The foods, drinks, treatments, medicines and etiquettes of healing from the Qur'an, Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and the works of the pious predecessors.
The Qur'aan mentions fresh ripe dates and water as a comfort for a woman in the stages of labour.
There is medical wisdom behind
the choice of the fruit of the date palm over any other fruit during labour and
childbirth.
Allah Azzawajal narrates regarding His servant Maryam Umm Eesaa (radhi Allahu anha) when the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, "Oh! I wish I had died before this and been like something forgotten!" [19:23]
The fruit of the date palm (Ar
Rutab, or fresh dates) contains a substance that causes the uterus to contract
and strengthens the uterine muscles, thus helping in birth. It also reduces the
amount of bleeding that occurs after birth.
Fresh dates contain high levels
of simple sugars which are easy to digest. They are a basic source of energy
and a preferred form of nourishment for the muscles. The muscles of the uterus
are among the largest muscles which work very hard during birth. Obstetricians
give women in labour water and sugar in the form of a sugar solution. Natural sugars from organic fresh ripe dates must be considered far better for the body when compared with a solution made with refined sugars. The verse
mentioned also speaks of giving liquids with sugar, as Allah the Exalted says;
"So eat and drink..."
This is another miracle.
Fresh dates lower blood pressure
in the pregnant woman for a short while, after which it goes back to normal.
That also serves to reduce the amount of bleeding.
Reference - p63-64 Islamic Medicine; The Key to a Better Life. By Yusuf Al Hajj Ahmad. Darussalam 2010. The blessed fruit of the Hejaz is full of beneficial vitamins, iron, calcium and fibre. It may assist with milk production in nursing mothers.
From this we can also see the link to Tahneek from the Sunnah the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam); one of the most excellent manners in which to welcome the newborn child.
In modern times,
sugar/water solution is conventionally given to newborns, but the best and mostbeautiful
traditions is that of the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam).
Tahneek is performed by
softening a date and then rubbing the palate of the new-born with it just after
the birth or soon after. This is done by putting a tiny piece of the softened
date on the finger and rubbing it from left to right in the mouth of the baby.
Ibn Hajr said, "If
one is not able to find a dry date, then a fresh date should be used, and if
that is not available then anything sweet."
(Fath 9/588)
It is not essential to
chew the date rather it may be softened in any way. The action of chewing as
reported in the Sunnah was something specific to the Messenger (sallAllahu
alayhi wassallam) due to the blessings that Allah had placed in his saliva.
Tahneek done by the father
or the mother or anyone from the People of Knowledge whose supplication is hoped
would be accepted. So he should perform tahneek and supplicate for the child as
was the practice of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them).
Imaam Nawawee says,
"Scholars are agreed upon the recommendation of performing tahneek upon
the baby after it's birth."
(Sharh Saheeh Muslim
4/122)
A'ishah (radhi Allahu
anha) reported that, "New-born children used to be brought to the
Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) and he would supplicate for
blessings for them, and rub a chewed date upon their palate."
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."
'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.
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.
Every year, Israel exports millions of pounds worth of dates to the world, which many Muslims unknowingly buy and use to break their fasts.
These dates are grown in illegal settlements in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, on land that has been stolen from Palestinians. By buying these dates, we are in fact helping Israel to continue its occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people.
Background
In 2004 the International Court of Justice ruled that the Israeli settlements are illegal – they are built on stolen Palestinian land. Growing dates is one of the major agricultural activities carried out by nearly half of the illegal Israeli settlements located in the Jordan Valley – it’s their most profitable crop , and contributes significantly to their economic viability.
Picking of the dates is hard work, so the Israeli settlers bring in Palestinian labourers to do this back breaking work. During the pruning season the workers are dropped on the date palm trees by a hoisting crane at 5 o’clock in the morning, left perched on palms that soar to a height of 10 or even 12 meters – the height of a three- or four-story building, left there swaying in the wind for up to 8 hours without a break and with no means to come down until the crane returns at the end of the day, the workers cling to the tree with one arm and work with the other to meet their quota. They can’t even take a break to go to the toilet. If they complain or fall behind their quota they will lose their jobs and their families will starve.
