Ibn al Qayyim: Quince fruit for strengthening the stomach and heart.

Quinces on sale in Walthamstow Market

Quince [Safarjal] is the distant relative of apples and pears and this distinct species is native to the warm-temperate areas of southwest Asia, in the Caucasus region. Even when ripe, the fruits are quite hard and some varieties are difficult to eat raw and for this reason are usually consumed cooked, either as preserves or in pies and desserts. Quinces usually come into season from September onwards and the ripe fruits are sweetly fragrant.

On some sites around the web there are references to the Quince fruit in the collection of Hadith recorded by an Nas'ai and also in Ibn Majah, however they not are classified as Sahih and so should not be readily attributed to the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Also, none of these Hadith appear in Ibn al Qayyim's original account regarding this fruit. Here is one for example;

It was narrated that Talhah (radhi Allahu anhu) said; "I entered upon the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and in his hand was some Quince. He said, "Take it O Talhah, for it soothes the heart."" [Ibn Majah Vol 1, Book 29, Hadith 3369] Classed as Da'if.

Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) however does mention the Quince as being a fruit of benefit in his work entitled 'At Tibb an Nabawi' and therein says that the nature of Quince is cold and dry and that it benefits the stomach and its jam benefits the heart.

He said that all varieties of this fruit quench the thirst, stop vomiting through the reduction of nausea, increase the excretion of urine, benefit in treating ulcers of the stomach.

Eating a quince after a meal softens the stomach, acts as an drying agent, abates yellow bile in the stomach and prevents vapours resulting from eating from rising upwards to the chest or brain. Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) also said eating a quince before a meal renders it a strong astringent (in that it dries up secretions). He said its best to consume quince broiled or cooked with honey.

[page 279-280 in Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) a translated work based on the works of Ibn al Qayyim (rahimullah). Translated by Jalal Abu Al-Rub - Darussalam]

Quince preserve (made with honey) acts as a tonic and a relaxant for the heart, it opens blood passages and dissipates uptightness in the chest as well as strengthening the stomach and liver. Ma sha'Allah honey is the best sweetener to use when making Quince preserves as its heat balances with the Quince's slight coldness, neutralising any potential harm in each other.

[page 308 in Natural Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) by Shaikh Muhammad Al Akill - Pearl Publishing House]

A spoonful of this preserve with a bowl of freshly made Talbinah and some honey could be a beneficial daily breakfast in sha'Allah for heart patients. It can also be eaten as a delicious condiment with Barley Bread or with your usual meal.

The brothers at the Tibb-e-Nabawi Google Group also advise not to throw away the Quince pips as they are a rare gem and an expensive medicine and help against dryness of the throat and windpipe. They can be boiled in milk and eaten.

My first attempt at making Quince preserves to use as an alternative for jam;

The quince was cooked in a little water until it became soft and mashy. Then I added around 100ml of halal vinegar made from grapes and around 2 tablespoons of honey to act as preservatives.

Then the preserve was cooked down for around 4 hours on a very low flame until it changed colour and developed a thick, spreading consistency. Quinces naturally contain high amounts of pectin and so the preserve will set without any additional help. It has a lovely colour and a delicious but subtle sweet/tart flavour and is well worth making at home.

References -

http://sunnah.com/search/quince

http://tibbenabawi.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=196&Ite

http://www.healthymuslim.com/articles/hucuf-ibn-al-qayyim-quinces-are-beneficial-when-eaten-cooked.cfm

The 24 essential etiquettes of supplication (Dua) and the means for its acceptance.

