The benefits of Cress.

Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimuAllah) mentioned the health benefits of cress in his work 'Prophetic Medicine'. He said that cress was beneficial for, warming and softening the belly, reducing inflammation of the spleen when combined with honey, preventing hair loss, increasing appetite, asthma and clearing the lungs. He also said that if cress seeds are crushed and drunk with hot water, this is beneficial for colic and vitiligo (a chronic condition that causes pale, white patches to develop on the skin).

Cress (botanical name Lepidum sativum) is commonly known as garden cress and is closely related to mustard and watercress. It is an edible plant that, when fully grown, has a peppery flavour and aroma similar to mustard and watercress. It is typically harvested when very young, at the cotyledon leaf stage.

Garden cress contains significant amounts of iodine, iron, calcium, folic acid and vitamins A and C. It is also a source of phytochemicals and antioxidants. It's the iodine content in cress which is so valuable to the human body in today's day and age.

According to a study funded by Australia's Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the anti cancer effects of garden cress far outweighed that of other green vegetables tested (the study was conducted on cress vs. some common species of brassicas).

Source - http://www.healwithfood.org/health-benefits/garden-cress-nutritional-benefits.php

How to Grow Cress.

Cress is very easy to grow. It can be grown all year round in any country, indoors or in the garden in Spring. When grown indoors, either seed trays or wet cotton wool in pots are usually used. It is often grown by children as their first introduction to gardening.

To grow cress in seed trays, lightly sprinkle the seeds onto wet cotton wool or a few layers of wet kitchen paper. Keep the seeds moist throughout germination and place the tray in a bright spot, like a south facing windowsill.

The seeds should begin to sprout in around 2 days. Insha'Allah in 5-7 days, the cress should be ready to harvest.

How to use cress.

Both the leaves and stems of cress can be eaten raw in salads or sandwiches, and are sometimes called cress sprouts. They are delicious and as with all sprouted seeds, they are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Eating raw garden cress is beneficial for women with irregular or suppressed menstruation. It is also very beneficial for them when cooked in soups.

According to Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimuAllah) for the treatment of hair loss, the juice of young garden cress is massaged on the scalp and hair. It can be extracted using a juicer. It is also beneficial for hair loss if it is consumed.

The crushed seeds can be steeped in boiling water for 10 mins and drunk as a hot infusion for the treatment of viscous phlegm build up in the chest and lungs (bronchitis, chest infections) by helping the patient cough it out. This decoction also benefits asthma sufferers as does eating raw cress in general.

According to Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimuAllah), patients with sciatica can make a pomade of cress leaves, barley stems and halaal vinegar (blend them to a paste in a food processor) and apply this mixture to the affected area, wrapping it with cling film so that it does not dry out. My personal advice is to leave it for an hour, then wash it off. Used with Hijaama wet cupping, Allah will bring relief insha'Allah.

A scientific look at using Camel Milk and Urine to treat chronic diseases.

Question - 

I hope that you can provide me with a scientific answer – if such knowledge is available – about the saheeh hadeeth about drinking camel’s urine. May Allaah reward you.

Answer - 

Praise be to Allaah.

The hadeeth referred to by the questioner is a saheeh hadeeth, in which it says that some people came to Madeenah and fell sick. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told them to drink the milk and urine of camels, and they recovered and grew fat. In the story it also says that they apostatized and killed the camel-herder, then the Muslims caught them and executed them. Narrated by al-Bukhaari (2855) and Muslim (1671).

With regard to the health benefits of drinking the milk and urine of camels, they are many, and they are well known to the earlier generations of medical science and they have been proven by modern scientific research.

Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimuAllah) said:

The author of al-Qanoon (the Canon) – i.e. the doctor Ibn Seena (Avicenna) – said:

The most beneficial of urine is the urine of Bedouin camels which are called najeeb. End quote.

Zaad al-Ma’aad (4/47, 48).

In the Emirati newspaper al-Ittihaad (issue no. 11172, Sunday 6 Muharram 1427 AH/5 February 2006) it says:

One of the most important things for which camels are raised is their milk, which is efficacious in treating many illnesses, including #hepatitis, and the digestive system in general, various types of cancer and other diseases.

In an article by Dr Ahlaam al-‘Awadi, which was published in al-Da’wah magazine, issue no. 1938, 25 Safar 1425 AH/15 April 2004 CE, about the diseases which can be treated with camel’s milk, as proven by experience, it says that there are many benefits in camel’s milk. There follows some of what was said in the article by Dr. Ahlaam:

Camel’s urine is efficacious in the treatment of skin diseases such as ringworm, tinea and abscesses, sores that may appear on the body and hair, and dry and wet ulcers. Camel’s urine brings the secondary benefits of making the hair lustrous and thick, and removing dandruff from the scalp. Camel’s milk is also beneficial in treating hepatitis, even if it has reached an advanced stage where medicine is unable to treat it. End quote.

In the al-Jazeerah al-Sa’oodiyyah newspaper (issue no. 10132, Rabee’ al-Awwal 1421 AH) there is a quotation from the book Al-Ibl Asraar wa i’jaaz (The camel: secrets and wonders) by Darmaan ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azeez Aal Darmaan and Sanad ibn Mutlaq al-Subay’i:

As for camel’s urine, the book suggests that it has numerous uses which are beneficial for man. This is indicated by the Prophetic texts and confirmed by modern science … Scientific experiments have proven that camel’s urine has a lethal effect on the germs that cause many diseases.

Among the uses of camel’s urine, many women use it to wash their hair, to make it longer, and to make it lighter and more lustrous. Camel’s urine is also efficacious in the treatment of swelling of the liver and other diseases such as abscesses, sores that appear on the body and toothache, and for washing eyes. End quote.

Prof. Dr. ‘Abd al-Fattaah Mahmoud Idrees says: With regard to the benefits of camel’s urine in treating disease, Ibn Seena said in his Qanoon: The most beneficial of urine is the urine of the Bedouin camels known as najeeb. Camel’s urine is beneficial in treating al-hazaaz, and it was said that al-hazzaz is a pain in the heart caused by anger and so on. Camel’s urine, especially the urine of a young she-camel – is used as a cleansing substance to wash wounds and sores, to make the hair grow, to strengthen and thicken it and to prevent it falling out, and it is used to treat diseases of the scalp and dandruff. In a Master’s thesis by an engineer in applied chemistry, Muhammad Awhaaj Muhammad, that was submitted to the faculty of applied chemistry in the al-Jazeerah university in Sudan, and approved by the Dean of science and postgraduate studies in the university in November 1998 CE, entitled A Study of the Chemical Composition and Some Medical Uses of the Urine of Arabian Camels, Muhammad Awhaaj says:

Laboratory tests indicate that camel’s urine contains high levels of potassium, albuminous proteins, and small amounts of uric acid, sodium and creatine.

