We went out and Ghalib bin Abjar was accompanying us. He fell ill on the way and when we arrived at Medina he was still sick. Ibn Abi 'Atiq came to visit him and said to us, "Treat him with black cumin. Take five or seven seeds and crush them (mix the powder with oil) and drop the resulting mixture into both nostrils, for `Aisha has narrated to me that she heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, 'This black cumin is healing for all diseases except As-Sam.' Aisha said, 'What is As-Sam?' He said, 'Death."
Commentary on the Healing Properties of Black Cumin
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (5687) establishes the comprehensive healing nature of black cumin (habbat al-sawda) in Islamic medicine. The Prophet's statement "healing for all diseases" demonstrates its universal therapeutic value, while the exception of death (as-sam) affirms that no cure can prevent the divine decree when one's appointed time arrives.
Method of Application and Scholarly Interpretation
The specific instruction to use five or seven seeds reflects the Prophetic wisdom in dosage and the significance of odd numbers in Islamic tradition. The nasal administration indicates the importance of proper delivery methods for maximum benefit.
Classical scholars like Ibn al-Qayyim emphasized that black cumin strengthens the body's natural immunity and helps expel harmful substances. Its comprehensive healing nature works through balancing the body's humors and strengthening the vital force (quwwa).
The Exception of As-Sam (Death)
The exception "except death" contains profound wisdom - it confirms that while remedies are means (asbab) we must employ, ultimate cure and death remain in Allah's hands. This teaches us to combine spiritual reliance (tawakkul) with practical means (tadbir).
The companion's immediate implementation of this medical advice demonstrates the early Muslim community's commitment to following Prophetic guidance in all matters, including healthcare, establishing the integration of revealed knowledge with practical medicine.