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-Baha)
