Q 2: Is it better for a person to see a Muslim or a Non-Muslim doctor for treatment or (Part No. 24; Page No. 397) not? If a person does not see a doctor, is he included in the Hadith which says that seventy thousand of this Ummah (nation) will enter Paradise without being brought to account or punished as they are those who do not recite Ruqyah (reciting Qur'an and saying supplications over the sick seeking healing) nor ask for Ruqyah to be done, nor use (cauterization) branding with fire, and they do not believe in bad omens and they put their trust in their Lord?Is it better for a person who has an eye disorder to see an ophthalmologist for treatment or not? If they do not go, is this in accordance with the following Hadith, If I deprive My slave of his two beloved eyes and he remains patient, I will let him enter Paradise in compensation for them. What is the meaning of this Hadith?

A: It is permissible for a person to seek lawful treatment and this does not contradict Tawakkul (putting one’s trust in Allah), as this is making use of the means which Allah made beneficial. On the other hand, yielding to the Divine Decree, being satisfied and content with the destined affliction, trusting in Allah, and abandoning the means of Ruqyah or cauterization are highly praised. It has been authentically reported in the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim) on the authority of Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that Seventy thousand will enter Paradise without reckoning or punishment; they are those who did not practice Ruqyah or ask for it, use (cauterization) branding with fire, nor believe in bad omens, and they put their trust in their Lord. Those people do not ask others to recite Ruqyah or to cauterize them. They put their trust in Allah and depend on Him to remove their distress and in getting what can benefit them. They do not believe in bad omens by guesswork and the like. (Part No. 24; Page No. 398) As for the Hadith, If I deprive My slave of his two beloved eyes and he remains patient, I will let him enter Paradise in compensation for them. Whoever shows patience after losing his sight, and expects the reward from Allah, He will admit him to Paradise. However, it is lawful to seek treatment and this does not conflict with the Hadith, as the Hadith only explains the best status of endurance and does not oppose the permissibility.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.