The epilepsy that results from physical causes
This type o¢ epilepsy aliers the constitution and 1s accompanied by spasms that prevent the limbs from functioning normally or from normal movements. The physical or constitution related epilepsy occurs due to the accumulation of thick, viscous substances near the brain
that partially obstructs the cerebral cavities. In this case, the area of the brain responsible for the senses and the various movements are impeded. and accordingly, the organs (including limbs) of the body suffer from the same condition. There are other causes for this type of epilepsy, such as the accumulation of thick flatulence that impedes the soul in some manner, or a viscous vapor accumuiates in an organ of the body and ascends te the brain, or from an acute ailment. The brain suffers from spasms due to fighting the harmful substances that are affecting the brain, and accordingly, the various organs of the body sutfer from spasms. The person will not be able to stand up straight for very long he or she will fall down and foam accumulates in and around the mouth.
This type of epilepsy causes intense pain during setzures. It is In addition a chronic illness that is hard to cure and that remains for many years, especially if the person afflicted by it is more than twenty-five years old, who repeatedly falls into epileptic fits. Hippocrates said that epilepsy remains with such people until they die.
As for the woman mentioned in the Hadith who suffered from epilepsy and who used to take off her clothes because of epileptic fits, she might have been suffering from the physical type of epilepsy. That is why the Prophet promised her Paradise if she observes patience, or otherwise, the Prophet would have asked
Allah to cure her without guaranteeing her that she will be cured. She chose Paradise, but the Prophet asked Allah on her behalf not to take off" her clothes during these fits.
The Hadith indicates that it is allowed for Muslims to forgo the use of a remedy. Furthermore, the Hadith indicates that the cure of the soul is exclusively tied to invoking Allah and turning to Him sincerely and that this type of medicine aas such profound effects on the human body that no regular medicine prepared by any doctor could ever compare to it. We have tried this medicine on numerous occasions [and witnessed its success].
The best medical authorities confirm the fact the psyche has an effective role in curing disease. The medical profession suffers from some ignorant, heretic doctors who do not do service to their profession.
As we have stated, it appears that the woman mentioned in the Hadith suffered from the epilepsy that is caused by a physical condition (chemical imbalances). Yet, she might have been suffering from the type that is caused by evil negative forces. We stated that the Messenger of Allah gave her the choice to observe patience and then acquire Paradise or that he would invoke Allah to cure her. She chose the first option but asked to be relieved from discarding her clothes because of the epileptic fits.