In this study, he explained that what prompted him to study the medicinal properties of camel’s urine was what he had seen of some tribesmen drinking this urine whenever they suffered digestion problems. He sought the help of some doctors in studying camel’s urine. They brought a number of patients and prescribed this urine for them, for a period of two months. Their bodies recovered from what they had been suffering from, which proves the efficacy of camel’s urine in treating some diseases of the digestive system.

It also proves that this urine is useful in preventing hair loss. He says:

Camel’s urine acts as a slow-acting diuretic, but it does not deplete potassium and other salts as other diuretics do, because camel’s urine contains a high level of potassium and proteins. It has also been proven to be effective against some types of bacteria and viruses. It brought about an improvement in the condition of twenty-five patients who used camel’s urine for dropsy, without disrupting their potassium levels. Two of them were cured of liver pain, and their liver function was restored to normal levels, as well as the tissue of the liver being improved. One of the medicines used to treat blood clots is a compound called Fibrinoltics which works by changing a substance in the body from its inactive form, Plasminogen, to its active form, Plasmin, in order to dissolve the substance that causes clotting, Fibrin. One of the components of this compound is called Urokinase, which is produced by the kidneys or from the urine, as indicated by the name “uro”.

The dean of the Faculty of Medical Science in the Sudanese al-Jazeerah university, Professor Ahmad ‘Abd-Allaah Ahmadaani, has discovered a practical way of using camel’s urine to treat dropsy and swelling in the liver. Its success has been proven in treating those who are affected by these diseases. He said in a seminar organized by the al-Jazeerah University:

The experiment began by giving each patient a daily dose of camel’s urine mixed with camel’s milk to make it palatable. Fifteen days after the beginning of the experiment, the patients’ stomachs grew smaller and went back to their normal size.

He said that he examined the patients’ livers with ultrasound before the study began, and he found out that the livers of fifteen out of the twenty-five were in a cirrhotic state, and some of them had developed cirrhosis of the liver as the result of bilharzia. All of the patients responded to treatment with camel’s urine, and some of them continued, by their own choice, to drink a dose of camel’s urine every day for a further two months. At the end of that time, they were all found to have been cured of cirrhosis of the liver. He said: Camel’s urine contains a large amount of potassium, as well as albumen and magnesium, because the camel only drinks four times during the summer and once during the winter, which makes it retain water in its body so as to preserve the sodium, and the sodium causes it not to urinate a great deal, because it keeps the water in its body.

He explained that dropsy results from a deficiency of albumen or potassium, and the urine of camels in rich in both of these.

He suggested that the best type of camels for using the urine as a remedy are young camels.

Dr. Ahlaam al-‘Awadi, a specialist in microbiology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, supervised some scientific papers that dealt with her discoveries in the usage of camel’s urine for medical treatment, such as the papers by ‘Awaatif al-Jadeedi and Manaal al-Qattaan. During her supervision of the paper by Manaal al-Qattaan, she succeeded in confirming the effectiveness of using a preparation made from camel’s urine which was the first antibiotic produced in this manner anywhere in the world. Concerning the features of this new product, Dr. Ahlaam said:

It is not costly, and it is easy to manufacture. It can be used to treat skin diseases such as eczema, allergies, sores, burns, acne, nail infections, cancer, hepatitis and dropsy with no harmful side effects.

And she said:

Camel’s urine contains a number of healing factors such as antibiotics (bacteria that are present in it, salts and urea).  The camel possesses an immune system that is highly equipped to combat funguses, bacteria and viruses, because it contains antibodies. It may also be used to treat blood clots and fibrinolytics may be derived from it, and it may be used to treat dropsy (which is caused by a deficiency in albumen and potassium, as camel’s urine is rich in both). Camel’s urine may also provide a remedy for abdominal complaints, especially those of the stomach and intestines, as well as asthma and shortness of breath. It caused a noticeable reduction in patients’ sugar levels. It is a remedy for low libido, and it aids in bone growth in children and in strengthening the heart muscles. It may be used as a cleansing agent for cleaning wounds and sores, especially the urine of young she-camels. It also helps the hair to grow and become strong and thick, and it helps to prevent hair loss and baldness, and can be used to treat dandruff. Camel’s urine may also be used to combat disease by using bacteria extracted from it. It was used to treat a girl who was suffering from an infection behind the ear, that was accompanied by pus weeping from it and painful cracks and sores. It was also used to treat a girl who was unable to extend the fingers of her hands because of the presence of so many cracks and sores, and whose face was almost black with pimples. Dr. Ahlaam said:

Camel’s urine may also be used to treat the digestive system and to treat some cases of cancer. She stated that the research that she had undertaken on camel’s urine proved that it was effective in destroying micro-organisms such as fungus, yeast and bacteria.

Dr. Rahmah al-‘Ulyaani, who is also from Saudi Arabia, carried out tests on rabbits infected with bacteria in the colon. She treated each group of rabbits with a different kind of medicine, including camel’s urine. There was a noticeable regression in the rabbits that were treated with other medicines, except for camel’s urine, which brought about a clear improvement.

Majallat al-Jundi al-Muslim, issue no. 118, 20 Dhu’l-Qa’dah 1425 AH; 1 January 2005 CE.

Allaah calls upon us to ponder the creation of the camel, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Do they not look at the camels, how they are created?”

[al-Ghaashiyah 88:17]

This pondering is not limited to the outward form of the camel, or even to the inner workings of its body, rather it also includes that which we have discussed here, which is the benefits of the urine and milk of the camel. Modern scientific research is still discovering for us many of the wonders of this creature.

And Allaah knows best.


Attribution - www.islam-qa.com
Source - http://islamqa.info/en/83423
Reproduced with permission.

Link to the Hadeeth - http://www.sunnah.com/bukhari/76/9

Further reading - http://www.blueabaya.com/2010/06/camels-milk-urine-potential-cure-for.html

Authentic Narrations regarding Talbina

Basic Talbinah

A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) used to recommend Talbina for the sick and for the one grieving over a dead person. She (may Allah be pleased with her) used to say, "I heard the Messenger (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) saying, ' The talbina gives rest to the heart of the patient and makes it active and relieves some of his sorrow and grief.' "

[Saheeh al-Bukhaari (5325)].

A'ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) also said that whenever one of her relatives died, the women assembled and then dispersed (returned to their houses) except her relatives and close friends. She (may Allah be pleased with her) would order that a pot of talbina be cooked. Then Tharid (a dish prepared from meat and bread) would be prepared and the talbina would be poured over it. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) would say (to the women),"Eat from it, for I heard the Messenger (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) saying 'The talbina soothes the heart of the patient and relieves him from some of his sadness.' "

[Saheeh al-Bukhaari (5058)].

