The Disease & The Cure (Purification of the Heart & Soul): A timeless and deeply penetrating work, The Disease and the Cure (al-Dā’ wa al-Dawā’) is a spiritual prescription from one of Islam’s most insightful scholars, Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah. Written as a detailed response to a man who confessed his ongoing struggle with a spiritual affliction, the book diagnoses the root of sin and its effects on the heart and soul, while offering divine remedies rooted in the Qur’an, Sunnah, and sincere repentance.
“Allah did not decree the descent of any illness except that He revealed its cure.” – [Sahih al-Bukhari]
This work does not name the specific sin, allowing its message to remain relevant to all who seek healing from temptations, doubts, destructive desires, or spiritual stagnation. Ibn al-Qayyim weaves authentic hadith, stories from the Companions, and powerful reflections into an answer that purifies the heart and revives hope.
What You'll Gain from This Book:
- A comprehensive understanding of how sins affect the heart and soul
- The role of sincere duʿā’ and tawbah in healing spiritual diseases
- The conditions for effective supplication and why it may be delayed
- Warnings against the gravest sins, such as shirk, murder, and zina
- An explanation of divine decree and how duʿā’ interacts with it
- Practical tools to strengthen your connection with Allah and rely upon Him alone
Who Should Read This Book:
- Anyone struggling with ongoing sins or spiritual illnesses
- Students of knowledge seeking a deep understanding of the soul
- Believers who wish to draw closer to Allah through purification of the heart
- Readers of Ibn al-Qayyim, Ibn Taymiyyah, or classical Islamic scholarship
Why It Matters:
This book is not merely an academic treatise—it is a lifeline for those seeking refuge in Allah. Ibn al-Qayyim’s words remain as powerful today as they were centuries ago, reminding us that the remedy for every disease lies within the guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
The Imam was asked a long question, a part of which was: What is the opinion of the scholars regarding a man who is afflicted by a disease, and knows that if it should continue, it would damage his life? The Imam quoted the Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet (S) said: "Allah has appointed a remedy for every disease He has sent down.
" Imam Ahmad reported on the authority of Usamah bin Shareek that the Prophet (S) said: "Allah has not made a disease without providing a remedy for it, except one disease, namely old age.
" This applies to medicine for the heart, soul, and body. The well-being of the servant's heart is far more important than that of his body, for while the well-being of his body enables him to lead a life that is free from illnesses in this world, that of the heart ensures him both a fortunate life in this world and eternal bliss in the next.
About the Author: Imam Ibnul Qayyim al-Jawziyyah was born into a scholarly and virtuous family in 691 AH/ 1292 A.D. At that time, Damascus was a center of literature and thought. Many schools were located there, and he studied and graduated under the protection, direction, and sponsorship of his father.
He was particularly influenced by his Shaykh and teacher Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, and also by Ibn ash-Shirazi, amongst others. Ibnul Qayyim al-Jawziyyah died in the city of Damascus in the year 751 AH/1350 C.E., when he was scarcely 60 years old, and was buried at the cemetery of Bab-al-Saghir, near the grave of his father - Rahimahuma Allah.
