Treatment by cauterization

A: Cauterization is a method of treatment mentioned in the Hadith. It is useful when it hits the disease - In sha’a-Allah (if Allah wills). However, the Prophet (peace be upon him) disliked it and forbade his Ummah to resort to it due to its severity and being similar to torturing with fire though it is used for the purpose of treatment, not torture. Thus, scholars said that cauterization is Makruh because the Prophet (peace be upon him) deems it disliked when other alternatives are available. He also forbade his Ummah from resorting to it. In a Hadith related by Al-Bukhari on the authority of Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with both of them) the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Healing is in three things: a gulp of honey, cupping, and branding with fire (cauterizing), but I forbid my followers to use (cauterization) branding with fire. It was also narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Jabir ibn `Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with both of them) that he heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying, Were your means of treatment to include an effective cure, it would be cupping, a gulp of (Part No. 25; Page No. 6) honey or branding with fire (cauterization) that hits the disease. However, I do not like to be branded with fire. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.