1. Sincerity to Allah.
2. To start the supplication by praising Allah and expressing gratitude to Him, thereafter sending salutations upon the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The supplication should also conclude in the same manner.
3. Determination in the supplication and being certain of a response.
4. The supplication should be heartfelt.
5. One should supplicate by means of using and praising the Beautiful Names and lofty attributes of Allah.
6. The supplicant may also petition Allah by means of his/her own good deeds.
7. An insistent supplication which is offered without haste.
8. To supplicate during both times of hardship and times of ease.
9. To ask Allah alone without asking by means of others.
10. To refrain from supplicating against the family, wealth, children and yourself.
11. To lower one's voice when supplicating to a moderate tone which is neither loud (so that you can be overheard) nor too quiet.
12. To confess one's sins and ask forgiveness for them and to recognise the bounty of Allah and express gratitude for it.
13. To refrain from the use of rhyme (or poetry) when supplicating.
14. To be humble and submissive and express fear of Allah.
15. To reject injustice along with your repentance.
16. Repeating specific supplications thrice and to use the supplications of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) which are reported as Sahih.
17. To face the Qiblah (direction of the Ka'ba) when supplicating.
18. To raise the hands when supplicating but do not look upwards at the Heavens.
19. To be in the state of ritual purity (Wudhu) prior to starting the supplication.
20. Not to exaggerate in the supplications.
21. To begin by supplicating for yourself if the supplication is on behalf of another person.
22. The supplicant's food and drink, clothing and income should be from Halaal means. They should not be involved in some type of fraud or the consumption or payment of Riba (interest) on their income for example.
23. The supplicant should not ask for the severing of family ties or ask for a sinful deed.
24. The supplicant should command good and forbid evil acts and try his/her utmost to safeguard themselves of all evil deeds and sins.

References -

Regarding not lifting the gaze to the sky -
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "People should certainly stop lifting their gaze to the sky when they supplicate during the prayer, or they will lose their eyesight."
Classed as Sahih from Sunan an Nas'ai Vol. 2, Book 13, Hadith 1277

Regarding not supplicating for evil or the severing of blood ties - 

Jabir (radhi Allahu ahnu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “There is none who utters a supplication, except that Allah gives him what he asked, or prevents evil from him that is equal to it – as long as he does not supplicate for something evil, or the cutting of ties of the womb.” Classed as Sahih from Jami` at-Tirmidhi Vol. 6, Book 45, Hadith 3381

Regarding petitioning Allah by virtue of your own good deeds - 
It was narrated by 'Umar (radhi Allahu anhu) that; "I was a young unmarried man during the lifetime of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). I used to sleep in the mosque. Anyone who had a dream, would narrate it to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). I said, "O Allah! If there is any good for me with You, then show me a dream so that Allah's Apostle may interpret it for me." So I slept and saw (in a dream) two angels came to me and took me along with them, and they met another angel who said to me, "Don't be afraid, you are a good man." They took me towards the Fire, and behold, it was built inside like a well, and therein I saw people some of whom I recognized, and then the angels took me to the right side. In the morning, I mentioned that dream to Hafsa. Hafsa told me that she had mentioned it to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and he said, "'Abdullah is a righteous man if he only prays more at night." (Az-Zuhri said, "After that, 'Abdullah used to pray more at night.")
Sahih al Bukhari Volume 9, Book 87, Number 156

Supplications & Treatment with Ruqyah from the Qur'an and the Sunnah - Dr Sa'eed bin Ali Wahf Al Qahtani. Darussalam 2009 Edition.

Henna Water detox drink

Henna Water with a little honey mixed in it.

Henna water is an excellent detoxifyer. It can remove impurities and heavy metals which have built up in the body for many years. Therefore drinking it on an empty stomach is very beneficial for cleaning the liver and kidneys of diabetic patients, those with IBS, ulcers, kidney stones etc.

To make Henna water, take 5-7 grams of whole dried leaves and soak them overnight in 2 glasses of water. Filter and drink the water in the morning after Fajr on an empty stomach. This process can be repeated daily for 7-10 days.

Very dark urine will be expelled over this period and this is the proof that impurities are being expelled from the body. Henna Water has a slightly grassy taste and if you find this unpalatable you can mix a little bit of honey with it before drinking in sha'Allah.

