وَقُلْ رَّبِّ أَدْخِلْنِي مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَأَخْرِجْنِي مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ وَاجْعَل لِّي مِن لَّدُنكَ سُلْطَانًا نَّصِيرًا

فَصْلٌ فِي هَدْيِهِ فِي عِلَاجِ الْحُمَّى

Guidance of Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم in Treating Fever

ثَبَتَ فِي الصَّحِيحَيْنِ عَنْ نافع، عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: إنّما الحمىّ أو شدّة مِنْ فَيْحِ جَهَنَّمَ، فَأَبْرِدُوهَا بِالْمَاءِ

Ibn al-Qayyam wrote : It is confirmed in both Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim from Nafi’ on the authority of Ibn Umar that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Fever is from the heat of Hell, so cool it with water.”

This Hadith has surprised many unlearned doctors, who see it as contradictory to known methods of treating fever. With Allah's help and strength, we will explain its meaning and understanding. The saying of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم can be categorized into two types: general for all people and specific for some. The first type applies to all of humanity, while the second is specific to particular individuals or groups. For example, most of his guidance is general, but certain sayings, like

لَا تَسْتَقْبِلُوا الْقِبْلَةَ بِغَائِطٍ وَلَا بول، ولا تسدبروها، وَلَكِنْ شَرِّقُوا، أَوْ غَرِّبُوا (أخرجه البخاري في القبلة)

"Do not face the Qiblah when defecating or urinating, and do not turn your back towards it; rather, face east or west," are specific. This guidance was directed to the people of Madinah and those along its latitude, such as the people of Syria and other nearby areas, but not to those in the East, West, or Iraq. Similarly, he said, “The area between the East and the West is the Qiblah,” which applies to a specific region.

With this understanding, the guidance in this Hadith is specifically directed to the people of Hijaz and nearby regions, as most of the fevers they encountered were of the type caused by daily exposure to intense heat from the sun. For such fevers, cold water—both for drinking and bathing—was beneficial. Fever is an unusual heat that ignites in the heart and then spreads through the arteries and veins, carried by the spirit and blood, to the entire body. This heat burns within, disrupting natural bodily functions.

Fever can be divided into two types:

(a) Incidental Fevers: These arise from external factors, such as inflammation, physical exertion, exposure to intense sunlight, extreme heat, and similar causes.

(b) Pathological Fevers: There are three types of pathological fevers, each originating from a primary source that then spreads heat throughout the body: (1) Fever of the Spirit: When the fever starts with the spirit (soul), it is often called a “one-day fever” because it usually resolves within a day, with a maximum duration of three days. (2) Humoral Fever (Putrid Fever): If the fever originates from bodily humors, it is termed "putrid fever" and is categorized into four types, based on the specific humor affected: choleric (yellow bile), melancholic (black bile), phlegmatic, or sanguine (blood-related). (3) Fever from Solid Organs: When the fever originates in the solid, primary organs of the body, it is called "consumptive fever" (Humma Diqq). Within these three categories, there are numerous subtypes.

The body can benefit significantly from fever in ways that medicines cannot achieve. One-day fevers or putrid fevers often help to digest thick substances that would not otherwise dissolve without fever, and they help open blockages that cannot be reached by medications designed to clear them.

Additionally, fever can heal many types of recent or chronic eye infections, benefiting conditions such as paralysis, facial palsy, spasms due to excess, and various acute illnesses caused by thick, lingering residues in the body.

A distinguished physician once told me, “In many illnesses, we welcome the onset of fever just as a patient would welcome recovery. Fever in these cases can be far more beneficial than taking medicine, as it helps to digest harmful humors and corrupted substances in the body. Once these impurities are processed by the fever, medicine can then effectively expel them, leading to healing.”

With this understanding, it is possible that the Hadith refers to certain types of incidental fevers. These fevers can be alleviated by immersing the body in cold water or drinking cold, iced water. The person may not need any further treatment, as these fevers are merely a form of excessive heat affecting the spirit. A simple application of cold can soothe the fever and extinguish its intensity without needing to purge any substances or wait for maturity in the illness.

It is possible that the Hadith refers to all types of fevers. Al-Razi, in his Comprehensive Book, said: “If the body is strong, the fever is very intense, the humors are clearly digested, and there is no internal swelling or rupture, drinking cold water is beneficial. If the patient is robust, the weather is hot, and he is accustomed to using cold water externally, he may be permitted to do so.”