Hisham's father (may Allah be pleased with them both) said, "A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) used to recommend talbina and used to say, 'It is disliked (by the patient) although it is beneficial.'"

[Saheeh al-Bukhaari (5326)].

The Messenger (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) said, "I encourage you to use that which is disliked but beneficial (talbina) for by the One whose hand Muhammad's soul is in, it cleans the stomach of one of you just as dirt is cleaned from the face with water."

[Mustadrak of Haakim (7455), Saheeh as Dhahabi mentioned in 'Talkhees' taken from Maktaba Shaamilah, See also Mustadrak (8245) whose chain is upon the condition of Bukhaari as Dhahabi mentioned].

A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated, "If any of the Messenger's (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) family became ill, the Messenger (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) would say, 'It soothes the grieving heart and cleanses the ailing heart just as one of you cleans dirt off his face with water.' "

[Saheeh Sunan Ibn Maajah (3445), hadeeth is hasan].

A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) said, "You should eat the beneficial thing that is unpleasant to eat (talbina), meaning broth." If any member of the Messenger of Allaah's family was sick, the cooking pot would remain on the fire until one of two things happened, either the person recovered or died."

[Saheeh Sunan Ibn Maajah (3446) hadeeth is hasan].

Recipe For Talbina;

Talbina is made by adding 1-2 tablespoons of barley flour (must be 100% wholegrain barley flour) to one and a half cups of water. Place on low heat for 10-15 minutes (optional: add milk or yoghurt and sweeten with honey). This may also be used as a food thickener for gravy, soups, lasagnes dishes etc. Alternatively you may add 1-2 tablespoons of barley flour (must be 100% wholegrain barley flour) to one and a half cups of milk. Place on low heat for 10-15 minutes (optional: add water or yoghurt and sweeten with honey).

The consistency may be changed according to preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of flour used. More flour may be added to make it thick like a porridge. Alternatively less flour may be added to make a drink like soup.

Article Source - http://blog.albaseerah.com/2009_11_01_archive.html

The recipe source - http://www.healthmeanswealth.co.uk/Talbina_Shop.php 

It is my understanding based upon what Ibn Al Qayyim has mentioned that it was traditionally made with water instead of milk and its consistency was thin like that of a broth and Allah knows best.

Talbinah Porridge is a valuable and healthy breakfast for everyone, particularly these types of patients;

Diabetics and Pre Diabetics -

Reduce the quantity of honey to 1/4 a teaspoon (or less) per serving. Top the talbinah with toasted sesame seeds and a pinch of cinnamon. Or you can grind the sesame seeds and cook both ingredients into the talbinah.

Hypertension or heart diseases -

Serve Talbinah with quince preserve, or sprinkle roasted date stone flour, or roasted ground flaxseeds. Or stir in one tablespoon of pomegranate vinegar or homemade pomegranate molasses made with honey instead of sugar. Eliminate sodium chloride from the diet. Use pink Himalayan salt in all cooking.

Stroke patients -

Add a pinch of turmeric when making the talbinah. Drink Nabeez made with raisins, natural pomegranate juice or cranberry juice.

Patients with chronic pain or arthritis -

Make the talbinah with crushed fresh ginger, a pinch of white pepper and honey.  Drink green tea.

Patients with digestive disorders -

Where the stomach and digestive functions are impaired, make Talbinah thinner in consistency. The sawwiq barley flour should be 100% wholemeal and it can be roasted in a small amount of olive oil before water or milk is added. This helps it assimilate easily. Increase the ratio of water and reduce the ratio of milk. Be sure to add honey.

For those on the road to recovering from an illness -
Make it with ground almonds. These give energy and strength. Top with raisins.

For kids -

Top with ripe sliced banana and drizzle with honey. Make it with cocoa powder. Or stir in date paste and top with flax seeds and chopped nuts.

For those who are very sick, with no hope of recovery (dying) and for their close relatives - 

Talbinah should be provided to them and it can be made with honey.

The Use of Sidr Leaves and Water for the treatment of Witchcraft.

Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al-'Asqalani (rahimuAllah) said in Al-Fath that Ibn Abtal stated in the books of Wahab bin Menabah to take seven leaves of a green Sidr, grind them with two rocks, add water to it, read the verse of Al Kursi (2:255) and Al-Qawakil (the Surah's which start with "Qul"), take three sips, then wash up with the rest. This will remove all of his afflictions, and is a cure for men who have sexual disorders.

(Fath Al-Bari -10/233)

Al-Lalkaii said that Mohammad Ibn Othman related that Said bin Mohammad Al-Hanat stated, ''Ishaq ibn Abi Israel said, "I heard Sufyan says that Sulayman ibn Omaya (Sheikhh of Thaqif) ibn Masoud heard A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) advise a woman to use Sidr and water to wash the traces of magic.

(Sharh Usul I'tiqad Ahl As-Sunnah wal-Jamaa -7/1288).

Shaykh Abd Al Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baaz (rahimuAllah) said that the cure of magic after its affliction is beneficial, Allah Willing. A man who cannot have sexual intercourse with his wife is advised to take seven green leaves of Sidr, grind them, put them in a container of water enough for washing the body. He should read the verse of Ayah ul Kursi (2:255), Al Ikhlaas (112), Al Falaqq (113), An Naas (114). He should also read the verses of magic in Surah Al-Aaraf (7) where Allah says, "And We inspired to Moses, "Throw your staff," and at once it devoured what they were falsifying. | So the truth was established, and abolished was what they were doing. | And Pharaoh and his people were overcome right there and became debased. [He is referring to verses 117-119]. The verses in Surah Yunus (10) where Allah says, "So when the magicians came, Moses said to them, "Throw down whatever you will throw." | And when they had thrown, Moses said, "What you have brought is [only] magic. Indeed, Allah will expose its worthlessness. Indeed, Allah does not amend the work of corrupters. | And Allah will establish the truth by His words, even if the criminals dislike it." [Here, he is referring to verses 80 to 82]. And the verses in Surah Taha (20), in which Allah says, "They said, "O Moses, either you throw or we will be the first to throw." | He said, "Rather, you throw." And suddenly their ropes and staffs seemed to him from their magic that they were moving [like snakes]. | And he sensed within himself apprehension, did Moses. | Allah said, "Fear not. Indeed, it is you who are superior. | And throw what is in your right hand; it will swallow up what they have crafted. What they have crafted is but the trick of a magician, and the magician will not succeed wherever he is." [Here the Shaykh is referring to verses 65 to 69].

