Hadith Text and Context

"I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, 'There is healing in black cumin for all diseases except death.'" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5688)

This narration is recorded in the Book of Medicine (Kitab al-Tibb) of Sahih al-Bukhari, emphasizing the comprehensive healing properties Allah has placed within black cumin seeds (al-Ḥabbah al-Sawdā').

Linguistic Analysis

The term "al-Ḥabbah al-Sawdā'" refers specifically to Nigella sativa seeds. The phrase "shifā'un li-kulli dā'in" indicates healing for every disease, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of this blessing.

The exception "illā al-sām" (except death) confirms that while black cumin provides healing for illnesses, it cannot prevent the appointed time of death decreed by Allah.

Scholarly Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim (raḥimahullāh) states in "Medicine of the Prophet" that black cumin is hot and dry in the second degree, making it effective for clearing blockages, drying damp humors, and expelling gases.

Al-Khatṭābī explains that the word "all" (kull) in the hadith should be understood as referring to most diseases, particularly those caused by cold temperament, as this aligns with both textual evidence and medical experience.

The healing occurs by Allah's permission and decree, as the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Allah has not sent down any disease except that He has sent down its cure." Black cumin is one such cure that Allah has made known to us.

Practical Application

The scholars recommend taking black cumin regularly for prevention, as the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "You must use this black cumin, for indeed it contains cure for every disease except death."

The proper method is to crush the seeds and take them with honey or water. Some physicians suggest taking approximately one teaspoon daily for general wellness.

This hadith encourages seeking natural cures while understanding that ultimate healing comes from Allah alone. The black cumin is merely a means (sabab) through which Allah manifests His healing.