Medical experts and practitioners have reaffirmed the health benefits of Prophetic medicine, particularly its strength in preventing diseases, at the 2025 Annual Prophetic Medicine Conference held in Lekki, Lagos, on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
Speaking as the guest lecturer, Professor Adekilekun Tijani, an anatomy scholar from the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State, emphasized that Islamic and Prophetic medicine plays a vital role in preventive healthcare. According to him, many in the medical field now advocate for preventive over curative approaches, and Islamic medicine aligns with that model.
“Islamic medicine is not separate from our faith; it is embedded in the practice of Islam,” said Prof. Adekilekun. “When you adopt Prophetic medicine, you are preventing ailments before they occur. That is the strength of this approach — it prioritizes prevention, which is what we encourage in modern medicine.”
He explained that the Prophetic approach to medicine goes beyond the use of herbs, highlighting that the healing practices demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions form an essential part of this tradition. He expressed concern that many Muslims are not well-informed about Prophetic medicine and urged practitioners to increase awareness and education within the Muslim community.
“Interestingly, non-Muslims seem to know more about Prophetic medicine than many Muslims. This needs to change. With proper sensitization, more Muslims will embrace it,” he noted.
The event brought together a wide array of practitioners and stakeholders from across Southwest Nigeria, all focused on shaping the future of Prophetic medicine under the theme “Prophetic Medicine: Formulating a Regulatory Framework for Training and Practice.”
Dr. Opeyemi Abdullah, Deputy National President of the Islamic and Prophetic Medicine Practitioners Association of Nigeria, reiterated the association’s mission to professionalize the field. He said the annual conference provides a platform to develop standards for certification and licensing of practitioners.
He clarified that Prophetic medicine is distinct from African traditional medicine, stating, “For any practice to be considered Prophetic medicine, it must be backed by evidence from the Qur’an or Hadith and must align with Islamic principles.”
Dr. Opeyemi also highlighted the practical benefits of Islamic medicine, noting its affordability, safety, and potential effectiveness where Western medicine may fall short.
“If you’re seeking a medical system that is not only cost-effective but also safe and aligned with faith-based principles, Islamic medicine is a reliable alternative,” he said. “It complements Western medicine and offers unique solutions for certain health conditions.”
He encouraged all practitioners to obtain licenses through appropriate regulatory channels, assuring them of the association’s full support in the process.
The conference underscored growing momentum in institutionalizing Prophetic medicine in Nigeria, positioning it as a viable, faith-based healthcare model for both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.