After reading the above verses, one needs to take three sips from the water container, then wash up with the rest [make Ghusl from it]. This will remove the affliction, Allah Willing. If necessary, it could be repeated twice or more until one is cured.

(Majmu Fatawi Shaykh Abd Al Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baaz).

Ghusl should be made in a clean place and the water should be caught in a container and poured outside in the garden/yard. It is not permitted to let it go into the drain due to it being water upon which the Qur'aan has been recited. 

Shaykh Abdullah bin Abd Ar Rahman Al-Jibreen stated, "I used Ruqya on relatives and friends who were not able to have intercourse with their wives following what Ibn Katheer (rahimuAllah) said. I used Sidr leaves and recited the verses he mentioned and they were cured, Allah Willing.''

It is worth mentioning that using the water of Sidr in the stated manner has a great effect, and lots of therapists are aware of this fact. However, its benefit is not only confined to men who cannot have intercourse with his wives, but also includes those afflicted with epilepsy, evil eye and magic in general (used for washing only).

Sidr leaves can be purchased in the UK from here.

10 verses from Al Baqarah prevent the shaytaan from entering the house.

Ibn Mas'ud (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) said, "Whoever recites 10 verses from Surah Al Baqarah in a night, then the shaytaan will not enter the house that night until the morning approaches; four from its beginning (1-4), Ayah ul Kursi and the two verses after it (255-257) and the three verses at the end (284-286), the first of which is 'And to Him belongs whatsoever is in the Heavens..'", and in another narration, "neither shaytaan or anything that he dislikes will come near him nor his family that day, and it [Al Baqarah] is not recited upon a madman except that he comes to [his senses, i.e. he recovers from his illness]."

Al Daarimi and Al Tabaraani in Al Mu'jam al Kabir. Al Haythami said in Al Majma' Al Zawa'id that the narrators in the chain are upright.

1-4;

255-257;

and 284-286;

The Adhab of sneezing and yawning.

The Prophetic Sunnah mentions both sneezing and yawning and emphasises the importance of the sneezer praising Allah. If he/she is heard praising Allah by someone, they should respond with "YarhamukAllah" - May Allah have Mercy on you.

Yawns should be suppressed as best as possible and they should be covered with a hand over the mouth.

Sneezing and Yawning from the authentic narrations;

Allah loves sneezing and dislikes yawning. If someone yawns, he should put his hand over his mouth.

Abu Huraira (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) said, "Allah loves sneezing but dislikes yawning, so if anyone of you sneezes and then praises Allah, every Muslim who hears him (praising Allah) has to say Tashmit to him (respond with YarhamukAllah). But as regards yawning, it is from satan, so if one of you yawns, he should try his best to suppress it, for when anyone of you yawns, satan laughs at him."

Sahih Al Bukhari Book 78, Hadith 250.

The etiquette between the one who sneezes and his companion.

Abu Huraira (radhi Allahu anhu) reported Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) as saying, "When one of you sneezes, he should say: "Praise be to Allah in every circumstance," and his brother or his companion should say: "May Allah have mercy on you!" And he should then reply: "May Allah guide you and set right your affairs."

Sunan Abi Dawood Book 43, Hadith 261. Sh Al Albaani (rahimullah) classed the isnad as Saheeh.

And also;

Sneezing loudly is not from the Sunnah.

Abu Huraira (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that when the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) would sneeze, he would cover his face with his hand or with his garment, and muffle the sound with it.

Jami at Tirmidhi Book 43, Hadith 2969. Graded as Hasan by Darussalam.

And also;

Replying to the one who has sneezed and praised Allah is one of the rights that one Muslim has over another Muslim.

Abu Huraira (radhi Allahu anhu) reported Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) as saying, "Six are the rights of a Muslim over another Muslim." It was said to him: Allah's Messenger, what are these? Thereupon he said, "When you meet him, offer him greetings. When he invites you to a feast, accept it. When he seeks your council, give him, and when he sneezes and says "All praise is due to Allah," you say Yarhamuk Allah (may Allah show mercy to you), and when he fails ill, visit him, and when he dies, follow his bier (funeral procession)."

Sahih Muslim Book 39, Hadith 6.

Pearl Barley and Vegetable Soup Recipe.

Asalaamu alaikum warahmatullaahi wabakatu all,

Barley was the grain most frequently consumed by the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam). It is full of vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) suggested that the broth in which barley is boiled is more nutritious than its flour. Barley broth helps against coughing and throat roughness, stimulates the body to remove waste, cleanses the stomach, quenches the thirst and extinguishes heat. It also provides comfort and has a decomposing quality.

Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) said regarding making barley water to drink that the barley should be boiled in 5 times its own amount of water in a clean pot. It should be placed on a low heat and cooked until only two fifths of the mixture remains. Then remove the cooked barley grains and use the remaining water as required.

Winter is on its way in many countries so here is my recipe for mixed vegetable soup with pearl barley. This easy to make healthy soup is delicious enjoyed with a slice of homemade bread spread with a small amount of ghee.

1 cup pearl barley, soaked for a minimum of 10 hours in enough clean water to cover, drained.
5 cups of boiling water
4x vegetable stock cubes
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 large onion roughly chopped
3 celery stems, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
Mixed vegetables of your choice - I used diced carrots, sliced green beans, sliced celery stalks, peeled potato cut into chunks, sweetcorn and courgette. You can add swiss chard, turnips, swede, cauliflower, spinach, butternut squash chunks etc.
1 carton/tin of chopped tomatoes in their natural juice.
Salt, pepper and spices to your taste.

Firstly heat the oil in a pot, add the onions, garlic and celery. Cook while stirring until the mixture turns translucent. There is no need to brown it.

Then add all the other ingredients. Bring to the boil, then cover the pot with a lid, lower the heat down to minimum and cook for 55 mins to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Simmering soup. The aroma in my kitchen was amazing :)

The barley grains will swell and soak in a lot of the water. Be sure to add more water if the mixture becomes too thick during the cooking process.

Then it is ready to serve. This soup also freezes really well so you can enjoy it anytime.

White-stemmed swiss chard beet is a preferred vegetable to add in barley soup, particularly for the convalescing.

Umm Al-Mundhir (radhi Allahu anha) narrated that "The Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) entered upon me, while 'Ali (radhi Allahu anhu) was accompanying him, and we had a cluster of unripe dates hanging." The Messenger of Allah began eating from them, whilst 'Ali also wanted to eat from them. She said, "The Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) said to 'Ali, 'Stop, stop, for you are still recovering.' So 'Ali sat and the Prophet ate." She said, 'I made some chard and barley [soup] for them, so the Prophet said, 'O 'Ali eat from this, for indeed it will be more suitable for you.'"