Out of desperate poverty Palestinian families are forced to take their children out of school and hand them over to the settlers to work for a pittance. (Source: Channel4 news 7 July 2008)
But the Israelis prefer to employ children – even issuing them official work permits, as they are quick and light, can climb trees faster, work for less and it’s easier to cheat and humiliate them.
Most of the Israeli date crop – up to 80%, is exported, mainly to Europe where it has around 10% market share. In 2005, dates were Israel’s leading fruit export.
The two major Israeli companies involved are Agrexco and Hadiklaim. Agrexco, half owned by the Israeli government, handles 60-70% of all goods produced in the illegal Settlements. Its dates have brand names Carmel, Jordan Plains and Jordan Valley. Before the start of Ramadan, Carmel boasted in their press release that they had managed an early crop of dates in order to meet the Ramadan demand for dates from Europe’s Muslims!
Hadiklaim sells 65 percent of the all dates produced in Israel.
It's dates have brand names King Solomon and Jordan River. They also supply Israeli dates to supermarkets and retail chains who market them under their own brand names. These include Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Waitrose.
Sainsburys Medjool Dates produced in the illegal Israeli settlement of Netiv Hagdud in the West Bank
Sometimes they are labelled “Produced in the West Bank” – this just confirms they are grown in the illegal Israeli settlements.
Peace activists who visited the Palestinian village of Fasayl in the Jordan Valley discovered that villagers are slowly being forced off their land by the Israeli army. The only livelihood left open to them is to work for Carmel Agrexco. The activists even spoke to two Palestinian children under the age of 12 who were working for Carmel. The Palestinian workers whose land had been stolen and were forced to work for Carmel in order to feed their families – they had a message for the peace activists, a plea for anyone who would listen – they urged them to take action against Carmel Agrexco and such companies that support Israeli apartheid. What excuse is left for us not to boycott Israel? If you oppose the illegal settlements target their dates. Boycotting can make a real difference.
Please don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends.
Imam Muslim (rahimullah) reported that Ibn Abbaas (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) as saying, “The evil eye is true, and if there is anything that would precede Predestination, it would be the evil eye.”
The Arabic word “al-‘Ayn” (translated as the evil eye) refers to when a person harms another by looking at them or their property with maliciousness and jealousy. It starts when the person likes or covets a thing, then his evil feelings affect it, by means of his repeated looking at the object of his jealousy. Allah the Almighty commanded His Beloved Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) to seek refuge with Him from the envier, as He said in the Qur’an (interpretation of the meaning):
“And from the evil of the envier when he envies”
[113:5]
In Islam, the harmful effect of an envious person on the envied person cannot be denied. It is a fact that an evil and envious soul touches the envied person in such an evil manner that it causes them harm, both physically and mentally. Prophetic Medicine offers very lucid and effective treatments for the evil eye, but first, it is important to recognise its symptoms.
Symptoms.
Sheikh Abd ul-Azeez al-Sadhaan (may Allah preserve him) said,
“If it is not from a real illness, then the symptoms [of evil eye] may take the following forms:
Headaches that move from one part of the head to another; yellow pallor in the face; sweating and urinating a great deal; weak appetite; tingling, heat or cold in the limbs; palpitations in the heart; pain in the lower back and shoulders; sadness and anxiety; sleeplessness at night; strong reactions due to abnormal fears; a lot of burping, yawning and sighing; withdrawal and love of solitude; apathy and laziness; a tendency to sleep much; health problems with no known medical cause.
These signs or some of them may be present according to the strength of the evil eye or the number of people who put the evil eye on others.”
Al-Ruqyah al-Shar’iyyah (p. 10)
It is best to see an experienced Raqi if you are inflicted with any of these symptoms.
