Health is the greatest blessing of Allah Almighty

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barkatuhu.

Dear friends,

I hope you are all well with the infinite mercy of Allah Almighty. I am also well and healthy to accept your prayers and the infinite blessings of Allah Almighty.

Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, has blessed mankind with His countless blessings. The best and most essential of these blessings is health (Afiyat). Health is the foundation of human life, on which success in this world and the hereafter depends. The fact that health is not just being free from disease, but is a comprehensive state of physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being is seen with great importance in Islam. In a state of illness, a person becomes unable to perform his normal work, worship and social responsibilities. Therefore, health is considered a very valuable trust from Allah Almighty.

1. The Importance of Health in Worldly Life

Health is a priceless asset for people in worldly life. Its importance is as follows:

A. The Basis of Worship

In Islam, health is the basis of correct and complete worship. It is difficult for a sick person to perform prayers, fasting, Hajj, Jumu'ah prayers or other voluntary acts of worship with full attention and vigor. Allah Almighty created man for His worship, and this worship is best performed when the servant is healthy. For example, praying standing, fasting at the right time, enduring the hardships of Hajj - these are possible only with a healthy body. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "There are many people who are deceived about two blessings - health and leisure." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 6412). This Hadith clearly indicates that health is an opportunity that should be used to gain closeness to Allah.

B. Livelihood and Fulfillment of Responsibilities

Allah Almighty has sent humans as representatives on earth and has instructed them to earn a lawful livelihood for their livelihood. It is not possible to earn a livelihood by working hard without a healthy body. A worker, farmer, businessman or employee - physical and mental health is essential for everyone to fulfill their professional responsibilities. Health is also necessary to fulfill the responsibilities they have towards their family and society. Illness makes a person dependent, which is undesirable in Islam.

c. Mental peace and spiritual development

Along with physical health, mental health is also very important. It brings peace to the mind of a person and keeps him free from negative thoughts. Only a healthy person can contribute to the welfare of society and the nation with his knowledge and wisdom. A healthy mind is more suitable for remembrance and contemplation of Allah.

2. The role of health in preparation for the Hereafter

Health is not only for the enjoyment of this worldly life, but it is also a means of the best preparation for the Hereafter.

a. Opportunity to do good deeds

When a person is healthy, he gets enough time to do good deeds, gain knowledge and serve the society. These good deeds will be the reason for his salvation in the Hereafter. It is said in the Hadith that when someone cannot do any deeds due to illness, Allah Almighty writes down for him the reward of the deeds he did when he was healthy. However, the condition is that he must make a habit of doing those deeds while healthy. That is, health is the main time for accumulating good deeds.

B. Thanking Allah

Health is a great gift from Allah Almighty, for which the servant should always thank Him. Praising Allah and obeying His commands while healthy is an expression of gratitude. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran, "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you in provision, but if you are ungrateful, My punishment is severe." (Surah Ibrahim, 14:7). One of the areas of this gratitude is taking advantage of health.

3. Quranic Guidance and Teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) on the Importance of Health

The Holy Quran and Hadith have paid special attention to health:

A. Asking for health from Allah

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) always asked Allah for health and safety. He used to say:

"O Allah! I ask You for peace (Afi'ah) in this world and the Hereafter. O Allah! I ask You for safety (Afi'ah) in my religion, this world, my family and my wealth. O Allah! Cover my faults and shortcomings and protect me from all kinds of fear." (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith No. 5074)

This supplication proves that health (Afi'ah) is essential for the well-being of this world and the Hereafter.

B. Taking care of physical health

Islam encourages adherence to hygiene. Cleanliness, which is the foundation of health, has been called a part of faith ("Cleanliness is a part of faith."). Proper diet, not overeating, brushing teeth (miswak), taking a bath, doing certain exercises or physical work—all of these are permitted and encouraged in Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Eat and drink, and give in charity, but do not be wasteful or boastful.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i). This is one of the guidelines for staying healthy.

C. Disease prevention and treatment

Islam has commanded taking steps to prevent disease and seeking treatment when sick. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “O servants of Allah! Seek treatment. For Allah has not created any disease for which He has not created a cure…” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Hadith no. 3855). Both striving to stay healthy and patiently seeking treatment when sick—are considered acts of worship.

4. Consequences of not appreciating the blessing of health

People generally fail to appreciate health at two times:

While healthy: Many people aHe does not focus on worshipping Allah or doing good deeds, but is overwhelmed by laziness or worldly desires.

After illness: When illness or old age comes and consumes him, people regret why they did not use the time they had while they were healthy properly.

If the blessing of health is not appreciated, it is misused, which can make a person accountable in the Hereafter. Using health for sins or neglecting it is a betrayal of the trust given by Allah.

5. Utilizing health

Using health properly means:

Being focused on worship: Performing all obligatory and obligatory acts of worship on time and with full concentration.

Acquiring knowledge: Spending time acquiring Islamic knowledge and worldly beneficial knowledge.

Earning a lawful livelihood: Earning a livelihood honestly by utilizing physical strength.

Serving others: Using one's health in the service of the weak, sick and needy.

Observing Sunnah and Hygiene: Being aware of physical and mental health.

In conclusion, there is no doubt that health is the greatest blessing of Allah Almighty. It makes life in this world beautiful and meaningful and paves the way for success in the Hereafter. Health is an opportunity, a valuable trust, which every believer must make good use of. It is wise not to neglect this blessing, but to use it for the pleasure of Allah and for the benefit of mankind. We should always ask Allah for health and express gratitude to Allah when we are healthy.re not in a position to be healthy.