Understanding the Name of Allāh: Ash-Shāfī – The One Who Heals

The name Ash-Shāfī (ٱلشَّافِي) refers to The One Who Heals, the One who cures all forms of illness—physical, spiritual and emotional. While the Name does not appear explicitly in the Qurʾān as a noun, it appears as a verb in the verse (interpretation of the meaning): “And when I become ill, He is The One Who cures me.” . The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also used this Name in his supplications when visiting the sick, saying: “O Allāh, Lord of mankind, cure (ishfi), for You are the Healer (Ash-Shāfī).” 

The Meaning of Ash-Shāfī

According to scholars, it is fully permissible to call upon Allāh using this name, saying “O Ash-Shāfī, cure me.” Allāh alone brings true healing—no doctor, medication or treatment works unless He allows it. Allāh heals the body, the mind, and most importantly, the heart, removing doubts, desires, envy and other spiritual diseases that no human remedy can cure.

Healing Through the Qurʾān

Allāh has placed healing in the Qurʾān for all types of illnesses. The Companions once used Surah Al-Fātiḥah as Ruqyah for a man bitten by a snake; after reciting it seven times, the man stood as though nothing was wrong with him. The Companions took a fee (a flock of sheep) for performing the Ruqyah, and when they informed the Prophet ﷺ, he approved of their action and even requested a share of the reward, confirming the legitimacy of such fee.

Allāh says (interpretation of the meaning): “We send down from the Qurʾān that which is healing and mercy for the believers.” Scholars explain that the Qurʾān heals ignorance, misguidance and spiritual blindness, offering clarity and guidance to the heart . Ibn Taymiyyah noted that the believer’s need for the healing of the heart is greater than the need for physical healing because a diseased heart leads to misery in this life and the next.

Supplication (Du‘ā) as a Means of Healing

The Prophet ﷺ taught that reciting a specific supplication seven times for someone whose time of death has not come will bring healing by Allāh’s permission:“I ask Allāh, the Almighty, Lord of the Magnificent Throne, to cure you.” .Many believers have witnessed recovery through consistent supplication and night prayer, recognising these acts as powerful means of seeking Allāh’s healing.

Other Prophetic Means of Healing

The Sunnah highlights multiple avenues of healing, each granted by Allāh:

• Ṣadaqah (Charity): “Treat your sick with charity,” the Prophet ﷺ instructed. Numerous accounts show illness being lifted after acts of giving .

• Ḥijāmah (Cupping): Recognised as one of the best remedies alongside honey and cauterisation, though the latter is discouraged except as a last resort .

• Honey: The Qurʾān mentions its healing properties, and the Prophet ﷺ repeatedly instructed its use until a man’s illness was cured .

• Zamzam Water: “Zamzam is for whatever purpose it is drunk for.” Many Companions used it for healing and spiritual upliftment .

• Black Seed: The Prophet ﷺ described it as a cure for all illnesses except death.

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When Healing Is Delayed

Sometimes Allāh delays healing, not out of neglect but out of wisdom, mercy and reward. Many of the most honoured believers endured long-term trials, such as the Companion Imran ibn Husayn who suffered for thirty years yet was visited by angels due to his patience. Illness becomes a source of purification, raising one’s rank and erasing sins.

Fruits of Believing in Ash-Shāfī

Believing in Allāh as the ultimate Healer brings:

• True reliance upon Allāh

• A heart free from attachment to worldly means

• Love for Allāh, the source of cure

• Motivation to help and comfort the sick

• Deep gratitude for the blessing of health

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