The power of Prayers in reversing the effects of the evil eye.
According to the authentic Prophetic narrations, our Mother Hahzrat Ayesha (radhi Allahu anha) once said, “The Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) ordered me [or somebody else] to do Ruqya if there was danger from an evil eye.” (Sahih al Bukhari Book 69, 7:634).
From this narration, we can see that our beloved Nabi (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) instructed us to use prayers.
Abu Abdullah al Tayahi narrated that he was once on his way to a pilgrimage to Makkah riding on a beautiful and swift camel. A man known for inflicting malevolent evil eye was also in the same caravan of travellers. His evil was so great that he would rarely look at something and it would not collapse.
Half way though the journey, someone mentioned to Abu Abdullah, “Guard your camel against the malevolent eye of this man!”
Abu Abdullah replied, “He can force no harm upon my camel.”
An eavesdropper heard the conversation and went back to tell the owner of the evil eye. In pride and arrogance, the malevolent person waited for Abu Abdullah to be busy and away from his camel, so he stood before it and gazed at it. Immediately the camel became enraged and fell to the ground.
When Abu Abdullah returned, he was told what had happened. He demanded, “Lead me to him!” As soon as he saw the man, Abu Abdullah recited the following prayer;
“I call upon the Sovereign Name of Allah, the power of which curbs aggression, Whose shelter is sacred, and Whose barrier is unbreakable, and which is a burning brand against mischief; and by its supremacy, I rescind and nullify the effects of the malevolent evil eye, and cast such effects back upon the aggressor and what he loves most. [He then quoted the Holy Qur’an]; Look carefully, do you see a single flaw therein? Yet look once more, and again, your sight will return to you in a state of humiliation and worn out.” (67:3-4)
Immediately the eyeball of the evildoer popped out if its socket, thus he lost his sight. The camel got back on her feet, vindicated and cured.
According to Imam ibn Qayyim al Jauziyah, there are several Islamic prayer formulas for warding off the evil eye, such as reciting the first chapter of the Holy Qur’an, Surah al Fatihah;
Surah Al-Fatihah (1)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.
The Beneficent, the Merciful.
Owner of the Day of Judgment.
Thee (alone) we worship; Thee (alone) we ask for help.
Show us the straight path.
The path of those whom Thou hast favoured.
Not (the path) of those who earn Thy anger nor of those who go astray.
The other two key chapters are 113 and 114, Surahs Al Falaq and An Naas;
Surah Al-Falaq (113)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the Daybreak.
From the evil of that which He created;
From the evil of the darkness when it is intense.
And from the evil of malignant witchcraft.
And from the evil of the envier when he envies.
Surah An-Naas (114)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind.
The King of mankind.
The God of mankind.
From the evil of the sneaking whisperer.
Who whispers in the hearts of mankind.
Of the jinn and of mankind.
The other very effective prayer formula is Ayat ul Kursi;
Ayat ul Kursi (from Surah Al-Baqarah 2, Ayah 255)
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Allah! There is no God save Him, the Alive, the Eternal.
Neither slumber nor sleep overtake Him.
Unto Him belong whatsoever is in the Heavens and whatsoever is in the Earth.
Who is he that can intercede with Him save by His leave?
He knows that which is in front of them and that which is behind them, while they encompass nothing of His knowledge save what He wills.
His Throne includes the heavens and the earth, and He is never weary of preserving them.
He is the Sublime, the Tremendous.
(2:255)
It is also recorded in the authentic narrations from the Holy Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) about using the water in which the perpetrator of the evil eye has conducted Wudhu, to pour it over the victim of the evil eye in order to cure him or her of it;
Imam Ahmad (15550), Imam Maalik (1811), al-Nasaa’i and Ibn Hibbaan narrated from Sahl ibn Haneef that the blessed Messenger of Allah (pbuh) came out and travelled with Sahl towards Makkah, until they were in the mountain pass of ‘Al-Kharaar’ in Al-Jahfah.