Jami at Tirmidhi Book 28, Hadith 2170. The isnad is hasan (Darussalam).

It was also narrated that Sahl Ibn Sa'd (radhi Allahu anhu) said, "We used to be happy on Fridays. We had an old woman who would take the roots of chard beet and put them in her cooking pot, and she would add grains of barley. When we had prayed [Jummu'ah], we would visit her and she would bring it to us and we would be happy on Fridays because of that. We would not eat lunch or take a nap until after Jummu'ah, and, by Allah, there was no fat in it."

Bukhaari and Muslim

Reference to Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam). Darussalam 2003. Page 286.

Further info on Barley's benefits - http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=127

Ibn Al Qayyim: Figs are excellent for cleansing.

Figs are a blessed fruit by which Allah Azzawajal takes an oath in the Revelation;

"By the Fig and the Olive."

[At Teen 95:1]

Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) said, "Because figs were not known in the Hejaaz or Madinah, they are not mentioned in the Sunnah, but Allah the Exalted swore by them in His Book, because of their great benefits. The correct view is that what is sworn by here is the well known regular fig."

Sheikh Muhammad Mahmoud 'Abdullah says that oaths in the Qur'aan are of two types; either because of the virtue of the object, or because of its benefit. Swearing by figs and olives is because of their benefits to people. They serve as drink, food, healing and condiments. They are mentioned together because they bring complete benefits. Figs plus olives form complete nourishment which supplies man with all that he needs of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) said that the best kind of fig is the one with a white skin; it clears sand from the kidneys and bladder [reducing the risk of the development of stones] and protects against poison. It is the most nourishing of all fruits. It is good for clearing the throat and chest, cleanses the liver and spleen, and purifies mucus from the stomach. Dried figs are nourishing and good for the nerves.

Figs are regarded as one of the richest fruits in vitamins; especially A, B1, B2, C and Carotene. They also contain high amounts of iron, calcium and copper. These minerals are particularly good for those affected by anaemia because they assist with the production of haemoglobin in the blood.

Reference - Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam). Darussalam.

Figs have a hot temperament and such fruits are better partners with yoghurt than acidic fruits like berries. Here is my recipe for fig lassi with honey and for this recipe I have used Black Bursa figs which have a purple skin because white figs are not available where I live. It is still a healthy and nutritious drink to serve to your family and guests.

Fresh figs are delicate and highly perishable. Try to pick the fruit on the same day as you are planning to serve it, also preserve it/freeze it on the same day of its purchase.

Fig [Anjeer] Lassi - serves 2-3

Freshly made fig lassi. SubhanAllah, look at it's beautiful colour.

2 cups of yoghurt, homemade yoghurt is best.

7 large ripe figs, washed and chopped roughly. You can peel them if you wish.

Crushed ice or chilled water from the fridge.

Pure honey to sweeten to your taste.

Put the figs, honey and a small amount of water in the blender and blend until it forms a smooth paste. Add the yogurt and remaining water/ice and blend until smooth.

Figs with honey in the blender. I have kept the skins on this time.

Encourage your children to get into the kitchen to help you make this drink, explaining to them how Allah has mentioned this delicious fruit in His Most Exalted Revelation, it is held in high esteem and is also available for the righteous in Jannah.

Serve it straight away to them garnished with chopped fruits, like more figs, apples or pears.

Enjoy!

The Drinks of the Holy Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam).

Asalaamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatu and Ramadhan Mubarak to all :)

In this post I wanted to share with you some of the drinks which were consumed by the Holy Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) in his lifetime.

I would recommend everyone to introduce much more of these simple but delicious drinks to their daily diet and the diets of their families seeking the Shifa of Allah and to trade out the Pepsi, Coca Cola and fruit squashes which are loaded with sugars, preservatives, chemicals and artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners have been linked to a wide host of serious illnesses like cancer, premature death and they also have a detrimental effect on the development of the unborn foetus - click here.

There are four primary drinks mentioned by Anas (radhi Allahu anhu) and substantiated in the Saheeh Hadeeth;

"I served drink to Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) in this cup of mine: honey, nabeez, water and milk."

Sahih Muslim Book 23, Hadith 4982.

Make a small change by giving these drinks to your family at Sehri and Iftaar, and then be encouraged to continue after Ramadhan insha'Allah.

Water and Zamzam Water.

Drinking water helps maintain the balance of body fluids. Your body is composed of about 60% water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature. All of these are kept in harmony by drinking adequate amounts of pure water. Health experts recommend to drink anywhere between 1litre and 2 litres daily, depending on your level of physical activity and the weather.

There are many narrations regarding the drinking of water so I will not list them here but there are some important Sunnahs to follow regarding the etiquettes of drinking.

Drinking from the mouth of the water skin [bottle] is forbidden.

By drinking directly from the bottle, germs and contagious viruses contaminate the water and are passed onto the next drinker. We must be careful not to cause harm to another Muslim. Tipping up a bottle to the mouth may be considered as lacking humility, so by taking water in a cup and sitting down to drink with three breaths, it is more healthy, humble and modest.

Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that "I heard Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) forbidding the drinking of water by bending the mouths of water skins, i.e., drinking from the mouths directly.

Sahih Al Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 69, Hadith 530

Not breathing into the drinking vessel and not drinking from a chipped vessel.

Abu Qatada (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) said, "Whenever anyone of you drinks water, he should not breathe in the drinking utensil, and whenever anyone of you goes to a lavatory, he should neither touch his penis nor clean his private parts with his right hand."

Sahih Al Bukhari  : Vol. 1, Book 4, Hadith 155

And in another narration in Abi Dawood;

Abu sa’id al-Khudri narrated that the Apostle of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) forbade drinking from the broken place (of a cup) and blowing into a drink."

Book 26, Hadith 3713. Classed as Sahih by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah).

The etiquette of drinking Zamzam.

If you are blessed to visit Masjid Al Haraam, then you should drink as much zamzam water as you can as per the following hadeeth.

It was narrated that Muhammad bin ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Abu Bakr (radhi Allahu anhu) said:

“I was sitting with Ibn ‘Abbas (radhi Allahu anhu), and a man came to him and he [Ibn Abbas] said: ‘Where have you come from?’ He said: ‘From Zamzam.’ He said: ‘Did you drink from it as you should?’ He said: ‘How is that?’ He said: ‘When you drink from it, turn to face the Qiblah and mention the name of Allah, drink three draughts and drink your fill of it. When you have finished, then praise Allah.’ The Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) said: ‘The sign (that differentiates) between us and the hypocrites is that they do not drink their fill from Zamzam.”

