Exposition of the Hadith

This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (5678) establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic medicine: that every disease has a cure ordained by Allah. This reflects divine wisdom and mercy, encouraging believers to seek remedies while maintaining tawakkul (reliance upon Allah).

Divine Wisdom in Creation

Allah, in His perfect wisdom, created diseases as tests and means of spiritual purification, yet simultaneously provided their antidotes. This demonstrates the balance in creation - for every hardship, there is relief; for every ailment, a potential cure.

The comprehensive nature of this statement encompasses both physical and spiritual maladies, indicating that treatments exist for diseases of the heart as well as those of the body.

Scholarly Interpretation

Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that this hadith encourages medical research and the pursuit of knowledge. The phrase "there is no disease" is universal, covering all ailments known and unknown to humanity.

Scholars note that while cures exist for all diseases, humanity may not have discovered all of them yet. This motivates continuous scientific inquiry within Islamic ethical boundaries.

Practical Implications

This teaching obligates Muslims to seek treatment while understanding that healing ultimately comes from Allah. The physician's role is that of a means (sabab), while true cure is from the Creator.

The hadith also consoles patients, assuring them that their condition is not beyond divine remedy, fostering hope and patience during illness.