There, Sahl ibn Haneef did ghusl (ritual bath), and he was a handsome fair-skinned man with beautiful skin. Aamir ibn Rabee’ah, one of Banu ‘Adiyy ibn Ka’b tribe, looked at him whilst he was doing ghusl and remarked, “I have never seen such beautiful skin as this, not even the skin of a virgin!” and immediately Sahl fell to the ground.
They went to the Blessed Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) and said, “Oh Messenger of Allah, can you do anything for Sahl? [because] by Allah, he cannot raise his head (due to the evil eye).”
Nabi (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Do you accuse anyone with regard to him?”
They said, “Aamir ibn Rabee’ah looked at him.”
So the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) called Aamir and rebuked him strongly.
He (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Why would one of you kill his brother? If you see something that you like [in him], then pray for blessing for him.” Then he said to him, “Wash yourself for him.”
So Aamir washed his face, hands, forearms, knees and the sides of his feet, and inside his izaar (lower garment) in the vessel [of water, so as to ensure the washing water was caught in it]. Then that water was poured over Sahl, and a man poured it over his head and back from behind. Then Sahl got up and joined the people and there was nothing wrong with him.
Hijama breaks the effect of Evil Eye and Sorcery, by the Permission of Allah.
Hijama is recommended for everyone who is suffering from the effects of Evil Eye.
One of the benefits of eating dates which are grown in the blessed city of Medinatul Munawwarah is that they protect the body from witchcraft and evil eye;
Saad bin Abi Waqaas narrated that God’s Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever eats seven Medinah dates for his breakfast will suffer from neither poison nor witchcraft for that day.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
They should be used alongside the ruqya prayers.
You can find out more about the benefits of dates by clicking here.
How to prevent inflicting others with the evil eye.
If a person fears that he or she might touch other people with their jealous thoughts, let them fend off its harm by saying, “Oh Allah, bless what you have given him/her” when they see something they like in other people’s property or beauty. Further, saying “Masha’Allah” (what Allah has willed) or “La Quwwata illah Billah” (there is no power except from Allah) also helps fend off inflicting others with the evil eye.
Hisham ibn ‘Urwah narrated that his father used to say, “What Allah wills will certainly come to pass, there is no power except from Allah” upon seeing something that he liked and upon entering one of his gardens.
Women, in particular, should be careful of their gaze since it is well known that they tend to have more innate jealousy than men do. This is a natural trait inherent in females.
If the malicious gaze of an evil-doer falls upon a soul who is protected from the evil eye (because he/she is taking precautions), it is well documented that the evil may return back upon the person who initially sent it.
Guarding our attainments and children.
Amongst other essential preventative cures against the evil eye is to ensure Muslims are always discrete about their achievements, free from ostentatiousness in our actions and able to maintain full reservation regarding what others consider to be enviable, for example, our wealth, beautiful family members and children. New brides and pregnant women are also particularly susceptible and so should take care to guard themselves when going out.
Teaching our children how to recite the last three Surahs of the Holy Qur’an (112, 113 and 114) and Ayat ul Kursi on a daily basis from an early age is also important.
The impermissibility of using amulets and charms.
Wearing a piece of jewellery, or hanging up an object inside the home, which either depicts an eye, or which contains charms supposedly thought to repel the evil eye, is strictly forbidden. The use of such objects has no basis in Shari’ah, and constitutes a major sin. This is because our reliance upon any tangible or intangible object, besides the Almighty Creator, to give us protection against evil is a form of Shirk. Shirk is never forgiven by Allah if we persist in it. Any such amulets should be removed from one’s possession and destroyed insha’Allah.
Be wary of Taweez.
Many Muslims believe that Taweez will protect them from the Evil Eye and one should be very suspicious of copies of Taweez given to you claiming to offer protection from every kind of disease, Evil Eye, marriage problems, jinn and shayateen etc.