Sunan Ibn Majah Book 25, Hadith 3177. Graded as Hasan by the scholars at Darussalaam.

Regarding Standing and Drinking Zamzam - http://audio-islam.com/2013/03/21/is-it-sunnah-to-drink-zamzam-water-while-standing-al-albaani-videoar-en/

Nabeez.

Nabeez is nothing but dates or raisins soaked overnight in water. It was often prepared in a waterskin and presented to the Holy Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) on the following morning.

A'isha (radhi Allahu anha) narrated that dates were steeped for the Apostle of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) in a waterskin which was tied up at the top and had a mouth. What was steeped in the morning he would drink in the evening and what was steeped in the evening he would drink in the morning.

Sunan Abi Dawood Book 26, Hadith 3702. Classed as Sahih by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah).

Choose organic dates and raisins where possible and make their Nabeez separately from each other.

Most raisins are sprayed with sulfur compounds which act as a preservative. Make sure you rinse them thoroughly before making Nabeez with them.

Find out more about Nabeez here.

Raw Milk.

It is the opinion of some of the pious predecessors that Milk was Rasool'Allah's most preferred drink but indeed Allah knows best.

Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) said, "While I was sleeping, I saw myself drinking (i.e. milk), and I was so contented that I saw the milk flowing through my nails. Then I gave (the milk) to `Umar." They (i.e. the companions of the Prophet) asked, "What do you interpret it?" He said, "Knowledge."

Sahih Al Bukhari  : Vol. 5, Book 57, Hadith 30

Abdullah Ibn Abbas (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that he was in the house of Maymunah. The Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) accompanied by Khalid ibn al-Walid (radhi Allahu anhu) entered. Two roasted long-tailed lizards (dabb) placed on the sticks were brought to him. The Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) spat. Khalid said, "I think that you abominate it, Messenger of Allah." He said, "Yes." Then the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) was brought milk, and he drank (it). The Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) then said, "When one of you eats food, he should say: O Allah, bless us in it, and give us food (or nourishment) better than it. When he is given milk to drink he should say: O Allah! bless us in it and give us more of it, for no food or drink satisfies like milk."

Abu Dawood said: "This is the Musaddad's version."

Sunan Abi Dawood Book 26, Hadith 3721. Classed as Hasan by Sh Al Albani (rahimullah).

The importance of organic milk sourced from cattle fed on a 100% vegetarian diet.

Abdullah Ibn Abbas (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) prohibited to drink the milk of the animal which feeds on filth.

Sunan Abi Dawood Book 27, Hadith 3777. Classed as Sahih by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah).

Commercial dairy cattle which produce milk for the supermarkets are injected with hormones and vaccines. Their fodder is contaminated with chemical fertilizers and pesticides and these find their way into the meat and milk which we feed to our families. Always choose organic raw milk. If raw milk is not available in your country, organic milk is better than usual milk.

Drinking Milk mixed with water is also from the Sunnah.

The authentic narrations highlight that milk mixed with water was presented to the Holy Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) and his Companion and they both drank from it.

It was narrated that Jabir bin ‘Abdullah (radhi Allahu anhu) said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) entered upon a man among the Ansar when he was watering his garden. The Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) said to him: ‘If you have any water that has been kept overnight in a water skin, then give us some to drink, otherwise we will drink by putting our mouths in the basin.’ He said: ‘I have water that has been kept in a water skin. So he went and we went with him, to the shelter, where he milked a sheep for him and (mixed it with) the water that had been kept overnight in a water skin. He drank from it, then he did likewise for his Companion who was with him.”

Sunan Ibn Majah Book 30, Hadith 3558. Graded as Saheeh by the scholars at Darussalaam.

It is from the Sunnah to rinse the mouth after drinking Milk.

Find out more about the health benefits of Milk here.

Honey syrup.

Honey syrup is nothing but honey mixed in water. You can vary the ratio of honey to water depending on your taste but always remember to use high quality raw organic honey which still has all the natural enzymes and minerals produced by the bees.

Occasionally give honey syrup to your children who are over 12 months of age instead of fruit squash or juice. Honey's natural enzymes will strengthen their digestive system and build their immunity. Also, it will not damage their teeth.

Don't buy your honey from supermarkets as they sell in vast quantities and there is a high risk of additives in the honey to bulk it out. Find your local beekeeper and buy direct from him/her. Fresh beekeeper's honey can usually be found at farmer's markets.

Locally produced honey is far better suited to your body and is arguably better assimilated because it is produced by bees who process the same pollen that you are exposed to. Over time, locally produced honey can actually cure hayfever by building up the body's exposure to the pollen which cause allergies.

Honey syrup is best made with cold water and drunk in the mornings, particularly on hot days. Let the water from the fridge stand for a short while so that it is not too cold. Vigorously mix the honey into the water with a whisk so that it dissolves.

A'isha (radhi Allahu anha) narrated that Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) was fond of honey and sweet edible things and (it was his habit) that after finishing the `Asr prayer he would visit his wives and stay with one of them at that time. Once he went to Hafsa (radhi Allahu anha), the daughter of `Umar and stayed with her more than usual. I got jealous and asked the reason for that. I was told that a lady of her folk had given her a skin filled with honey as a present, and that she made a syrup from it and gave it to the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) to drink (and that was the reason for the delay).

I said, "By Allah we will play a trick on him (to prevent him from doing so)." So I said to Sa`da bint Zam`a "The Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) will approach you, and when he comes near you, say: 'Have you taken Maghafir (a bad-smelling gum)?' He will say, 'No.' Then say to him: 'Then what is this bad smell which I smell from you?' He will say to you, 'Hafsa made me drink honey syrup.' Then say: Perhaps the bees of that honey had sucked the juice of the tree of Al-`Urfut.' I shall also say the same. O you, Safiyya, say the same." Later Sa`da said, "By Allah, as soon as he (the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam)) stood at the door, I was about to say to him what you had ordered me to say because I was afraid of you." So when the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) came near Sa`da, she said to him, "O Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam)! Have you taken Maghafir?" He said, "No." She said. "Then what is this bad smell which I detect on you?" He said, "Hafsa made me drink honey syrup." She said, "Perhaps its bees had sucked the juice of Al-`Urfut tree." When he came to me, I also said the same, and when he went to Safiyya, she also said the same. And when the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam)again went to Hafsa, she said, 'O Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam)! Shall I give you more of that drink?" He said, "I am not in need of it." Sa`da said, "By Allah, we deprived him (of it)." I said to her, "Keep quiet." '

Sahih al Bukhari - Vol. 7, Book 63, Hadith 193

More about Honey in Light of the Qur'aan and Sunnah - click here.

Thareed, A dish of Bread and Meat Soup.

