Can we use Ayurvedic medicines

 Can we use Ayurvedic medicines as they are prepared according to Hindu philosophy?  It is said that some Hindu mantras are also recited over them.

Ayurveda is the Indian system of treatment in which leaves of trees and herbs, etc. are used for making medicines. Often, gold, silver, lead, mercury etc. are mixed in these. These metals are extracted from the earth, so their ruling is the same as the ruling of the earth (soil). The ruling about soil is that if eating soil is harmful for health, then eating it is Makruh (undesirable) and if it is not so, then it is allowed. Thus, the ruling for these metals is the same.  As given in Fatawa A’alamgiri, Vol. 5, Pg No: 341

If non-Muslims recite some mantras over the medicines, even then the medicines do not become Haraam (forbidden) because of it. If any Muslim physician recites some UnIslamic words, prayers, etc. over it to create some effect in the medicines, then that Muslim will be out of the fold of Islam. If any verses of the Holy Quran or any of the Quranic prayers or the prayers given in the Hadith, then it is permissible and preferred. As given in a Hadith in Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith No: 3388:

Translation: It has been narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Auf bin Malik (May Allah be well pleased with him) that, we used to recite prayers and blow upon in the days of ignorance (the pre-Islamic days). We asked the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam): Now what do you say about this? The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: Show your amulets to me. There is no problem if there is no “Shirk” in them. As also given in Mirqatul Mafateeh, Vol. 4, Pg No: 501.

Thus, if nothing forbidden is mixed in the Ayurvedic medicines, then there is no problem in using them.

And Allah The Most Merciful and The Most Beneficent knows best.

Mufti Hafidh Syed Ziauddin Naqshbandi Qadri,

[Professor of Islamic Law, Jamia Nizamia,
Founder-Director, Abul Hasanaat Islamic Research Center]