How to identify a magician. Many so called "peers" who make extraordinary claims about being able to get rid of all your problems overnight are never to be trusted, as they are almost certainly using the jinn and this is strictly forbidden. It is Shirk, which brings Allah's Wrath and always ends up in more problems later down the line.
While wearing the verses of the blessed Qur'an as a Taweez has not been forbidden per se, it must be noted that our beloved Nabi (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) never gave his precious grandsons Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain any Taweez from the Qur'an to wear on their bodies, considering they were the most beloved children on the Earth to any of the Muslims at the time, their protection was paramount to the furthering of Islam, yet Allah's blessed Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) left them solely to the protection of their Creator alone.
Also, due to the sanctity of Allah's Words, it will not be permissible to wear Qur'anic verses when visiting the toilet, even if they are placed inside a locket/bound inside a pouch and hidden under clothes. Such an act could be considered akin to taking a copy of the Holy Book into the bathroom (even if it is wrapped in a cloth) (!)
It is to be noted that there is no might and no power besides that of the Almighty Creator and while there is great barakah in Allah's blessed Words, they are only beneficial if they are recited verbally (with tajweed and belief). There is no benefit in only wearing them or hanging them up inside the home since if this is done, they would neither reside in the heart nor in the mind.
It is a very serious sin to shorten the verses of the Holy Qu'ran, or write them in any other order than in which they were revealed (like for example, switching the words in certain ayahs around or writing them backwards, or representing them as numbers). Writing the verses of the Qur'an in this kind of way is the characteristic of the magicians and allies of the Jinn.
Below are a couple of examples of Taweez which are very dangerous and strictly forbidden to wear and should be immediately destroyed if found.
The correct way to dispose of Taweez can be found here.
The reality of what "Taweez" and talismans contain.
May Allah protect everyone from the evil eye.
Ameen.
Sources:
Natural Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet (pbuh); Shaykh Muhammad al-Akili, page 130 and 132.
Fresh ripe dates were the food Allah The Exalted provided for our Mother Maryam (on whom be peace) after she gave birth to 'Isaa (alayhisalaam) under the palm tree, as Allah says in the Qur'an;
"And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates."
[19:25]
Dates are considered one of the essential foods from the Sunnah and are prized in Middle Eastern culture for their sweetness and wholesomeness. They have the ability to metabolize quickly in the body, providing an essential energy boost for those who have been fasting all day. It is recorded in the works of Imaam Al Bukhari (rahimullah) that Dates and Water where the only two foods available in the house of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) on most days; Our Mother A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) said to Urwa (radhi Allahu anhu), "O, the son of my sister! We used to see three crescents in two months, and no fire used to be made in the houses of Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) [i.e. nothing used to be cooked]." 'Urwa said, "What used to sustain you?" A'ishah said, "The two black things i.e. dates and water, except that Allah's Apostle had neighbors from the Ansaar who had some milch she-camels, and they used to give the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) some milk from their house, and he used to make us drink it." Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 8, Book 76, Number 466
Foods which accompanied Dates in the meals of the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
There are a number of authentic Hadith which report that the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sometimes ate dates with other foods. These foods are considered to be the best accompaniments for dates in terms of balancing their temperament and nutrients.
Fresh Ripe dates with [Snake] Cucumber.
Abdullah ibn Ja'far (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that, "I saw the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) eating fresh dates with snake cucumbers."
It is recorded that our Mother A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) narrated, "The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to eat melon with fresh dates, and he used to say: "The heat of the one is broken by the coolness of the other, and the coolness of the one by the heat of the other.""
Classed as Hasan by Al Albani - Sunan Abi Dawood Book 27, Hadith 3827
A drink of dates soaked overnight in water - Nabeez.
Nabeez is a drink made by soaking either dates or raisins overnight in water and it was provided for our Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) during his lifetime as reported in the authentic narrations. It's easy to make and nutritious and makes a great breakfast drink. More info can be found here - http://prophetic-medicine.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/nabeez.html
Dates with Sawwiq [wholegrain barley flour].
