The Healer – Ash-Shafi

Ash-Shafi is one of the miraculous names of Allah swt which is exalted in the heavens, because he named himself this name and is worthy to be characterized by the quality of healing, and he is the only one who heals and recovers the bodies of his worshippers. It is also a name with a deep meaning that can be reflected upon just by its appearance. Ash-Shefaa (healing) is always related to the sickness. We need to ensure we have Imaan and strong faith that all these sicknesses and different illnesses are trials from Allah.

The one who knows of all illnesses, their causes, and cures, and the provider of all of them; the illnesses of the body, mind, and soul; illnesses of doubt, illusions, malice, jealousy, and sins. There is no healing except by his and no removal of harm except by him. The real cause of human diseases is straying far away from the straight path of Allah the Almighty. In other words, all spiritual diseases of the heart such as rancor, hatred, arrogance, selfishness, ungratefulness, unfairness, etc. are the symptoms of one serious disease which is turning away from Allah the Almighty. Therefore, out of Allah's Mercy, when one turns away from him, Allah the Almighty afflicts him with some trials and calamities to heal his heart (from spiritual diseases). As a result, he will turn to him in repentance. Thus, it is Allah the Almighty who cures spiritual and physical sickness. It is mentioned in the Qur’an...

“ وَإِذَا مَرِضْ ت فَ هوَ يَشْفِينِ ”

“And when I am ill, it is He who cures me.” [(Quran 26:80)]

This verse reflects Prophet Ibrahim AS’s reliance on Allah swt.

As believers, when we are afflicted with sickness, we see it as a source of good deeds for us. And it is a means in which Allah swt wipes away our bad deeds and raises our ranks and levels in paradise. This is how the believer sees illness. He sees it as something positive. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) narrated to say that no calamity afflicts the believer except that Allah swt expiates his sins.

Whenever the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) visited a sick person or a sick person was brought to him, he would say: 

"اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ النَّاسِ أَذْهِبِ الْبَاسَ، اشْفِهِ وَأَنْتَ الشَّافِي، لاَ شِفَاءَ إِلاَّ شِفَاؤُكَ، شِفَاءً لاَ يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا"

(“O Allah, Lord of mankind, do away with my suffering. Heal (me) as You are the only healer and there is no cure except that of yours, it is that which leaves no ailment behind”). [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Therefore, if you’re carrying a heavy heart, empty it during sujood. Don’t lift your head from the ground until you’ve told Allah everything. Vocalising what he already knows will flush out the anxiety of your trials and calamities. Surrender yourself to Allah swt, He will indeed heal you!

Written By

K. Fathima Maruwa
Faculty of Science (R), 3rd Year
University of Colombo