Hadith #2926

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully describes the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as a skilled physician who carried with him the remedies needed to heal the ailments of the hearts, ears, and tongues. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the Prophet's (ﷺ) ability to identify the areas of negligence and confusion and provide the necessary cure.

The word (tabib) "طَبِيبٌ" in Arabic refers to a physician or a doctor. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is metaphorically described as a physician because he possessed the knowledge and wisdom to heal the spiritual and emotional ailments of the people. He was not only a guide for the physical well-being of his community but also for their spiritual and moral well-being.

The phrase (dawwar bi-tibbihi) "دَوَّارٌ بِطِبِّهِ" means that the Prophet (ﷺ) moved around with his remedies. This signifies his active and dynamic approach in spreading the message of Islam and addressing the needs of the people. Just as a physician goes from patient to patient, the Prophet (ﷺ) tirelessly reached out to individuals, communities, and even nations, offering them the cure for their spiritual ailments.

The phrase (ahkama marahimahu) "أحْكَمَ مَراهِمَهُ" means that the Prophet (ﷺ) readied his salves. Salves are medicinal ointments used to heal wounds and soothe pain. In the context of this Hadith, it symbolizes the Prophet's (ﷺ) teachings and guidance that serve as a healing balm for the hearts and souls of the believers. His words and actions were a source of comfort and solace for those who sought his guidance.

The phrase (ahmma mawasimahu) "أحْمى مَواسِمَهُ" means that the Prophet (ﷺ) warmed his instruments. Just as a physician warms his instruments before using them, the Prophet (ﷺ) prepared himself and his community for the challenges they would face. He instilled in them the necessary knowledge, wisdom, and moral values to navigate through the complexities of life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that the Prophet (ﷺ) used his remedies to cure blind hearts, deaf ears, and dumb tongues. This metaphorical language highlights the transformative power of the Prophet's (ﷺ) teachings. Blind hearts represent those who are spiritually blind and ignorant, unable to see the truth. Deaf ears symbolize those who are spiritually deaf and unable to hear the guidance of Allah. Dumb tongues represent those who are spiritually mute and unable to articulate their faith or express their needs.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Yunus (10:57),

O mankind, there has come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers.

This verse emphasizes that the Quran, brought by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), is a source of healing for the hearts and a guidance for the believers.

In Surah An-Nur (24:35), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things.

This verse highlights the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as a source of guidance and light for humanity.

The consequences of the Prophet's (ﷺ) role as a physician of hearts, ears, and tongues are profound. Through his teachings and actions, he transformed the lives of countless individuals, bringing them out of darkness into light, ignorance into knowledge, and disbelief into faith. The Prophet (ﷺ) not only addressed the immediate needs of his community but also provided them with the tools to navigate through the challenges of life.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek guidance and healing from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Just as a physician prescribes the appropriate remedy for a specific ailment, the Prophet's (ﷺ) teachings provide the necessary guidance for every aspect of our lives. It is our duty as Muslims to study and implement his teachings, allowing them to heal our hearts, open our ears to the truth, and enable us to speak with wisdom and clarity.

In conclusion, this Hadith beautifully portrays the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as a skilled physician who carried with him the remedies needed to heal the ailments of the hearts, ears, and tongues. His teachings and guidance serve as a source of healing and guidance for all Muslims. May we strive to emulate his example and seek solace in his teachings, allowing them to transform our lives and bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).