REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — In Asy Syuara's chapter, verse 80 mentions, وَاِذَا مَرِضۡتُ فَهُوَ يَشۡفِيۡنِۙ, which means, “And when I am sick, He is the one who heals me.” What is the meaning of the verse?
This verse from the book of Allah came from the Prophet Ibrahim, when he spoke of His grace. The pronoun 'هو' indicates the great meaning that healing comes from God, although with a variety of methods all culminate in His will.
It is likely that there are some people who simply see the verse with the wrong meaning. They only expect miracles from Him, refuse to take medicine and take medicine. Then let the disease invade his body. Allah says:
إِنَّمَا أَمْرُهُ إِذَا أَرَادَ شَيْئًا أَنْ يَقُولَ لَهُ كُنْ فَيَكُونُ
“When He wills something, he says to him, 'Be it! ' So it came to pass” (QS Yasin 82).
But God has given many of His gifts. “From the belly of the bee comes a drink (honey) of various colors, in which there is a healing medicine for man.” (QS An Nahl 69).
Then this verse shows healing by His permission:
“And We sent down from the Qur'an (something) that is an offering and a mercy for the believers” (Al-Isra v. 82). And God said: “A healer for diseases that are in the chest.” (QS Jonah 57).
Then the Prophet Job, when he was afflicted with illness, said:
“(O my Lord), verily, I have been afflicted with sickness, but Thou art the Most Merciful Lord.” (QS Al Anbiya 83).
Could it be that the Almighty could not tell him? كُنْ or “Be” safe and healthy! But that's not the case. (God said):
“Hit your feet; here is cool water for bathing and for drinking.” (QS Shad verse 42). This is what God said in answer to the Prophet Job in order to be an antidote for his illness.
On the other hand, the Prophet Yunus Alaihis Salam when he was in the belly of the fish he was still in an intact state. He praises his Lord and prays to Him while in the belly of a whale.
“If he were not one of those who profusely deny Allah, he would remain in the belly (of the fish) until the Day of Resurrection” (QS Ash Shaffat, 134-144).
The Prophet Jonah's prayer to his Lord was the reason and means for his exit from the belly of the whale and his recovery from illness. Thus, although God is the possessor and giver of healing, Islam teaches the importance of observance.