The Reality of Illness and Its Three Divine Causes

 

23 November 2025

“The Reality of Illness and Its Three Divine Causes”

Prophet Khidr AS came to me and smiled, then said:

“O Ahmad, write! Truly, gold and jewels will never become beautiful unless they are forged with intense heat. And so it is with you. I was not angry with you out of temper in the past days, nor was I commanded by Allah to do so or to distance myself from you. Rather, it was simply to strengthen you in your struggle in the path of Allah. Indeed, the people in your vessel are filled with the best prayers for you. Has Allah not proven it in the fields of your followers?

And was it not the turob of Mount Qaf that you were permitted by Allah to study and use as medicine? Then Allah commanded me to inform you, to teach you about that soil and the medicine named Turob, through which Allah cured many people. You must be grateful and guard your heart against suspicion and doubt.”

“O Abu Turob” (a title for Ahmad), “you must hasten to complete what has been delayed. Some among your followers are confused by what you have conveyed. The Ummah of Rasulullah is not prohibited from mentioning the names of your noble Grandfather’s wives, as long as it is done with honour. Among the wives of Rasulullah was a bondwoman of a king, whose status was not the same as ordinary bondwomen of the past. There is no goodness in insulting or belittling the wives of Rasulullah, none of whom were divorced until his passing. Let them understand this.”

“O Ahmad, the reality of illness is a decree that binds all of Allah’s creation. For human beings, illness has three causes:

1. A reminder from Allah due to human negligence,
2. Because Allah misses His servant,
3. A definitive punishment.

All of these have one divine purpose – that humans may realise, repent, and erase sins that can be forgiven. You must be patient.”

“O Ahmad, a swarm of bees is not the same as a swarm of wood-eating termites. Bees build their homes by Allah’s command to benefit mankind by producing cures, while termites build theirs by destroying wood (people’s homes). Such is the parable of the scholars who are ascetic and pious, and those scholars who love the world. True scholars gather only to bring coolness and beauty to Islam, whereas the unjust gather only to divide and tarnish Islam in the eyes of mankind.

Indeed, the corruption of scholars is the destruction of a nation – a sign of the end of times. You must safeguard your vessel with noble character and make it a vessel that benefits its passengers.”

“O Abu Turob, has Allah not given you clear guidance regarding tobacco, medicines, and safe plant fertilisers? The pest repellent you created does not kill animals but merely keeps them away from the crops of your companions. It is not considered wise to continue using what is makruh or harmful to the earth, or what kills animals cruelly, except those Allah has permitted to be killed in ways that please Him. Let them reflect.

If Allah has already made lawful what is pure and beneficial, why seek the makruh? No community will ever prosper if they are divided and belittle one another.”

“O Ahmad, you must seek a renowned physician. Allah does not regard a servant as sincere and patient in facing illness if he simply remains passive without effort or striving for recovery. Do not take lightly the injury caused by your fall on the sacred land. Reflect.

Will you not soon return to struggle alongside them? And will Allah not send calamity upon the land of those who insult Aqsa, until they plead to gods other than Allah? Then some among them will abandon their lands. It is easy for Allah to destroy arrogant nations except for the presence of His hidden servants who believe in Allah and His Messenger in those lands.”

“O Ahmad, one who seeks forgiveness and the one who forgives are both elevated, but the forgiver is more exalted, and Allah guarantees Paradise and intercession for him – except when dealing with those afflicted with envy, from whose tongues you may not be safe. Understand this.

A person is not considered by Allah to be cutting ties with those who are envious. There is no sin upon you to distance yourself from someone who slanders you maliciously, even if they are very close to you or share your lineage. Continue to greet them with a smile, but do not grant them trust or leadership.”

“O Ahmad, be firm-hearted in guiding certain seniors in your vessel regarding business agreements, so that matters are clear and no party is wronged. Your first wife is not at fault for requesting her rights. Let them realise each other’s mistakes. Let no one rush in seeking profit until they fall into vile usury, nor be hasty in business dealings and partnerships. Let them bind themselves with strong agreements and consult with honesty and sincerity. You must teach them.”

 

“O Ahmad, mend the hearts of your wives. Leave them for twelve days, or until your three companions arrive in your land. Then remain in the place I appoint for you and manage your business from there. During that time, do not ask too many questions and do not be weak. This is essential for success in the coming year.

Within those twelve days, there will be a time when you are on the sacred land. There is no sight more beautiful to Allah’s servants than the gate of Paradise when one attains martyrdom. Yet your path to martyrdom on the sacred land is not through death, but through the victory of your vessel. Be patient, and remain concealed until Allah praises you and your vessel.”

“O Ahmad, if Allah has decreed, it is not impossible for a woman to conceive in old age. That is Allah’s right upon His servants. Your wife must be patient.”

– Ahmad F. Bin Abdullah A. Syams –