As Muslims, we are reminded of our mortality at every Friday sermon. Islam also teaches us to recognize that this world is but a journey to another world, which is eternal and death is the only bridge that takes one to the hereafter.

We may wish to live forever or worry about our kin and businesses when we are gone but we will all taste death someday. Therefore, we must fear Allah in our every dealing, have faith in him, be kind to one another and trust his judgement. 

A cancer diagnosis is a test of your faith, mental and physical strength. Hearing the diagnosis is often described as a brutal moment. Grieve if you cannot help it. You should cry if it will make you better. Allah said in the Holy Quran that “And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient ones.” (Quran 2:155).

Blaming Him or yourself for your previous deeds, questioning others and losing hope in carrying on with life and treatment will not be beneficial to you. Allah is the Just, the fairest of all judges, and the one who knows all. He has enjoined us to fight for life to the best of our capabilities. You must not lose faith in Him for he is the divine healer.

This does not mean that you should turn away from orthodox care. Getting treatment in a facility with the appropriate staff and equipment to cater to you and others should be at the top of your list, as well as drawing closer to Him in your prayers and deeds.

Cancer does not mean death so you must continue to fight for life as much as possible, maintaining your life as close as possible to what it was before the diagnosis. Keeping your spirituality up is bound to help you in instances of psychological distress and sadness brought on by cancer.

A calamity such as cancer may sometimes be a gift from Allah. This is because He may wipe out your sins and exalt you in the hereafter. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whenever a Muslim is afflicted with a hardship, sickness, sadness, worry, harm, or depression -even a thorn’s prick, Allah expiates his sins because of it”. Sometimes, a diagnosis of cancer draws one closer to God as it brings more meaning and reflection to one’s life.

Therefore, go to your appointments and proceed with treatment, read the Holy Quran as much as possible, observe the daily prayers at appropriate times, trust in Allah, endure and make supplications to Allah for He is the one who heals all.

You should also give alms whenever you can. May the peace and blessings be upon us today, tomorrow and in the hereafter. 

May he grant us all divine healing which is everlasting, forever.