There are two ways of healing sickness, material means and
spiritual means. The first is by the treatment of physicians; the second
consisteth in prayers offered by the spiritual ones to God and in turning to
Him. Both means should be used and practised.
Illnesses which occur by reason of physical causes should be treated by doctors
with medical remedies; those which are due to spiritual causes disappear
through spiritual means. Thus an illness caused by affliction, fear, nervous
impressions, will be healed more effectively by spiritual rather than by
physical treatment. Hence, both kinds of treatment should be followed; they are
not contradictory. Therefore thou shouldst also accept physical remedies
inasmuch as these too have come from the mercy and favour of God, Who hath revealed
and made manifest medical science so that His servants may profit from this
kind of treatment also. Thou shouldst give equal attention to spiritual
treatments, for they produce marvellous effects.
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha ('Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá')
