Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If a fly falls in the vessel of any of you, let him dip all of it (into the vessel) and then throw it away, for in one of its wings there is a disease and in the other there is healing (antidote for it) i e. the treatment for that disease."
Hadith Text
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If a fly falls in the vessel of any of you, let him dip all of it (into the vessel) and then throw it away, for in one of its wings there is a disease and in the other there is healing (antidote for it) i.e. the treatment for that disease."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 5782, Book of Medicine
Commentary on the Wisdom
This profound hadith contains divine wisdom that modern science has only recently confirmed. The fly carries pathogens on one wing that can cause illness, while Allah has placed natural antibiotics on its other wing that can counteract these pathogens.
The instruction to fully immerse the fly ensures that the antidote from the second wing neutralizes the pathogens from the first wing, demonstrating the perfect balance in Allah's creation.
Scholarly Interpretation
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that this hadith shows how Allah places cures in unexpected places and teaches us that apparent impurities may contain hidden benefits.
Scholars note this demonstrates the principle of trusting divine revelation over mere human perception, as what appears harmful may contain its own remedy when handled according to prophetic guidance.
Practical Application
This teaching applies specifically to flies falling into liquids. The method preserves the drink while utilizing the natural balance Allah created within the insect itself.
The hadith also teaches broader lessons about seeking solutions within problems and trusting in Allah's perfect wisdom even when it contradicts conventional understanding.