One of the established Sunnah as recorded by Al Bukhari suggests that an infusion of water and Henna leaves was something which was used during the time of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) but this Hadith does not specifically mention it as being drunk. [Vol 7, Book 71, Hadith 661]

More information is available at the following link to the Tibb e Nabawi site which is maintained by our brothers who are the original authors of the Henna Water post -

http://www.tibbenabawi.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=195&Itemid=228



Other References - 

Purchase Henna Leaves UK - http://www.healthmeanswealth.co.uk/Henna_Shop.php

Foods, drinks and herbs mentioned in the Holy Qur'an.

A summary of the majority of the wonderful foods, drinks and herbs mentioned by Allah Azzawajjal in the Holy Qur'an.

Olives and olive oil.

Surah An Noor [24:35]

"Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things."

Surah At Tin [95:1]

"By the fig and the olive."

Surah Abasa [80:29]

"And olives and palm trees."

Surah Al Mu'minoon [23:20]

"And [We brought forth] a tree issuing from Mount Sinai which produces oil and food for those who eat."

Surah An Nahl [16:11]

"He causes to grow for you thereby the crops, olives, palm trees, grapevines, and from all the fruits. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought."                                  

Sweet smelling herbs.

Surah Ar Rahmaan [55:12]

"And grain having husks and sweet scented plants."

Fish.

Surah An Nahl [16:14]

"And it is He who subjected the sea for you to eat from it tender meat and to extract from it ornaments which you wear. And you see the ships plowing through it, and [He subjected it] that you may seek of His bounty; and perhaps you will be grateful."

Grapes.

Surah Al Mu'minoon [23:19]

"And We brought forth for you thereby gardens of palm trees and grapevines in which for you are abundant fruits and from which you eat."

Garlic and/or Onions.

Surah Al Baqarah [2:61]

"And [recall] when you said, "O Moses, we can never endure one [kind of] food. So call upon your Lord to bring forth for us from the earth its green herbs and its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions." [Moses] said, "Would you exchange what is better for what is less? Go into [any] settlement and indeed, you will have what you have asked." And they were covered with humiliation and poverty and returned with anger from Allah [upon them]. That was because they [repeatedly] disbelieved in the signs of Allah and killed the prophets without right. That was because they disobeyed and were [habitually] transgressing."

Corn and/or Wheat and other grains with husks.

Surah Ar Rahmaan [55:12]

"And grain having husks and sweet scented plants."

Ginger.

Surah Al Insaan [76:17]

"And they will be given to drink a cup [of wine] whose mixture is of ginger."

Pomegranate.

Surah Ar Rahmaan [55:68]

"In both of them are fruit and palm trees and pomegranates."

Dates.

Surah Maryam [19:25]

"And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates."

Meat.

Surah Al Ma'idah [5:4]

"They ask you, [O Muhammad], what has been made lawful for them. Say, "Lawful for you are [all] good foods and [game caught by] what you have trained of hunting animals which you train as Allah has taught you. So eat of what they catch for you, and mention the name of Allah upon it, and fear Allah ." Indeed, Allah is swift in account."

Bananas.

Surah Al Waqiy'ah [56:29]

"And [banana] trees layered [with fruit]."

Lentils.

Surah Al Baqarah [2:61]

"And [recall] when you said, "O Moses, we can never endure one [kind of] food. So call upon your Lord to bring forth for us from the earth its green herbs and its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions." [Moses] said, "Would you exchange what is better for what is less? Go into [any] settlement and indeed, you will have what you have asked." And they were covered with humiliation and poverty and returned with anger from Allah [upon them]. That was because they [repeatedly] disbelieved in the signs of Allah and killed the prophets without right. That was because they disobeyed and were [habitually] transgressing."

  

Gourds and/or Squashes and Pumpkins.

Surah As Saffaat [37:146]

"And We caused to grow over him a gourd vine."

Cucumbers.

Surah Al Baqarah [2:61]

"And [recall] when you said, "O Moses, we can never endure one [kind of] food. So call upon your Lord to bring forth for us from the earth its green herbs and its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions." [Moses] said, "Would you exchange what is better for what is less? Go into [any] settlement and indeed, you will have what you have asked." And they were covered with humiliation and poverty and returned with anger from Allah [upon them]. That was because they [repeatedly] disbelieved in the signs of Allah and killed the prophets without right. That was because they disobeyed and were [habitually] transgressing."