Thareed

Tharid is described in the authentic narrations as a dish made of barley bread sopped in a meat soup/stew which was eaten by the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) and he praised the excellence of this type of meal.

As the bread softens in the meat soup, it becomes tastier and easier to digest and this was particularly beneficial in the time of the Holy Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam), when bread was unleavened and made with flour which was more coarsely ground than it is today.

Tharid provides a complete meal of carbohydrates, starches, fibre and proteins and is one of the most superb meals to enjoy. Cooking and eating this simple but nutritious dish enlivens the heart and reminds you of the Shifa and Blessings handed down to the Holy Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) and how gracious Allah Subhanahu Watahala has been in making us of the Ummah of His Final Messenger. Thareed is a hidden pearl of At Tibb an Nabawi which many people do not know about. Try to make it at home for Iftaar and maximise the benefit by sitting on the floor with your family and eating with three fingers as our beloved Messenger did, instead of ordering your next pizza or takeaway and eating in front of the TV.

References to Thareed in the Hadeeth.

Tharid being a superior dish -

It was narrated by Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, "Many men reached perfection but none among the women reached perfection except Mary, the daughter of ' Imran, and Asia, Pharoah's wife. And the superiority of A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) to other women is like the superiority of tharid to other kinds of food."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 65, Number 329

Tharid made with gourd [squash/pumpkin] was served to the Holy Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) -

It was narrated by Anas (radhi Allahu anhu) that, "I went along with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to the house of a young tailor of his. The tailor presented a dish of tharid to the Prophet and resumed his work. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) started picking the pieces of gourd and I too, started picking them and putting it before him. Since then I have always loved (to eat) gourd."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 65, Number 331

In another narration in Al Bukhari it suggests that the meat used to make the Tharid was sliced dried meat but if you cannot find dried halaal meat where you live, using normal fresh meat is fine.

Reference to dried meat in Vol. 3, Book 34, Hadith 305.

Although gourd is preferred, you can add any vegetables of your choice - potatoes, turnips, carrots, peas, spinach etc.

Tharid with Talbinah [poured over it] was prepared for the sick/grieving -

Our Mother A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) narrated that whenever one of her relatives died, the women assembled and then dispersed (returned to their houses) except her relatives and close friends. She would order that a pot of Talbina be cooked. Then Tharid (a dish prepared from meat and bread) would be prepared and the Talbina would be poured on it. A'ishah would say (to the women),"Eat of it, for I heard Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) saying, 'The Talbina soothes the heart of the patient and relieves him from some of his sadness.' "

Sahih Al Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 65, Hadith 328

Most of the time, unleavened bread made with coarse barley flour was consumed in the time of the Holy Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam). Wheat bread was hardly ever consumed.

A'isha (radhi Allahu anha) narrated that "Never had the family of Muhammad (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) eaten to their fill since their arrival in Medinah with the bread of wheat for three successive nights until his (the Holy Prophet's) death."

Sahih Muslim Book 42, Hadith 7083

It is my understanding that our mother meant wheat bread was an expensive luxury which was not eaten by the poor.

Either Barley or Wheat flour dough can be used to make the flatbread (roti) in Thareed depending on what you prefer and any type of halaal meat can be used for the meat soup but I would recommend boneless lamb as in the simple recipe below.

Thareed Stew Recipe.

600g lean boneless lamb cut into small pieces

1/2 bottle gourd cut into chunks

2 tablespoons of pure extra virgin olive oil

1 large sized onion, peeled and chopped finely

3/4 cloves of garlic, chopped finely

1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger root, chopped finely

1 teaspoon of tomato puree

1 large fresh ripe tomato, chopped

Salt and black pepper to your taste. You can use a natural salt like sea salt or Himalayan pink salt.

1/4 teaspoon Turmeric

1/4 teaspoon Chilli powder

1/4 teaspoon Garam Masala powder

1/4 teaspoon Coriander seed powder

1/4 teaspoon Cumin seed powder

1 teaspoon of fresh yoghurt, homemade is best (optional)

1 and 1/2 pints of boiling water.

Handful of fresh coriander leaves and mint leaves, chopped for garnishing.

Gently bring the olive oil up to temperature, ensuring that it does not start smoking. Add the onions, garlic and ginger. Fry them until they turn lightly golden.

Then add the spices and cook the mixture for a minute to remove the raw powdery taste of the spices.

Then add the tomato puree and chopped tomato, along with salt and pepper to your taste and a little bit of water. Cook the mixture until the tomatoes have broken down to a paste and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.

Then add the meat. Turn up the heat and cook and stir the mixture to render out the moisture from the meat and brown the pieces.

Then add the boiling water and bring to a boil. Once the mixture is boiling, turn down the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid and cook the meat for 1 and 1/2 hours or until it is tender. Or you can use a pressure cooker.

Be sure to adjust the amount of liquid in the stew by adding more boiling water if you need it.

Once the meat is tender, add the yoghurt if you are using it and the gourd pieces and cook for a further 15 mins until they are soft.

Check the seasoning and once the stew is cooked, you can turn off the heat and garnish with chopped coriander and mint.

Make a chapati/roti flat bread on a tava pan, or you can use a pitta bread. Break it up into pieces and place it in a serving bowl.

Pour the Thareed stew on top and serve it hot. 

Qust (Costus Root, Aloeswood) and its use in Medicinal preparations.

There are essentially two types of Qust, Indian (Qust al Hindi) and Marine/Sea (Qust al Bahri).  Both come in the form of a dried root and Qust has a praised high status in the aHadith which is on par with Hijama cupping.

Imam Ibn Qayyim Al Jawziyyah (rahimullah) said that both types of Qust provide considerable medicinal benefits. Qust is one of the remedies to always have at home which I must recommend to all my brothers and sisters who are serious about using Tibb an Nabawi to treat themselves and their loved ones.

Qust is hot and dry in the third degree and helps to dry out excess phlegm, help to remedy colds and influenza and nasal congestion. Imam Ibn Al Qayyim said that drinking an infusion of Qust helps strengthen the liver and helps to remedy weakness of digestion, slackness of the stomach, and if used as an ointment, it helps backache or rheumatic pain in the lumbar region. 

Sea/Marine Qust is a little paler in colour and also milder in taste and more suitable for administering to children.

Qust al Bahri root before it is powdered for use. This photo is owned by our brothers at tibbenabawi.org

Imam Ibn Al Qayyim said that Qust is also very beneficial for illnesses relating to breathing and the chest - pleurisy (a type of painful infection of the lining of the lungs), asthma, heaviness in the chest (breathing difficulties) and it helps to reduce thirst. It also helps remove freckles, fade scars and helps to control skin discolouration on the face and the chest which results from pregnancy or malnutrition.

