Author: Mufti Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time- A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 62)
The Changing Approach of Physicians Toward the Interaction Between Religion and Science
In recent decades, the field of medicine has witnessed profound and gradual changes, particularly regarding the relationship between science and religion. A tangible example of this shift can be observed in one of the medical centers of major universities, where physicians no longer confine themselves solely to treating patients’ physical conditions; rather, they also consider the spiritual and psychological dimensions of the human being in the healing process.
A physician, in an examination room, encountered a patient—a fifty-four-year-old woman who had recently suffered a cardiac crisis. She complained of chronic shortness of breath; however, after examination, it became clear that her physical condition did not require any specific medication. Instead of prescribing medicine, the physician suggested a spiritual remedy: supplication and prayer to draw closer to Allah, the Exalted. This simple yet profound recommendation highlights the importance and impact of the spiritual dimension in the process of healing.
This case reflects the slow and steady transformation within the medical profession. Physicians who once avoided integrating religion and science have now come to realize that guiding patients toward a connection with Allah, repentance, and moral reform constitutes an essential part of effective treatment. This realization has emerged not merely from religious observance or strict adherence to religious commands, but rather through scientific experiences and empirical research.
In the United States, studies indicate that an increasing number of physicians are setting aside traditional boundaries between religion and science and acknowledging the healing benefits of prayer and worship. A survey conducted at an annual medical gathering involving more than two hundred and fifty physicians revealed that 99 percent confirmed the tangible and positive impact of spiritual prayer on their patients. In other universities, conferences attended by over a thousand health specialists have examined and discussed the relationship between healing and supplication.
Researchers and administrators of academic institutions acknowledge that the prevailing assumption in the past was that science and religion were incompatible; however, it has now become evident that attending to patients’ spiritual and psychological dimensions not only does not violate medical ethics but is essential for complete health. Patients who establish a relationship with Allah experience a sense of peace and security, which scientifically contributes to strengthening their immune systems.
The immune system—this complex and astonishing mechanism created by the grace of Allah to combat diseases and disorders—is strengthened in states of tranquility, trust in Allah, and spiritual security. Conversely, worry, anxiety, and psychological distress weaken it. This scientific reality aligns with religious teachings: true faith ensures both mental and physical well-being.
Some directors of research institutions have stated that discussing religion in patient care was previously considered contrary to professional ethics; however, the necessity of this approach has now become clear. Physicians’ motivation to address spiritual aspects of treatment stems largely from patients’ own requests, as they seek spiritual guidance from their doctors as well. Recent studies show that 64 percent of patients have experienced spiritual connection and religious commitment as influential factors in the improvement of their illnesses.
Many patients report that their sense of trust and calm increases when they know their physician is connected to a higher power and derives guidance for treatment from that connection. This sense of reassurance and spiritual attachment has a noticeable impact on the healing process. Scientific studies also indicate that prayer and worship can reduce pain and symptoms even in chronic and difficult-to-treat diseases. Research has shown that religious individuals tend to have lower blood pressure and better cardiovascular health. This is because physical and psychological blood pressure often results from worries and mental stress; when the human heart finds tranquility through Allah, this pressure is reduced.
Furthermore, the mental health of religious patients is generally better: they experience lower rates of depression, face fewer chronic illnesses, and show a lower tendency toward suicide. Trust in Allah, acceptance of divine decree, and reliance upon absolute power strengthen both body and mind, as stated in the Qur’an: قُل لَّن یُصِیبَنَا إِلَّا مَا كَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَنَا هُوَ مَولَىٰنَا وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلیَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلمُؤمِنُونَ Translation: “Say: Nothing will ever befall us except what Allah has decreed for us. He is our Protector, and upon Allah let the believers place their trust.” [1]
A hadith narrated by Mu‘adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) also emphasizes the importance of balance between worship and sound action: عن معاذ رضیاللهعنه قال: «كنت ردف النبی صلىاللهعلیهوسلم على حمار یقال له عفیر فقال: یا معاذ هل تدری حق الله على عباده وما حق العباد على الله. قلت: الله ورسوله أعلم قال: فإن حق الله على العباد أن یعبدوه ولا یشركوا به شیئا وحق العباد على الله ألا یعذب من لا یشرك به شیئا. فقلت: یا رسول الله أفلا أبشر به الناس قال: لا تبشرهم فیتكلوا Translation: Mu‘adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “I was riding behind the Prophet (peace be upon him) on a donkey called ‘Ufair. He said: ‘O Mu‘adh, do you know the right of Allah over His servants and the right of the servants over Allah?’ I said: ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ He said: ‘The right of Allah over His servants is that they worship Him and associate nothing with Him; and the right of the servants over Allah is that He does not punish those who do not associate anything with Him.’ I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, shall I not give this glad tiding to the people?’ He said: ‘Do not inform them, lest they rely on it and become negligent.’” [2]
Scientific research and practical experience demonstrate that religious patients—those connected to Allah, repenting, and spiritually grounded—achieve faster and more sustainable recovery compared to those deprived of this spiritual connection. These findings reflect the harmony between science and religion in safeguarding and enhancing human health and affirm the vital role of spiritual and moral dimensions in the treatment of illnesses. [3]
Continues…
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[1]. At-Tawbah: 51.
[2]. Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Book of Jihād and Expeditions, Chapter: The Name of the Horse and the Donkey, Hadith no. 2856, vol. 4, p. 29.
[3]. Summarized from: Encyclopedia of Scientific Miracles in the Qur’an and the Sunnah (Mawsū‘at al-I‘jāz al-‘Ilmī fī al-Qur’ān wa al-Sunnah), vol. 1, pp. 207–210.