Figs.

Surah At Tin [95:1]

"By the fig and the olive."

Fresh Spring Water.

Surah Al Mursallat [77:41]

"Indeed, the righteous will be among shades and springs."

Milk.

Surah An Nahl [16:66]

"And indeed, for you in grazing livestock is a lesson. We give you drink from what is in their bellies - between excretion and blood - pure milk, palatable to drinkers."

Surah Al Mu'minoon [23:21]

"And indeed, for you in livestock is a lesson. We give you drink from that which is in their bellies, and for you in them are numerous benefits, and from them you eat."

Surah Muhammad [47:15]

"Is the description of Paradise, which the righteous are promised, wherein are rivers of water unaltered, rivers of milk the taste of which never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink, and rivers of purified honey, in which they will have from all [kinds of] fruits and forgiveness from their Lord, like [that of] those who abide eternally in the Fire and are given to drink scalding water that will sever their intestines?"

Honey.

Surah An Nahl [16:69]

"Then eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down [for you]." There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colours, in which there is healing for people. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought."

Sunnah Treatments, including Ruqyah - Recitation from the Qur'an as used for the treatment of Magic (Sorcery / Jadoo), Evil Eye (Nazar), Jinn complications

Asalaamu Alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatu,

The reality is that issues with the Jinn are very common and a lot of people are suffering, sometimes for many years, with symptoms they think are either completely normal or uncureable - nightmares, insomnia, migraines, epilepsy, abdominal bloating, infertility, miscarriage, bipolar disorder, unexplained aches and pains and many others.

Every illness is cureable with the permission of Allah, simply from reciting the powerful words of Allah, the Most Gracious. As Allah Azzawajjal says in the Holy Qur'an;

"And We sent down of the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe." [17:82]

and also;

"O Mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (the Qur'an) enjoining all that is good and forbidding all that is evil, and a healing for that which is in your breasts, a guidance and a mercy for the believers." [10-57]

Some verses from the Qur'aan which can be used as Ar Ruqyah Ash Shari'ah.

Recite 11 times each the following Surah's and verses;

1 Al Fatihah
2 Al Baqarah (1 to 4 inclusive)
2 Al Baqarah (102)
2 Al Baqarah (255 to 257 inclusive)
2 Al Baqarah (284 to 286 inclusive)
4 An Nisaa' (76)
7 Al 'Ar'aaf (117 to 122 inclusive)
10 Yunus (81 and 82)
17 Al 'Isra' (82)
20 TaaHaa (68 to 70 inclusive)
109 Al Kaafiroon
112 Al Ikhlaas
113 Al Falaq
114 An Naas

Spittle on water which is used to drink and bathe in. Catch the water used for bathing and pour it in the garden rather than letting it go down the drain.

Spittle on pure olive oil which is used for daily massage on the points of pain and used before, during and after Hijama.

Keep all bottles sealed and in a clean spot out of direct sunlight.

Medicinal benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe plant on my north facing windowsill.

Aloe Vera's miraculous list of benefits are many and mankind has been using this plant for both internal and external applications for over 5000 years. The bulk of the Aloe Vera leaf is filled with a clear gel-like substance, which is approximately 99% water.

Aloe contains over 200 active components including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, poly-saccharides and fatty acids. No wonder it’s used for such a wide range of remedies.

Using Aloe in treating the eyes is from the Sunnah.

Aloe Vera  is particularly good for the eyes and the optical nerve, particularly if the patient is suffering from inflammation of the eyes:

A Muhrim (someone who is in the state of Ihram) being permitted to use Aloe to treat an illness of the eyes -
Nubaih bin Wahb said ‘Umar bin ‘Ubaid Allah bin Ma’mar (radhi Allahu anhu) had a complaint in his eyes. He sent (someone) to Aban bin ‘Uthman - the narrator Sufyan said that he was the chief of pilgrims during the season of Hajj – asking him what he should do with them. He said Apply aloes to them, for I heard ‘Uthaman (radhi Allahu anhu) narrating this on the authority of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
Classed as Sahih from Sunan Abi Dawood Book 10, Hadith 1834

Most people will know Aloe Vera for its skin healing properties or its digestive benefits. In addition to this, Ibn al Qayyim (rahimullah) said it also helps to clear the stomach of excess bile and phlegm if two tablespoons of its freshly pressed juice are taken with some water [perhaps half a cup or so].

