Mankind was created by Allah and was strengthened with the Glorious Qur’an to guide him in all his endeavors. Allah says in the Qur’an thus: “This is the Book (the Qur’an), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who fear Allah” (Qur’an 2:2). In another chapter, Allah says: “There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have We omitted from the Book (for man’s guidance), and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end” (Qur’an 6:38).
To convey this message of guidance to mankind, Allah chose the best of His creatures for this purpose and imbued him with extraordinary wisdom. He equally equipped him with uncommon kindness which enabled him to relate with his followers cordially in order to pass the message to them smoothly. This choice of Allah is Muhammad (SAW), who He describes as a mercy to the entire creation (Qur’an 21:107). Among other things, Allah taught His Messenger that honey contains “healing for mankind” (Qur’an 16:69).
Muhammad (SAW) delivered this message comprehensively and excellently to the extent that he addressed every facet of human endeavour including healthcare and medicine. Through his Prophetic Medicine, Muhammad (SAW) taught his companions and followers various forms of medical treatment for various diseases.
One of the outstanding medicines used by the Prophet (SAW) is the black seed as well as honey. Of the efficacy of the black seed, the Prophet (SAW) said, as reported by Abu Hurayrah: “Utilise the black seed for without doubt, it is a cure for all sicknesses except death.” He was also reported to have said in Sahih Bukhari, “Honey is a remedy for every illness and the Qur’an is a remedy for all illnesses of the mind. Therefore, I recommend to you both remedies, the Qur’an and honey.”
Relying on the pronouncements of the Prophet (SAW), generations of Muslims after the Prophet have continued to use the black seed for the treatment of respiratory conditions and digestive disorders, including gas, colic, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation and hemorrhoid. Other health conditions which the black seed can be used to treat include asthma, allergies, cough, bronchitis, emphysema, the swine flu and congestive heart disease.
Honey, on its part, offers remarkable antiseptic, antioxidant and immune boosting properties for the human body. Apart from fighting infection and helping in tissue healing, honey also reduces inflammation and it is useful for digestive problems also such as indigestion, stomach ulcers and gastroenteritis.
In the current global fight against COVID-19 pandemic, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of its President General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, mni, CFR, calls on the World Health Organisation (WHO), medical researchers and all those who are struggling to find a cure for the virulent virus to consider the Prophet’s statements on the black seed and honey for research purposes because they both have a lot of potential for the cure of COVID-19.
This call is hinged on the testimony of the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, who just survived COVID-19 infection. In giving his testimony on how he was healed, he is reported to have said:
My very good friend and brother, Dr Muyideen Olatunji, is the one in charge of the primary health care for Oyo State. He came to me and said, look, I am going to send you this black seed oil, it boosts immunity. So I mixed it with honey and took one tea spoon in the morning and in the evening. So, there are local solutions to boost immunity. Our people should not fret. Just as I have been able to get the virus out of my system, so will it be for majority of our people.
So, we urge Muslims especially and Nigerians at large to take note of this and do the needful when the need arises.
We also call on Muslims to continue to abide by the directives of government and health authorities: wash your hands regularly, keep social distance and avoid crowded places. This period calls for a sober reflection: what is our relationship with Allah?
We should always remember that Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in their hearts (Qur’an 13:11).
May Allah remove this fitnah called COVID-19 from our midst and grant us His divine pleasure.
Signed
Alhaji Yusuf Nwoha
for: Secretary General, NSCIA
