Hadith Commentary from Sahih al-Bukhari

This narration from the Medicine chapter of Sahih al-Bukhari (5681) presents the Prophet's guidance on therapeutic treatments, demonstrating the Islamic tradition's engagement with medical knowledge.

The Three Forms of Healing

The Prophet ﷺ identified three primary therapeutic methods known in his time: cupping (hijama), honey consumption, and cauterization. This classification reflects the medical understanding of 7th century Arabia while establishing Islamic parameters for treatment.

Cupping involves creating suction on the skin to draw out impurities and stimulate blood flow. Honey possesses natural antibacterial and healing properties. Cauterization uses heat to seal wounds or destroy diseased tissue.

Prohibition of Cauterization

While acknowledging cauterization as a known medical practice, the Prophet ﷺ explicitly forbade it for his followers. Scholars interpret this prohibition as either absolute or relative - either completely forbidden or discouraged in favor of less painful alternatives.

This prohibition demonstrates the Islamic principle of avoiding unnecessary harm and seeking gentler treatments when available. It reflects the mercy and compassion inherent in Islamic teachings.

Scholarly Interpretations

Classical scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explained that the Prophet ﷺ recognized all three as valid treatments but prohibited cauterization due to its extreme pain and potential harm. Other scholars suggest the prohibition applies only when equally effective alternatives exist.

Imam al-Nawawi emphasized that the hadith encourages using natural, less invasive treatments first, reserving more extreme measures only when necessary and under proper guidance.

Contemporary Relevance

This hadith establishes important medical principles: the permissibility of seeking treatment, the preference for natural remedies, and the avoidance of harmful procedures when alternatives exist. Modern cupping therapy and apitherapy (honey treatment) continue these prophetic traditions.

The prohibition against cauterization reminds Muslims to evaluate medical treatments through the lens of Islamic ethics, avoiding unnecessary harm while pursuing healing through approved means.