Galen noted that Qust can also help kill ringworm (intestinal parasites) and if applied as an ointment can remove dry scales which are shed by the skin, including dandruff.

In the Sunan, the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) praises the excellence of Qust as a general remedy and he is also reported mentioning it as a remedy for inflammation/infection of the throat as well as in another Hadith mentioning it with Hijama. Qust contains helicene and benzoic acid, both of which are substances that kill germs, hence the benefit in the treatment of infections and inflammations.

Reference to Hadith regarding the general excellence of Qust, and partnering it with Hijama in the same sentence.

Anas (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that he was asked about the wages of the one who cups others. He said, "Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) was cupped by `Abd Taiba, to whom he gave two Sa of food and interceded for him with his masters who consequently reduced what they used to charge him daily. Then the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) said, "The best medicines you may treat yourselves with are cupping and sea incense.' He added, "You should not torture your children by treating tonsillitis by pressing the tonsils or the palate with the finger, but use incense."

Sahih Al Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 71, Hadith 599.

Qust will be used in Jannah.

It was narrated by Abu Huraira (radhi Allahu anhu) that Allah's Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) said, "The first group of people who will enter Paradise, will be glittering like the full moon and those who will follow them, will glitter like the most brilliant star in the sky. They will not urinate, relieve nature, spit, or have any nasal secretions. Their combs will be of gold, and their sweat will smell like musk. The aloes-wood will be used in their centers [as a fuel]. Their wives will be Houris. All of them will look alike and will resemble their father Adam (in statute), sixty cubits tall."

Sahih Al Bukhari Vol. 4, Book 55, Hadith 544

In respect of treating children for inflammation of the Uvula and its use in the treatment Pleurisy (a type of chest infection).

Umm Qasis (radhi Allahu anha) , the daughter of Mihsan said; "I brought my son to the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) while I had compressed his uvula for its swelling. He (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) said, "Why do you afflict your children [hurt them] by squeezing for a swelling in the Uvula? Apply this Indian aloes wood, for it contains seven types of remedies, among them being a remedy for pleurisy. It is applied through the nose for a swelling of the uvula poured into the side of the mouth for pleurisy."

Sunan Abi Dawood in Kitaab At Tibb Book 28, Hadith 3868. Classed as Sahih by Sh. Al Albani (rahimullah)

Abu Dawood (may Allah be pleased with him) added "By Aloeswood he meant Costus."

Ibn Hajar Al Asqalani said concerning pleurisy that "it is a hot swelling that appears in the membrane covering the ribs."

Modern medical description of pleurisy - http://www.webmd.boots.com/a-to-z-guides/pleurisy-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment

Administration.

Qust is usually used on its own or partnered with water, honey or olive oil.

For tonsillitis.

Qust al Bahri powder.

Qust al Hindi powder should be inhaled through the nose as per the previously quoted Hadith.

The benefits behind administering medicine by snuffing (Sa'oot) - http://tibbenabawi.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63:tonsillitis-a-saoot&Itemid=94

For fading Freckles and spots, skin discolouration, scars, burns.

According to Ibn Al Qayyim's work 'At Tibb an Nabawwi', the ointment is made by mixing Qust al Hindi powder in equal parts with good quality raw honey and add a very small amount of clean water. The paste should not be runny so that it runs off the skin but should stick to the area where it is applied. I would personally advise to apply to the area once per day for 30 minutes, then wash it off.

This ointment is also recommended to be applied to help aid the healing of incisions of Hijama to help minimize scarring in those patients who have thin skin, are diabetic or elderly or are generally prone to scarring or where they have had cupping applied to the face.

It can also be used as a compress to dress the hijama incisions of patients who are hemophilic or taking blood thinning medications. Smear the mixture onto a sterile lint gauze or cotton fabric and apply to the skin, holding the gauze in place with medical adhesive tape. Once you are sure the wound has stopped bleeding, remove the dressing so as to encourage airflow and the formation of the hemostatic plug.

As an external application for rheumatic pain and as a hair oil.

Qust should be mixed in Olive oil as it was none other than Rasool'Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) himself who instructed His Ummah to use olive oil for eating and for massage. Qust infused olive oil should be massaged on the points of pain/joints in the evening before bed.

To make the massage oil, take 50g each of dried whole henna leaves and Qust whole root pieces (or its powder) and fry them on a very very low heat in around 250ml of good quality olive oil for 1 hour with continuous stirring. Make sure the heat is kept very low or the ingredients will burn. The oil will turn dark but it should not smell burnt. Once the oil has cooled down, filter it through muslin cloth, add 10 drops of the essential oil of Spikenard (Jatamansi) and then transfer it to a container bottle. Insha'Allah, it will over time should help to strengthen the bones and joints as well as have a rapid effect on the pain.

Jatamansi is not essential so you can omit it if you cannot find it.

This same blend can be used twice a week as a conditioner for the hair which will also help relieve dandruff insha'Allah.

For runny nose, colds and flu.

Qust should be ground to a powder and gently snuffed in the nose. The patient should be lying down with their head and shoulders slightly elevated and their head tilted back.

For chest infections, pleurisy and asthma.

The Messenger of Allah (sallaAllahu alayhi wassallam) said it should be administered from the side of the mouth, and the right side is better than the left. Because it is bitter-tasting, there is less risk in coughing or nausea when it is administered from the side of the mouth but this is a general observation rather than recorded in the teachings of the pious predecessors and Allah knows best.
Qust al Hindi can be mixed with an equal quantity of honey and then smeared on the inside of the cheek. This should be administered three times daily, after meals.

For stomach, liver, digestion problems, IBS, Crohn's or intestinal parasites.

Honey paste with Qust al Bahri and crushed Black seeds.

Mix 50g Qust al Bahri powder with 50g dry roasted ground black seeds (nigella sativa) in a jar of raw honey. You can optionally add 10 edible silver leaves if you wish.

Because the Qust infusion needs to be drunk, take 1/2 teaspoon of this mixture twice each day dissolved in a hot cup of green tea. The seeds will settle at the bottom of the cup so make sure you stir and agitate it so that you drink the crushed seeds too. In two weeks insha'Allah you will notice a considerable difference and have much more energy.

Black seeds can easily be dry roasted in a frying pan at home and ground in your spice grinder. Raw honey, depending where it is sourced from, is sometimes set hard in texture, you can gently warm it in the microwave to make stirring in the Qust powder and blackseeds easier. Keep the mixture stored in a cool dark place.

Pregnant ladies must always check with their doctor before taking any herbs, supplements or medicines.

Buy Qust in the UK from here - http://www.healthmeanswealth.co.uk/Qist_Shop.php