Chest pain and lung inflammation are serious ailments that require immediate attention. In classical Islamic Medicine (Tibb-e-Nabawi), severe chest and rib pain is historically referred to as Dhat-ul-Janb (Pleurisy).
While the classical texts provide a brilliant natural remedy for this condition, the discussion of this disease also brings us to one of the most fascinating, humanizing, and dramatic stories from the final days of the Prophet Muhammad’s (ļ·ŗ) life.
Let’s explore the Prophetic cure for chest pain, and the remarkable story of medicine and justice that surrounds it.
Understanding Pleurisy (Dhat-ul-Janb)
Classical physicians like Avicenna (Ibn Sina) divided Dhat-ul-Janb into two categories:
- True Pleurisy: A dangerous, hot swelling and inflammation of the membrane lining the inside of the ribs and lungs. It is accompanied by fever, a severe cough, difficulty breathing, and a sharp, pricking pain.
- False Pleurisy: A condition where thick, trapped gas (wind) gets stuck between the lungs and the chest wall. It mimics the severe pain of true pleurisy but is generally caused by digestive or humoral blockages rather than an inflamed membrane.
The Prophetic Prescription: Costus and Olive Oil
Sayyiduna Zaid bin Arqam (R.A) narrated that the Prophet (ļ·ŗ) said: “Treat Dhat-ul-Janb (Pleurisy) with Sweet Costus (Qust-e-Shireen) and Olive oil.” (Jami’ at-Tirmidhi).
Classical physicians note that mixing the powder of Costus root with warm Olive oilāeither by massaging it onto the chest and flanks or by ingesting itāis a miraculous cure, especially for “False Pleurisy.”
Costus (Qust) is a powerful natural medicine that acts as an astringent. It deeply warms the internal organs, dissolves the trapped, thick gases causing the pain, and opens up internal blockages. Olive oil serves as the perfect, soothing carrier oil to deliver the medicine into the body’s systems.
A Dramatic Incident During the Prophet’s Final Illness
The mention of Dhat-ul-Janb is tied to a famous incident during the final, severe illness of the Prophet (ļ·ŗ).
As his illness worsened, the Prophet (ļ·ŗ) fell completely unconscious due to the intensity of the pain. The people in the roomāincluding his pure wives, Sayyidah Asma bint Umais, and his uncle Sayyiduna Abbas (R.A)ābegan to consult one another. Fearing that the Prophet (ļ·ŗ) was suffering from Dhat-ul-Janb, the women decided to administer medicine to him while he was unconscious.
They prepared a mixture of Bitter Costus (Qust-e-Talkh), Waras (a Yemeni herb), and Olive oil. Because he was unconscious, they administered it through the corner of his mouthāa method classical Arabs called Laddoo.
The Awakening and a Lesson in Justice
When the Prophet (ļ·ŗ) regained consciousness and tasted the bitter medicine, he immediately asked, “Who has done this? Who has made me drink this medicine?”
The family respectfully submitted, “O Messenger of Allah! We feared that you were suffering from Dhat-ul-Janb.” The Prophet (ļ·ŗ) corrected their medical diagnosis, stating: “Allah Almighty will not afflict me with this disease.” Then, in a beautiful, highly profound moment of playful yet strict justice, the Prophet (ļ·ŗ) looked around the room. Since they had forced him to drink a bitter medicine while he was unable to consent, he laid down a decree:
“I order that everyone in the house should be administered medicine from the corner of the mouth, no one should remain, except my uncle Abbas (because he did not participate with you).” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
The Golden Rule of Fairness
Classical Islamic scholars derive a massive legal and moral principle from this beautiful historical event: the law of equal retaliation (Qisas).
Even while suffering from a terminal illness, the Prophet (ļ·ŗ) established that fairness must always prevail. If a person commits an act upon someone else without their consent, they should be ready to experience the exact same thing in return!
The next time you use Costus root and Olive oil to soothe a chest cold or muscle pain, remember this incredible story of the Prophet’s (ļ·ŗ) enduring commitment to justice, even in his final days.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and historical purposes based on classical Islamic texts (Tibb-e-Nabawi). True pleurisy and severe chest pains are medical emergencies. Always seek immediate professional medical attention for chest pain or difficulty breathing. Do not rely on herbal remedies for acute respiratory distress.