Inquiring about a medicinal herb from a non-Muslim

Question

In a certain place, some unknown man pointed out a medicinal herb to the child of a non-Muslim, saying: “If you give this herb to anyone with an illness, there will be a cure.” In this situation a certain respected Sufi went to this child, made inquiries and came back; he did not take the root from this child, finding it against his disposition. In this case, is any sin committed, or is there a danger of losing one’s iman?

Answer

Asking a non-Muslim about a medicinal herb does not damage one’s iman; indeed, even being treated by him does not damage it. This has no connection with iman: it is a matter of knowledge and experience.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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