Oh Healer” reminds Muslims where to seek their cure
While people around the world are still collectively reeling from the physical and emotional toll of the coronavirus pandemic, a nasheed like Native Deen’s “Oh Healer” is a welcome balm. The vocals-only song in Arabic and English is based on a duaa that calls on God for healing: “O Allah, Lord of people, remover of hardship, heal – for you are the Healer other than whom there is no healer – with a healing that does not leave illness behind.” [al-Bukhari]
Multiple images in the video remind us of our morality and our vulnerability. Paramedics, gurneys, slowly dripping IV fluids, heart monitors, doctors wearing scrubs, and sterile operating rooms all call to mind the intensive treatments we receive during illness. But the lyrics remind us that even with all of the wonders of modern science and medicine, our healing is ultimately in the hands of Allah SWT: “There’s no remedy or cure, except if it is yours.”
Sometimes Allah SWT heals us in hospitals and in doctors’ offices. And sometimes He SWT heals us through prayer, sacrifice, patience, dhikr (remembrance of Him), and repentance. “Oh healer” is a melodic way to remember to turn to Allah SWT when we are ill because He SWT knows the best way to cure what ails us.
The video features three main characters who are going through a trial: an older man who has chest pains, a young football player with an injured arm, and a woman whose concerned facial expressions might indicate stress or mental anguish. All Muslims can relate to these situations. Who among us has not suffered pain or stress? While we, like the characters in the video, should seek professional help, we should rely on Allah SWT first and foremost. InshaAllah with The Healer’s help, we can be restored to vitality.
Written by Native Deen member Abdul-Malik Ahmad, “Oh Healer” would be a good nasheed to play for a person who is sick and in need of comfort. It could also be a good way to teach children the duaa’ for illness, as music and rhyme facilitate memorization.