The statement, “Fever is from the heat of Hell,” refers to the intensity of its burning and spreading, similar to the statement, “The extreme heat is from the heat of Hell.” This can be understood in two ways:

Literal Sample: This view holds that the fever is a small sample derived from Hell, meant to serve as a reminder and warning for people. Allah has created signs of both Paradise and Hell on Earth for reflection. For instance, joy, happiness, and pleasure are tastes of Paradise given to people in this world, and Allah has arranged for them to appear under certain circumstances.

Metaphorical Comparison: This interpretation suggests that the intense heat of fever and its burning sensation are likened to the heat of Hell. Similarly, the extreme heat in the environment serves as a reminder of Hell’s severe punishment, symbolizing the intense burning that will affect those who are close to it.

The Hadith words فَأَبْرِدُوهَا بِالْمَاءِ ~ cool it with water mean :

General Water: This is the stronger interpretation, suggesting that any water can be used to cool the fever.

Zamzam Water: Some scholars interpret this as referring specifically to Zamzam water. They cite a narration from Sahih al-Bukhari, where Abu Jamra Nasr ibn Imran recounted, “I was sitting with Ibn Abbas Radi Allaho Anh in Makkah when I was overtaken by a fever. He told me, ‘Cool it down with Zamzam water, for the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

إنَّ الْحُمَّى مِنْ فَيْحِ جَهَنَّمَ فَأَبْرِدُوهَا بِالْمَاءِ، أَوْ قَالَ: بِمَاءِ زَمْزَمَ

“Fever is from the heat of Hell, so cool it down with water,” or he said, “with Zamzam water.”

The narrator expressed uncertainty, leaving the option open for Makkans to use Zamzam water, which is easily available to them, and for others to use whatever water they have.

There is a difference of opinion among those who consider the Hadith to be general. Some interpret it as encouraging giving water in charity, while others believe it refers to using water to cool the fever. The correct view is that it means using water for treatment. It seems that those who thought it meant giving water in charity were confused by the idea of using cold water for fever, as they did not understand its benefit. However, the notion of charity has a valid interpretation: just as one quenches the thirst of someone who is thirsty with cold water, Allah may cool the heat of fever for them as a reward. Nevertheless, the primary intent of the Hadith is indeed using water directly.

وَقَدْ ذَكَرَ أبو نعيم وَغَيْرُهُ مِنْ حَدِيثِ أنس يَرْفَعُهُ:  إِذَا حُمَّ أَحَدُكُمْ، فَلْيَرُشَّ عَلَيْهِ الْمَاءَ الْبَارِدَ ثَلَاثَ لَيَالٍ مِنَ السَّحَرِ

Abu Nu'aym and others narrate from Anas Radi Allaho Anh that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “If one of you has a fever, let him sprinkle cold water on himself for three nights at the time of dawn.”

وَفِي سُنَنِ ابْنِ مَاجَهْ عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ يَرْفَعُهُ:  الْحُمَّى كِيرٌ مِنْ كِيرِ جَهَنَّمَ، فَنَحُّوهَا عَنْكُمْ بِالْمَاءِ الْبَارِدِ

In Sunan Ibn Majah, Abu Hurayrah Radi Allaho Anh narrates that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Fever is a bellow from the bellows of Hell, so drive it away from yourselves with cold water.”

وَفِي الْمُسْنَدِ وَغَيْرِهِ، مِنْ حَدِيثِ الحسن، عَنْ سمرة يَرْفَعُهُ:  الْحُمَّى قِطْعَةٌ مِنَ النَّارِ، فَأَبْرِدُوهَا عَنْكُمْ بِالْمَاءِ الْبَارِدِ، وَكَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا حُمَّ دَعَا بِقِرْبَةٍ مِنْ مَاءٍ، فَأَفْرَغَهَا عَلَى رَأْسِهِ فَاغْتَسَلَ 

In Musnad Ahmad and other collections, it is narrated from Hasan, on the authority of Samurah, that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Fever is a piece of fire, so cool it down with cold water.” The Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم would, when he had a fever, call for a container of water and pour it over his head to cool himself.

