Advice for Dealing With Serious Illnesses

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: My aunty has recently been diagnosed with cancer and it seems to be getting worse and worse. My grandma likes to be told specific things to read; Is there any particular collections of duas/surahs/ dhikr you know of that she could read.

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.

May Allah give her — and all those sick — a full and complete recovery, insha’Allah.

It would good to recite the entire Qur’an, and then supplicate for her and all other Muslims. Supplications after completing a recital of the Qur’an are blessed and accepted, insha’Allah. (See: Are Supplications Made After the Entire Qur’an Has Been Recited Considered Accepted By Allah? )

Moreover, you should encourage her to spend her time in worship, repaying her debts to Allah, seeking forgiveness, mercy, and a raising of ranks. Encourage her to make much supplication, for He loves to be asked, and remember to always have a good opinion of Allah, by being a worshipful, grateful slave.

Finally, realize the words of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace), “No fatigue, illness, anxiety, sorrow, harm or sadness afflicts any Muslim, even to the extent of a thorn pricking him, without Allah wiping out his mistakes by it.” [Agreed upon]

Please also see:

[1] Advice to a Young Cancer Patient

[2] How Do You Distinguish Between a Test From Allah and Punishment?

[3] A Reader on Patience and Reliance on Allah

[4] Prophetic Supplications to Cure Illnesses

[5] Asking Allah for Well-Being: The Sunna of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace)

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani