Medical Explanation of the Hadith

It has been said that Shubrum is an herb with a hot and dry temperament in the third degree. It is a very strong purgative, and classical doctors used it as a laxative. However, they found that it could be harmful for individuals with a hot temperament, as it could increase hotness in the body and potentially lead to fever. Despite this, it remained effective in evacuating the bowels. To benefit from its laxative property while reducing its harmful effects, some doctors combined it with cooling remedies.

What did the Prophet ﷺ say?

When Asma' bint 'Umays (may Allah have his agreement on her ) told him that she used Shubrum, he replied:

"It is hot and harsh."

This concise statement reflects the herb's powerful hot temperament. It also shows that herbs differ in their natural qualities—some are hot, others cold—and that the Prophet ﷺ recognized and spoke about these distinctions, although many people today are unaware of this traditional medical framework.

Asma' then said:

"After that, I used senna."

Senna (al-sanā', Senna Alexandrina) is considered in traditional humoral medicine to be hot and dry in the first degree, making it considerably milder than Shubrum. Classical physicians regarded it as a purgative that helped evacuate yellow bile (ṣafrā'), black bile (sawdā'), and phlegm (balgham). They also adjusted its preparation according to the patient's condition and temperament.

The Prophet ﷺ then said in meaning:

"If there were anything that could cure death, it would be senna."

Reported by al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah.

This statement highlights the remarkable therapeutic value of senna within its proper use. Unlike the much stronger Shubrum, senna was viewed as a more moderate purgative, offering significant medicinal benefit when prescribed appropriately.

Medical Principle

This hadith reinforces an important principle recognized by classical doctors:

• Medicines differ in strength, temperament, and mode of action.

• A remedy should be selected according to the patient's temperament and the nature of the illness.

• A medicine that benefits one patient may harm another if its qualities are not suited to the patient's condition.

• Doctors therefore sought not only an effective medicine, but the one whose properties best matched the individual case.

Note: This explanation presents the traditional humoral medical interpretation found in classical Islamic medical literature. It reflects that historical framework rather than modern evidence-based medical practice.