مِنْ حَدِيثِ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ: ذُكِرَتِ الْحُمَّى عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، فَسَبَّهَا رَجُلٌ، فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:  لَا تَسُبَّهَا فَإِنَّهَا تَنْفِي الذُّنُوبَ، كَمَا تَنْفِي النَّارُ خَبَثَ الْحَدِيدِ (أخرجه مسلم في الأدب) 

In Sunan collections, it is narrated that Abu Hurayrah Radi Alaho Anh said: Fever was mentioned in the presence of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and a man cursed it. The Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Do not curse it, for it removes sins just as fire removes impurities from iron.”

This statement reflects the nature of fever, which often leads to abstaining from unhealthy foods, while consuming nutritious food and beneficial medicine, thereby helping cleanse the body and purging its impurities and excesses. Fever acts similarly to fire refining iron, removing its impurities and purifying its essence. Therefore, fever resembles the furnace fire that refines the quality of iron. This much is known to physical doctors.

As for purifying the heart from its filth and dirt, and expelling its corrupt elements, this is something known to spiritual doctors who feel it, as Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم informed them. However, if a heart’s sickness becomes hopeless, this treatment may no longer help.  Thus, fever benefits both body and heart. With such significant benefits, cursing it would be unjust and unreasonable.

قَالَ أبو هريرة: ما من مرض يصيا بني أَحَبَّ إلَيَّ مِنَ الْحُمَّى، لِأَنَّهَا تَدْخُلُ فِي كُلِّ عُضْوٍ مِنِّي، وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ سُبْحَانَهُ يُعْطِي كُلَّ عُضْوٍ حَظَّهُ مِنَ الْأَجْرِ

Abu Hurayrah once said, “There is no illness that befalls me more beloved to me than fever, for it enters every part of my body, and I hope that Allah will grant each part of me its share of reward.”

وَقَدْ رَوَى الترمذي فِي جَامِعِهِمِنْ حَدِيثِ رَافِعِ بْنِ خَدِيجٍ يَرْفَعُهُ:  إِذَا أَصَابَتْ أَحَدَكُمُ الْحُمَّى- وَإِنَّ الْحُمَّى قِطْعَةٌ مِنَ النَّارِ فَلْيُطْفِئْهَا بِالْمَاءِ الْبَارِدِ، وَيَسْتَقْبِلْ نَهَرًا جَارِيًا، فَلْيَسْتَقْبِلْ جَرْيَةَ الْمَاءِ بَعْدَ الْفَجْرِ وَقَبْلَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ، وَلْيَقُلْ: بِسْمِ اللَّهِ اللَّهُمَّ اشْفِ عَبْدَكَ، وَصَدِّقْ رَسُولَكَ، وَيَنْغَمِسُ فِيهِ ثلاث غمسات ثلاثة أيام، فإن برىء، وَإِلَّا فَفِي خَمْسٍ، فَإِنْ لَمْ يَبْرَأْ فِي خَمْسٍ، فَسَبْعٌ، فَإِنْ لَمْ يَبْرَأْ فِي سَبْعٍ فَتِسْعٌ، فَإِنَّهَا لَا تَكَادُ تُجَاوِزُ تِسْعًا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ

In Tirmidhi, it is narrated from Rafi ibn Khadij that Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “If fever afflicts anyone among you—since fever is a piece of fire—let him extinguish it with cold water and stand by a flowing river. Face the current after dawn and before sunrise, say, ‘In the name of Allah, O Allah, heal Your servant and confirm Your Messenger,’ then immerse himself in it three times, for three days. If he is not cured, then let him try five times, and if not cured in five, then seven, and if not cured in seven, then nine, for it is unlikely to last beyond nine, by Allah’s permission.”

This method of cooling with water is especially effective during the summer season in hot regions, under the previously mentioned conditions. At that time, water is at its coolest, as it has not been heated by exposure to the sun. Additionally, the body’s strength is at its peak due to rest, calm, and the coolness of the night air. This combines the body’s internal strength with the cooling effect of water, providing an effective remedy for incidental fevers or pure intermittent fevers—those without swelling, harmful symptoms, or corrupted humors. Such fevers are often extinguished by this method, particularly in regions where the residents have lighter bodily humors and are more responsive to beneficial treatments.