I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "If there is any good in your medicines, then it is in a gulp of honey, a cupping operation, or branding (cauterization), but I do not like to be (cauterized) branded.
Hadith Text
"I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, 'If there is any good in your medicines, then it is in a gulp of honey, a cupping operation, or branding (cauterization), but I do not like to be (cauterized) branded.'"
Source Reference
Book: Medicine
Author: Sahih al-Bukhari
Hadith: Sahih al-Bukhari 5702
Commentary on the Three Remedies
The Prophet (ﷺ) affirmed three primary remedies from which benefit may be derived: honey, cupping (hijama), and cauterization. Honey is praised for its natural healing properties mentioned in the Qur'an, cupping for its ability to extract harmful blood and restore bodily balance, and cauterization as a last resort for severe conditions.
The Prophet's Personal Preference
Despite acknowledging cauterization as potentially beneficial, the Prophet expressed his personal dislike for this method. This demonstrates the Islamic principle that while certain treatments may be permissible, individuals may choose alternatives based on personal tolerance and circumstance, provided they do not contradict divine guidance.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars explain that this hadith establishes the legitimacy of seeking medical treatment while prioritizing natural remedies. The ordering - honey first, then cupping, then cauterization - suggests a progression from gentle to more invasive treatments. The Prophet's dislike for cauterization serves as guidance to reserve it for necessary cases only.
Integration with Tawakkul (Reliance on Allah)
This teaching balances the Islamic concepts of seeking treatment (tadawi) and relying on Allah (tawakkul). The Prophet recognized medicine's role while ultimately attributing healing to Allah alone. The remedies mentioned are means (asbab) through which divine cure may manifest, not independent sources of healing.