heart may rest in the hands of another, but every heart is in the hands of Allah
An eye watches an eye, but the Eye of Allah watches all
A kind word is charity, Your smile is charity too, Every good deed, no matter how small, is charity
And when it hurts, say:
اللهم اشفِ شفاءً لا يغادر سقماً
(Allahumma ishfi shifā’an lā yughādir saqaman)O Allah, heal us with a healing that leaves no illness behind