Juice from fresh leaves is vastly superior to that which is bought in a bottle from the market and there are a number of ways of preparing the juice, the simplest of which is to take the largest and fattest mature leaf from the plant and cut it into chunks. the juice from these chunks can be left to drain naturally into a bowl placed under a colander. If not much juice is coming out, you can press it gently with the back of a spoon.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a very painful condition which leads to deformities in the joints as well as severe stiffness. Research published in the Journal of the American Union of Podiatrists in 1985 showed how, due to its anti inflammatory properties, Aloe Vera applied topically to the inflamed joints of mice was able to reduce the swelling in 88% of cases.

I would highly recommend everyone who is keen about the Cures from the Sunnah to grow an Indian Aloe (Sabir) plant at home, particularly if you have kids. It may well become invaluable for applying the juice to cuts and grazes. If you live in a cold climate, Aloes will do best indoors in a shady but well lit spot. They only need to be watered around once every two weeks (even less in the winter time). When you can see roots popping out of the bottom of the plant pot, its time to repot your Aloe and and since Aloes have a long life, in sha'Allah your plant will reward you with plenty of leaves to come.

Question Mark over 'Halaal' chicken served at Nando's in the UK?

Asalaamu Alaikum Dear Brothers and Sisters,

If you are a regular at any Halaal Nando's outlet in the UK, please have a look at the following post;

There seems to be confusion over whether the 'Halaal' chicken is actually Halaal or not. I'm not suggesting its Haraam but it's best to do your own research before purchasing Halaal meat if you are able as there is no doubt that the Halaal meat trade in the UK is big business, and if you are in any doubts, its best to stay away from it.

Asalaamu'alaikum Brother and Sisters, 

After a recent meeting with HMC (halal monitoring committee) I can confirm that the chicken served by "Halal" nando outlets still is NOT HALAL. HMC personally inspected the slaughterhouse of Freemans and came up with this conclusion. My point of contact is Haroon Rashid. 
Their chickens are all electrocuted, the power is that much that some of the brains explode and so do nerve endings. They don't do ziba as the chickens flap around too much and it leads to their wings getting damaged. 
This is definitely not halal and not the way that Allah says to treat these animals. An extract taken from the guardian (astaghfirullah) website on the issue of fast-food taking the case of Freeman's who is the supplier of Nando's. "Newent sits in folds of lush countryside at the far western reach of the Cotswolds... hidden from view, is Freemans of Newent. 
Clifford Freeman and his cousin own this poultry abattoir. It is the largest halal plant in Britain, employing more than 250 people, slaughtering 300,000 chickens a week, and after considerable persuasion and hesitation Freeman has agreed to show me how it is done. 
The birds are collected from farms at night, transported to the site in the early hours of the morning, and kept in darkness until they are ready to be killed. Workers hang them upside down by their feet in shackles, suspended from a conveyor belt, or 'line', which then dangles them through an electrified bath. Their heads are submerged, and a high-frequency current in the water stuns them. The line keeps moving, taking the birds on to the slaughter area, where three men are standing ready to cut their throats". 

http://www.yanabi.com/index.php?/topic/198526-boycott-all-nandos-immediatley/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2003/sep/14/religion.animalwelfare

The Guidance of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) regarding that which has doubtful origins;

It was narrated by An-Nu'man bin Bashir (radhi Allahu anhu) that, "I heard Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) saying, 'Both legal and illegal things are evident but in between them there are doubtful (suspicious) things and most of the people have no knowledge about them. So whoever saves himself from these suspicious things saves his religion and his honor. And whoever indulges in these suspicious things is like a shepherd who grazes (his animals) near the Hima (private pasture) of someone else and at any moment he is liable to get in it. (O people!) Beware! Every king has a Hima and the Hima of Allah on the earth is His illegal (forbidden) things. Beware! There is a piece of flesh in the body if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and that is the heart.""

