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.

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

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

Olives and olive oil.

Surah An Noor [24:35]

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

Surah At Tin [95:1]

"By the fig and the olive."

Surah Abasa [80:29]

"And olives and palm trees."

Surah Al Mu'minoon [23:20]

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

Surah An Nahl [16:11]

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

Sweet smelling herbs.

Surah Ar Rahmaan [55:12]

"And grain having husks and sweet scented plants."

Fish.

Surah An Nahl [16:14]

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

Grapes.

Surah Al Mu'minoon [23:19]

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

Garlic and/or Onions.

Surah Al Baqarah [2:61]

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

Corn and/or Wheat and other grains with husks.

Surah Ar Rahmaan [55:12]

"And grain having husks and sweet scented plants."

Ginger.

Surah Al Insaan [76:17]

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

Pomegranate.

Surah Ar Rahmaan [55:68]

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

Dates.

Surah Maryam [19:25]

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

Meat.

Surah Al Ma'idah [5:4]

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

Bananas.

Surah Al Waqiy'ah [56:29]

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

Lentils.

Surah Al Baqarah [2:61]

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

  

Gourds and/or Squashes and Pumpkins.

Surah As Saffaat [37:146]

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

Cucumbers.

Surah Al Baqarah [2:61]

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

Figs.

Surah At Tin [95:1]

"By the fig and the olive."

Fresh Spring Water.

Surah Al Mursallat [77:41]

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

Milk.

Surah An Nahl [16:66]

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

Surah Al Mu'minoon [23:21]

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

Surah Muhammad [47:15]

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

Honey.

Surah An Nahl [16:69]

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

Healing from the Qur'an - Milk.

Milk is considered a blessed drink created by the Almighty Allah. It is both a food and a drink at the same time. Regarding Milk, Allah Azzawajal says in the Holy Qur’an, 

"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."

[23:21]

“In cattle is a lesson for you; We give you a drink they carry in their glands, that issues from between a secreting mucus (of the pituitary gland) and blood…” 
[16:66] 

Allah the Exalted also mentions Milk as being present in Paradise;

"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?"
[47:15]

Ibn Al Qayyim said that the best type of milk to drink is that which is fresh, has a bright white colour and a delicate sweetness. Milk helps alleviate depression and distress in adults and also helps to calm the spirit. 

Rinsing the mouth after drinking Milk is from the Sunnah.

It is important to rinse the mouth with water after drinking milk as this was the Sunnah of God’s beloved Messenger (pbuh) who once commented, because “it contains fat.” - Narrated by Ibn Abbas (radhi Allahu anhu) recorded in Sahih al Bukhari in Volume 1, Book 4, Number 210

The milk must come from an animal which is fed an organic vegetarian diet.

Nowadays, the milk sold in supermarkets in the West is from commercial dairy cattle which are pumped full of harmful vaccines and fed on a diet which contains meat by-products and fodder which is sprayed with pesticides and chemical fertilisers. There is no doubt that these toxins find their way into the animal's meat and milk.

Abdullah ibn Umar (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) prohibited eating the animal which feeds on filth and drinking its milk.

Sunan Abi Dawood. