Ulul Albab: Jurnal Studi Islam
Vol 26, No 1 (2025): Tafsir and Hadith

GURAH AND TRADITIONAL MEDICINE IN HADITH: Challenges and Potential in Modern Era

Munandar, Munandar (Unknown)
Harahap, Alwi Padly (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Jun 2025

Abstract

Gurah, a traditional Islamic medical practice, faces a critical juncture marked by conflicting interpretations of hadith and the dominance of evidence-based biomedicine. This study investigates the epistemological position of gurah within hadith literature, its reception among contemporary scholars and practitioners, and its potential role in modern integrative healthcare. Employing a descriptive-analytical method, the research draws on primary hadith sources referencing medical practices and in-depth interviews with gurah practitioners affiliated with Jam’iyyah Ruqyah Aswaja (JRA) in North Sumatra. Thematic analysis reveals two primary scholarly perspectives: one affirms gurah as part of prophetic medicine, emphasizing its preventive and therapeutic values in line with Islamic health ethics; the other maintains a more critical stance, underscoring the need for empirical validation through modern clinical studies. The study highlights a pressing challenge: gurah must establish scientific credibility without losing its Islamic identity. Nevertheless, it continues to serve communities committed to traditional healing methods. The persistence of gurah in grassroots healthcare illustrates the resilience of Islamic medical traditions amid global medical homogenization. Moreover, its practice reflects a living dialogue between faith-based healing and modern science. The findings propose an interdisciplinary model that integrates gurah into contemporary medical discourse through collaboration between Islamic scholars and biomedical experts. Such a framework not only preserves religious authenticity, but also aligns with global standards of healthcare efficacy and safety. By foregrounding a rarely examined intersection of hadith studies, traditional healing, and medical science, this study contributes to a more inclusive and culturally rooted understanding of healthcare, urging further exploration of Islamic medical heritage within modern scientific paradigms.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ululalbab

Publisher

Subject

Religion Arts Humanities

Description

ULUL ALBAB Jurnal Studi Islam (ISSN 1858-4349 and E-ISSN 2442-5249) is the journal published biannually by Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang. The journal puts emphasis on aspects related to Islamic studies, with special reference to Islamic law, Islamic education, Islamic ...