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

Quinces on sale in Walthamstow Market

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

References -

http://sunnah.com/search/quince

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

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

Barley Bread Recipe.

Recipe courtesy of Donna from the Healthy Eating Site - http://thehealthyeatingsite.com/

Bread made from Barley was eaten regularly during the time of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Barley is an extremely nutritious grain which lowers high cholesterol and may help prevent heart disease. It is also more effective at maintaining stable blood sugar levels that wheat for those who are diabetic.

This dense, rustic flat bread has a satisfying nutty taste and crunchy texture around the edges. It’s great served with soups and stews, or salads. It’s also nice on it’s own, spread with honey or avocado as a snack or light meal. Best served warm, right from the oven.

Because it’s wheat-free, this bread doesn’t contain the amount of gluten that a wheat-based loaf would, so therefore it doesn’t puff up and create a light, airy bread like wheat-based loaves. It’s more a cross between a flat-bread and a cracker, crunchy around the edges. But I love the texture, it feels much more substantial than a typical airy loaf. It’s chewy in the middle, crunchy around the edges and much more flavorful than wheat flour. Oh, and it’s vegan as well.

This is one of the easiest and quickest bread recipes I’ve ever used. No bread maker or mixer required, it’s easy enough to do it all manually. You don’t need to wait until the dough rises (proofs), so it’s a great option for whipping up some bread at the last minute to go with your meal.

This recipe makes one small loaf.

Ingredients:

2 cups barley flour
2 tsp wheat-free baking powder
1 tsp sea salt
3/4 cup water
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp flaxseed (linseed)
2 tbsp sunflower seed

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 200 C/400 F. Lightly oil a baking sheet. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a mixing bowl. You can use a fine-mesh strainer instead of a sifter. Just use a spoon to tap the sides of the strainer to sift the dry ingredients through the mesh. You can also use the spoon to ‘stir’ the flour if you prefer, make sure the spoon is touching the bottom of the strainer and stir in a circular motion just inside the rim of the strainer.

Once all the dry ingredients are sifted, blend the water, olive oil, flaxseed and sunflower seeds in a high-powered blender until liquefied. The non-vegan version calls for cream and milk, so you’re creating a seed milk substitute. Fold this seed milk into the flour and mix until it forms a dough.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and using your hands shape it into a flat round shape about 1 cm (1/2 inch) thick.

Slide the loaf onto the baking sheet and use a knife to score the top of the loaf to form the slices. Then using the prongs of a fork, make indentations all over the top of the loaf.

Bake until pale golden in color, about 15-20 minutes. Cut or break into wedges along the score lines and serve warm.

Variations:

• Add a handful of sunflower seeds to the sifted flour just before adding the liquid ingredients.

• Add 2 tbsp citrus zest (lemon, lime or orange) to the flour mixture just before adding the liquids.

Olive Oil.

Allah the Almighty speaks of the olive in the Holy Qur’an;

“...Lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the East [so that it only gets the sun’s rays in the morning], nor of the West [so that it only gets the sun’s rays in the afternoon, instead it is exposed to the sun all day long], whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself), although no fire hath touched it.” 
[24:35]

And also;

"By the Fig and the Olive."
[95:1]

It was narrated by 'Umar (radhi Allahu anhu) that he heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) say, "Season (your food) with olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it comes from a blessed tree."

Sunan Ibn Majah Book 29, Hadith 3444. Graded as Sahih by Darussalaam.

http://www.sunnah.com/urn/1274270

Since olives and their oil are mentioned in both the Qur'an and the Sunnah respectively, they are considered one of the primary healing foods and are therefore recommended to be consumed regularly.

The healing power of olive oil comes in part from its high levels of Mono-unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, and in part from the fact that it is well tolerated by the stomach, so it easily breaks down and is an excellent protective emollient for stomach ulcers and gastritis.

All kinds of olive oil are beneficial for softening the skin and slowing down both the skin aging and hair greying processes. It is also known as an anti-inflammatory and beneficial for all kinds of liver and gall bladder problems.

Studies have shown that people who consume around two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil daily have a lower level of LDL cholesterol in the blood, leading to a lower overall risk of heart disease. Spanish researchers have also found links between olive oil and a reduction in the occurrence of both colon cancer and breast cancer.

The best possible type of olive oil to buy is cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, which is greenish in colour and contains the highest possible levels of Vitamin E, antioxidants and phenols. This is because it is less processed than commercially refined olive oils. Olive oil is best kept tightly sealed in a cool dark place, as exposure to the air and a light, warm position promotes faster rancidity. Olive oil should be used in place of regular cooking oil in pasta dishes, sauces, stews and curries.

The brine in which olives are bottled is particularly beneficial for strengthening in the gums if used as a mouth rinse.

It is encouraged to use Olive Oil regularly as a moisturiser for the skin and hair.

The use of oil on the body can be traced directly to the Sunnah, where our Mother A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) also narrated that "The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to (put) bend his head (out) to me while he was in Itikaaf in the Mosque during my monthly periods and I would comb and oil his hair."