It was narrated by Abu Burda (radhi Allahu anhu) that, "When I came to Medinah, I met Abdullah bin Salam (radhi Allahu anhu) and he said, "Will you come to me so that I may serve you with Sawiq (i.e. powdered barley) and dates, and let you enter a (blessed) house that in which the Prophet (sallallahu alahyi wasallam) entered?"...
Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 5, Book 58, Number 159
Occasions from Qur'an and Hadith relating to when dates were eaten.
As we can see from the above where Allah Azzawajal mentioned how Maryam (as) was provided with dates after having given birth, dates are a highly beneficial energy booster for new mothers.
Occasions from Hadith;
Before proceeding out for the Eid ul Fit'r Prayer [as a breakfast] -
It was narrated by Anas bin Malik (radhi Allahu anhu) that, "Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of 'Id-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas also narrated: The Prophet used to eat odd number of dates.
Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 2, Book 15, Number 73
and also reported as Sahih in Jami` at-Tirmidhi Vol. 1, Book 5, Hadith 543
Dates should be shared with companions in a gathering, particularly if they are hungry -
It was narrated by Jabala that "We were in Medinah with some of the Iraqi people, and we were struck with famine and Ibn Az-Zubair used to give us dates. Ibn 'Umar used to pass by and say, "The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) forbade us to eat two dates at a time, unless one takes the permission of one's companions."
Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 3, Book 43, Number 635
For example, it would be a great blessing therefore to offer dates in the Mosque during Ramadhan at Iftaar for those who have prayed.
Dates for breaking the Fast -
It was narrated by Anas ibn Malik (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to break his fast before praying with some fresh dates; but if there were no fresh dates, he had a few dry dates, and if there were no dry dates, he took some mouthfuls of water.
Classed as Hasan Sahih by Al Albani - Sunan Abi Dawood Book 13, Hadith 2349
The Sunnah is to consume an odd number [reported as 3 in Riyad As Saliheen, At Tirimithi] and in sha Allaah this is extremely beneficial for our health and should be practiced regularly because it helps not over-eating food at Iftaar time. The body processes the nutritional value of dates very quickly, preventing us from feeling the subsequent need to eat a lot.
Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah) said that eating fresh dates is particularly beneficial for people who have a cold temperament. They help to rectify a cold, stagnant stomach. But for those who have never eaten fresh dates before or are not used to it, it would cause more harm to start eating them frequently. Dates are beneficial in treating and preventing a number of different illnesses, including constipation, intestinal disorders, weight gain, heart problems, sexual weakness, diarrhoea and abdominal cancers.
In the Middle East, dates are consumed in a number of different ways; like mixing the paste of crushed dates with milk, nuts, yoghurt, or consuming it with bread and clarified butter.
The best dates are grown in the city of Madinah. They are generally sweeter and have a higher fibre content, which helps to provide an important energy boost at breakfast and normalise digestion. Dates are said to have the highest fibre content of all dried fruits and a daily serving of 20-35 grams of fibre in dates is recommended by the American Cancer Society. Dates are one of natures most highest sources of potassium; a mineral which is vital to the regular and healthy contractions of the heart muscle. Potassium is also required by the human body to balance the digestive system and nervous system. It is also said that eating just one date each day guards against weakening eyesight for a lifetime.
The profound blessings of Ajwa' Dates.
Ajwa' dates are smaller and darker in colour and slightly less sweet than other varieties. Ma sha Allaah it is for this reason that I have personally found them more to my liking [easier to eat] than varieties which are larger and sweeter.
There is no doubt that the sand of Madinah where the Ajwa' date palm plantations stand even to this day is blessed and full of Shifa due to the sacred status of this city, and Saad bin Abi Waqaas narrated that God’s Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever eats seven Medinah dates [Ajwa'] for his breakfast will suffer from neither poison nor witchcraft for that day.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
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