Islam Blog

When you’re sick, chances are your health isn’t the only thing that’s affected. Most people tend to feel irritable, depressed, and/or dull. The tips that I’ve included are intended to pep up the mood when you’re ill. Here they are:

1. Expiation:

“No tiredness, exhaustion, worry, grief, distress or harm befalls a believer in this world, not even a thorn that pricks him, but Allaah expiates some of his sins thereby.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5210; Muslim, 4670).

A believer’s sickness also falls under this category. When you’re sick, just remember that this is one of the ways in which Allah washes your sins away. A great advantage of thinking this way is that you know your sickness has some benefit. You know you’re suffering is not a waste.

2. Appreciate health: Remember that your health is a blessing from Allah . The best way to appreciate it is in times of sickness. So your sickness helps you in being grateful. We only appreciate the value of something when we no longer have it. It’s human psychology. However, the trick is to carry this forward. Always recall Allah ’s favor on you. Even in times of happiness and joy.

3. Feel valued: When you’re sick, you’re bound to get extra care from your family. Make the most of it. You’re not going to be treated like a king/queen when you’re healthy. Be honest! You will never get your meals in bed, except when you’re sick. Enjoy! It also feels nice when friends and relatives come to visit. However, don’t expect them to come if you don’t visit them when they are sick.

4. Strength: We don’t need science to tell us that some fevers boost your immune system. We’ve experienced it. In fact, there are certain types of diseases that only afflict us once. So they’re actually strengthening your immune system. In fact, vaccines are based on this very concept. So some common fevers and illnesses are not a complete loss.

5. Take a Break: Don’t stress yourself with work or studies. Illnesses give you a chance to take a break. How else will you convince your boss/principal to allow you to stay home? Since fevers come unannounced, make the most of this free time to rest your body.

6. Worship: This may be difficult for many. But this is truly a good time to worship. This is the time when few people turn to Allah . Why not try to be amongst those few? I don’t mean to suggest that you exert yourself. Do something simple, like reading the Qur’aan or Dhikr. Both of these are nice acts of worship. This may also trigger a worship routine; the best thing you can take away from an illness.

We ask Allah to heal the sickness of our bodies and hearts and bless us with his mercy and grace.