Sahih al Bukhari Volume 3, Book 33, Number 245

Olive oil is great for hair and over time, makes it shiny and silky and easy to manage. It's recommended to massage the scalp with your fingertips when applying olive oil so that its antioxidants are absorbed with greater ease. Olive oil is also used for hair loss, hair strengthening (prevention of split ends) and slowing down the rate of grey hair.

Olive oil is also used by Raqi's when they recite the Qur'an by Allah's Leave for people who are afflicted by sorcery. In sha Allah there is no harm in reciting the Qur'an on olive oil before using it.

The Benefits of Dates.

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."

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 65, Number 358

Snake Cucumber may be the same as or similar to Armenian Cucumber and the seeds can be purchased here - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CUCUMBER-ARMENIAN-YARD-LONG-70-SEEDS-/370631247434?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item564b58064a

Dates with [Musk] Melon.

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

Musk melon can be grown organically in the UK in a heated greenhouse or outside in the garden in a tunnel - http://www.seedsofitaly.com/BIO_MELON_HALES_JUMBO/p1834925_8313668.aspx

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.

http://www.sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/9/249

Ibn Al Qayyim's commentary on dates.

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).

King Saud University researchers find Awja Date's cancer prevention properties - http://www.healthymuslim.com/articles/ipgbfzokh-ajwa-dates-contain-cancer-preventing-property.cfm

Purchase Ajwa' dates in the UK - http://www.healthmeanswealth.co.uk/Date_Shop.php

Treating anxiety and depression.

The best way to treat anxiety, sorrow and depression is to busy yourself in the service of Allah Subhanahu Watahala and learn and practice upon the Sunnah of His beloved Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). These acts bring joy and appreciation to the heart, and the shaytaan (the perpetrator of depression) is weakened and distanced from a soul who engages with Allah (and for Allah) regularly. Staying in the state of Wudhu (ablution) also helps keep these bad demons at a distance.

Allah the Exalted says in the Qu’ran;

“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah, do hearts find rest.”
[13:28]


Engaging with Allah can be done in many ways; by giving compulsory and voluntary charity, reciting the Qur’an, teaching the Deen, reading about the Deen, practicing the Sunnah, helping a neighbour, striving in the service of your parents for Allah’s sake, visiting a sick or elderly person, taking a ritual bath (Ghus’l), restraining the tongue from an angry word, or removing danger or harm from the path of a Muslim. We should strive to perform at least one task per day (besides that which is compulsory) solely to please Allah. 

Prayers (Salah and Supplications) are very important during times of distress. 

Allah instructs the believing men and women in the Qur'an;

"And seek help through patience and prayer..."
[2:45]

This is further supported by the narration of Hudhaifah (radhi Allahu anhu) who said that when anything distressed the Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), he used to pray - Sunan Abi Dawood Book 5, Hadith 1314. Classed as Hasan by Al Albani.

The best times to supplicate and have your supplications accepted;

• When it is raining.
• While in prostration.
• During the last third of the night, or very late at night.
• During a special hour on Fridays.
• Between Adhan and Iqamah
• On Laylat ul Qad'r
• While Drinking Zamzam Water

Source - http://www.islamawareness.net/Dua/best.html

Staying positive.

It has been narrated by Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri and Abu Huraira (radhi Allahu anhum) that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, "No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that."

Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 70, Number 545

Seeking refuge with Allah from distress.

It was narrated by Anas bin Malik (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to say, "'Allahumma inni a'udhu bika minal-hammi, wal-hazani, wal-'ajzi, wal-kasali, wal-bukhli, wal-jubni, wad-daini, wa ghalabatar-rijal" [O Allah! I seek refuge with You from worry and grief, from incapacity and laziness, from cowardice and miserliness, from being heavily in debt and from being overpowered by (other) men.]" 

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 8, Book 75, Number 380

Talbinah.

Talbinah porridge is a nutritious breakfast and consuming it has benefit in alleviating depression and sorrow;

It was narrated by 'Urwa that A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) used to recommend at-Talbina for the sick and for such a person as grieved over a dead person. She used to say, "I heard Allah's Apostle (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) saying, 'at-Talbina gives rest to the heart of the patient and makes it active and relieves some of his sorrow and grief.'"

Sahih al Bukhari  Vol. 7, Book 71, Hadith 593

Rayhaan.

‘Rayhaan’ is known in English as Sweet Basil; a fragrant herb of the mint family which, in Paradise, is the king of the fragrant herbs. "Rayhaan" is also used as a collective term used by Allah Azzawajal in the Holy Qur’an to describe the general family of sweet smelling herbs which grow in Paradise and thus are synonymous with comfort, life, ease, joy, happiness and delight. In aromatherapy, sweet basil helps alleviate the symptoms of sorrow and stress.

Western Alternative Medicine says that a few drops of Sweet Basil essential oil can be mixed into a teaspoon of carrier oil and then put into a tea-light oil burner to use at home or in the office. The gentle fragrance helps to lift the mood and calm the senses.

Silver.

According to Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimullah), the precious metal Silver, is also a medicine that encourages happiness. It relieves stress, sorrow and depression. Pure silver leaf can be taken internally as a medicine (mixed in raw organic honey).


As with all Islamic Medicine, the cure lies solely in the hands of Allah and not in any tangible object like a necklace made of silver, so please make your intentions to trust him alone and to please him and seek only His help. Allah knows best.