Sahih Al Bukhari  Volume 1, Book 2, Number 49

Nabeez

'Ajwa dates and golden raisins from Madeenatul Munawwarrah soaked in cold water.

'Nabeez' [Nabidh] was one of the drinks consumed by the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). In his time, it was typically made with dates or raisins and water.

It is an alkalizing tonic, having the tendency to remove acidity from the stomach and digestive system and it also helps to remove other metabolic wastes from the body. It improves digestion as it's high in soluble fibre and it strengthens the memory. It assists the spleen function, liver, throat, chest and prostate, and so is particularly good for men. Nabeez will also benefit patients of Arthritis and elevated levels of Uric Acid (gout).

Making Nabeez is just as simple as soaking the dates (or raisins/sultanas) overnight and drinking the water in which they were soaked in the morning insha'Allah, but when it is embraced and honoured as one of the great Sunnahs of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), it pulls down Shifa, blessings and mercy from the treasures of Allah Azzawajjal.

The idea behind soaking dates or raisins in water is so that they sweeten the water and become softened. Softened dates/raisins release their vitamins and minerals more easily and are easier to digest.

'Ajwa' are the best variety to use if making Nabeez with stoneless dates and 'Manaqqa' is the best variety of raisins for making it with raisins, but black raisins can also be used, those colours were not Created without reason, so it is always preferable to keep changing our diets with new colours and and trying new varieties.

After Isha prayer, soak around 100 grams of dates or raisins in 1 litre of drinkable / healthy water and keep the utensil covered with a plate. Ensure the water is kept cool.

Next morning after Fajr, you can drink the water and eat the soaked fruit as was the traditional method, or just use your blender (water + soaked fruit) to obtain a beautiful  cloudy Nabeez. This is the method I have used for the smoothie recipe below.

And if you soak the fruit in morning, drink it in the evening. Nabeez should be consumed within 12 hours of soaking time, but if it is kept air tight inside the refrigerator, it will not spoil for 2-3 days insha'Allah. Serve cold Nabeez to your guests instead of tea, coffee, juices and sodas, and explain to  them the beauty of the Sunnah of our beloved Mesenger (pbuh) and the superb health benefits.

Nabeez must never be left for more than 2-3 days, otherwise it may start to ferment, which is the start of the alcohol brewing process. This is haram and forbidden to consume.

Never mix raisins and dates together; their Nabeez should be made separately.

Source - http://www.tibbenabawi.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=194:nabeez-drink-made-with-soaked-raisins&Itemid=227

Nabeez and Pomegranate smoothie.

Morning breakfast :)

Ingredients (serves 2)

50g dates, or raisins, soaked in 100ml fresh clean water. This time I used sultanas

250ml pomegranate juice.

50g frozen blueberries.

50g frozen strawberries.

50g frozen pomegranate kernels.

Blend all ingredients in a blender until the mixture becomes smooth and enjoy in the morning for breakfast or serve to your family and friends in hot weather.

Sultanas soaking at Ishaa for making the smoothie in the morning

References to Hadith - 

Regarding making it at night and drinking it in the morning -
'Abdullah (radhi Allahu anhu) said that "I heard Sufyan being asked about Nabidh. He said: 'Make Nabidh at night and drink it in the morning.'" 

Classed as Sahih from Sunan an Nas'ai Vol. 6, Book 51, Hadith 5745

Regarding it being disliked to mix dried dates with raisins to make Nabeez - 
Abu Qatada (radhi Allahu Anhu) on the authority of his father reported the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) as having said, "Do not prepare Nabidh by mixing nearly ripe dates and fresh dates together, and do not prepare Nabidh by mixing grapes and dates together, but prepare Nabidh for each (one of them) seperately." 

