What is Epilepsy (Mirgī)?
Source: Fatāwā Amun Pūrī by Shaykh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Amun Pūrī
The Question
What is mirgī (epilepsy)?
The Answer
Epilepsy is a medical condition in which a patient experiences sudden attacks that cause loss of consciousness along with various involuntary movements depending on the nature of the illness.
For those who suffer from this illness with patience, the Prophet ﷺ gave glad tidings of Paradise.
Prophetic Incident
ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿAbbās رضي الله عنهما narrated:
A black woman came to the Prophet ﷺ and said:
“I suffer from epilepsy, and I become exposed (uncovered) during seizures. Please supplicate to Allah for me.”
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
“If you choose to be patient, then Paradise is guaranteed for you. But if you wish, I can supplicate to Allah to cure you.”
She said:
“I will remain patient, but pray to Allah that my body does not become exposed.”
So the Prophet ﷺ made duʿā for her.
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 5652; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 2576)
Conclusion
- Epilepsy is a recognized illness.
- Patience in enduring it becomes a means of Paradise, as promised by the Prophet ﷺ.
- Duʿā for modesty and relief is also permissible.
