Health and Illness

The great Shaykh, Ashraf Ali Thanvi rahmatullahi alayh narrates that once he was sitting in the company of Shaykh, Haji Imdadullah rahamatullahi alayh. Shaykh Imdadullah was discussing the benefits of illness at the time.

A man came into the gathering shortly after the conversation had ended and asked Shaykh Imadadullah to make dua for him. The man asked that he be granted cure from his illness.

Upon seeing this Shaykh Ashraf Ali, thought to himself that only a few minutes ago Haji saheb was explaining how illnesses are a gift from Allah. Now someone is requesting him to make dua for the removal of this gift.

Thus Shaykh Ashraf Ali watched carefully to ascertain what Shaykh Imdadullah’s reaction would be.

In response to the man’s request Shaykh Imadadullah immediately lifted his hands in prayer and said”:

O Allah, illness is a gift of yours but it is difficult to bear. So O Allah, replace this gift with another gift.

And that is the gift of health