Sahih Muslim Book 23 Hadith 4904

Regarding the impermissibility of storing Nabeez for more than 3 days so as it does not become intoxicating - Ibn Abbas (radhi Allahu anhu) reported that Nabidh was prepared from raisins for Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in the waterskin and he would drink it on that day and on the next day and the day following and when it was the evening of the third day, and he would drink it and give it to (his Companions) and if something was left over, he threw that away. 

Sahih Muslim Book 23 Hadith 4974

Advice for Expectant Mothers

A query was asked on my Facebook page regarding the recommended Tibb an Nabawi advice for pregnant ladies and how to reduce the swelling which they experience as the baby grows in the womb.

Swelling is very common amongst the pregnant women, around 50% to 80% will experience it during their term of pregnancy.

First of all, ladies who are expecting should try and maintain a strict Tibb-e-Nabawi diet; they should enjoy the delicious foods of Talbinah (barley porridge), Nabeez (drink made with soaked raisins), Barley bread, pure home-made vinegar and curries/stews which have been cooked in the blessed olive oil. All these things are the codes of perfection on this planet earth. You can check the recipes section of www.tibbenabawi.org and there you will find all the blessed foods which are recommended.

Pregnant ladies should try as much as possible to stop eating wheat and rice (take barley instead), stop soda drinks, sweetened juices, tea / coffee, vegetable oils, pickles, salted foods, eggs and dairy products (particularly aged cheese), and all whatever is available as canned / packed foods from the market.

Vegetable are the best for adding to curries/stews, except do not use potatoes, lady finger (Bhindi), egg-plant (Baingan), cabbage and cauliflower.

Regular table salt (sodium chloride) should be removed completely from the diet and replaced with natural salts (Himalayan crystal salt or natural/organic rock salts). It is important not to take too much salt in any case as it increases the amount of water/swelling in the body.

Expectant ladies should avoid consuming Black Seed (Kalonji) and it’s Oil because it is strong and may not be suitable for them. Olive oil is better.

If they are experiencing uncomfortable swelling, they are advised to lie down on a bed to rest at often periods during the daytime, keeping cushions/pillows under their legs. It will keep their legs elevated (legs are in slightly higher position than the heart organ), this will relieve the swelling insha’Allah.

They are advised to drink water (6 cups in one day), not too much (too much water is hazardous) and not too little, and also they should take gentle walks (exercise) during each day as this will keep their body fluids moving and they will not collect in the legs. They should also see the doctor at regular periods to check that the pregnancy is going well and swelling is not being caused by any other health problem.

Hijama wet cupping treatment should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy as it may induce premature labour or miscarriage.

May Allah give all my sisters who are expecting a child a safe and healthy pregnancy and new baby insha’Allah.

Barley & Blueberry Muffins Recipe.

Here is a great recipe for Blueberry Muffins made with healthy Barley flour, as opposed to normal wheat flour (Maida). Recipe and photos have been provided by our sister Farheen. 

Barley is a low GI grain with a higher fibre content and lower gluten content than wheat, making it much more beneficial for digestion by those patients who are trying to cut down on their consumption of sugar. If you are only able to find Barley grains in the market, you can try to gently roast then before crushing them into flour. Roasting can be done in a frying pan over a low heat using a drop of olive oil. Keep stirring the grains so that they brown evenly and do not burn.

Sister Farheen's recipe makes use of olive oil in place of the usual butter/ghee/shortening which is used in baking;

Ingredients (makes approx 6 muffins);

150g barley flour

50g brown sugar

1/2 tsp baking powder

Pinch of salt 

1 egg, (beaten)

50g olive oil 

100ml milk 

75g fresh blueberries, you can use chopped raisins or dates.

 

Heat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 6-hole muffin tin with paper cases. Mix the egg, blessed oil and milk quickly into the dry ingredients with the blueberries (don't over mix, it should be a bit lumpy). Divide between the cases and bake for 25 minutes until risen, turns golden and cooked through.

 

Fresh from the oven