The incident is both astonishing and thought-provoking, captivating the mind with wonder. The story involves Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) once asking Allah Almighty a profound question: “O Supreme Creator, if a human were to ask for just one blessing from Your abundant gifts, what would it be?” Allah responded, “Health.” This incident left me in a state of awe and contemplation. Indeed, health is a truly monumental gift from Allah. The level of care and planning that goes into maintaining human well-being is unparalleled. The precision and complexity of the systems within our bodies often leave our intellects astounded.
Every one of us carries within us a multitude of approximately four thousand diseases at any given time. These diseases are in a constant state of activity, yet our defense mechanisms, our immune system, diligently keep them in check.
Consider, for instance, the intricate mechanisms within us. Our mouth perpetually produces bacteria that can weaken our hearts. However, when we engage in activities like walking briskly, awakening from slumber, or even coughing, our mouth opens wide, allowing fresh oxygen to flood in. These deep breaths effectively eliminate harmful bacteria, safeguarding our hearts.
Similarly, when we walk briskly or jog, our mouth opens and we breathe rapidly. These swift breaths obliterate harmful bacteria, effectively protecting our hearts. These instances show how our bodies are intricately designed to counteract potential threats, preserving our well-being.
Consider the astonishing intricacies of our body’s defenses. Our eyes produce a liquid akin to pigeon tears, a type of fluid that lubricates and cleanses our eyes. Although seemingly trivial, this fluid is indispensable for maintaining clear vision. If it were to run dry, no amount of wealth could restore its function.
Our stomachs occasionally cease to produce a specific acidic secretion. In the midst of this affluent world, we suddenly find ourselves helpless. Our stomach’s lining is peppered with minuscule bones, a fact discovered only decades ago. These bones grant children the capacity to swallow and learn to speak normally. The medical profession marveled at this revelation, and surgeons performed operations on infants, allowing them to grow up without being hindered by the lack of these bones.
The liver, our body’s lone regenerating organ, has the potential to grow back fully after being partially removed. Astonishingly, it is this unique ability that facilitated the first liver transplant in May of 1960. Nevertheless, nature endowed our livers with the potential to regenerate long before that, a capability far beyond the scope of human achievement.
Consider our small intestines. Some children are born with the ability to straighten their necks, swallow, and even speak through an opening in their windpipes. Surgeons found that these tiny openings enable the children to lead normal lives. Astonishingly, they discovered that these openings were located within the small intestines. Following this revelation, they surgically created similar openings in the throats of other children, enabling them to lead normal lives as well.
Medical experts were bewildered, wondering why nature had bestowed such an ability within the intestines. Their bewilderment was short-lived, for they soon realized that these small openings were not intended to be located within the intestines but within the windpipes. This mistake was due to the small size of the bones within our intestines, often disregarded as vestigial. However, they serve a critical purpose, allowing these extraordinary children to breathe, swallow, and speak unimpeded.
The astonishing capabilities of our bodies continue to amaze. For instance, the power of our sweat glands to emit perspiration is often undermined. Yet, the wealthiest individuals in the world are willing to spend millions each year to ensure that they sweat. This simple act, often taken for granted, contributes significantly to maintaining our health.
Our stomachs may appear trivial, but their periodic production of specific acids is vital. In the midst of our prosperous lives, we are utterly dependent on this process. The minute bones within our spinal cords have been discovered. These bones empower us to straighten our backs and move our limbs freely. These bones remained obscure for centuries, but they play a crucial role in maintaining our health and well-being.
Reflect on the staggering complexity of our bodies’ defense systems. Our immune system, akin to a vigilant army, continuously guards us from harm. It is relentless in its protection, even in the face of diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Companies that manufacture medications for these conditions reap substantial profits annually, yet their contributions are minuscule compared to the defense mechanisms intrinsic to our bodies.
In times of illness, we often realize the value of health. However, our gratitude towards this remarkable gift should be constant. We awaken each day, able to see with our eyes, hear with our ears, touch with our hands, smell with our noses, and taste with our mouths. We possess these abilities because we have been graced by the Creator’s benevolence.
Our health is a unique favor from Allah, a privilege that we often fail to acknowledge adequately. We do not express sufficient gratitude for this divine mercy. Each day we rise from our beds, and whatever we desire to eat, we consume. And the food we eat is swiftly digested, nourishing us. We can walk, run, bend, and touch, thanks to the marvel of our limbs. We can see, hear, and communicate due to the intricate mechanisms of our eyes, ears, and mouth. Yet, all too often, we overlook the miraculous intricacies of these everyday activities.
We should be conscious of Allah’s tremendous blessings and be ever grateful for our health. It is a gift that, once lost, cannot be fully regained, regardless of our wealth or resources. We may never be able to perfectly align our spinal cords, just as we cannot recreate the tears in our eyes, produce the fluids needed for our stomachs, or replicate the power of our sweat glands. Our gratitude towards these blessings should be boundless.
In a world where billions are spent to restore health, let us remember to thank Allah for the impeccable gift of well-being. Our health is not only an asset but also a means to enjoy every other blessing Allah has bestowed upon us. We may not fully comprehend the wonders of our bodies, but let us never forget to express gratitude for the most remarkable gift of all – the gift of health.
Truly, Allah’s generosity and benevolence are boundless, and our health is a testament to His unwavering care.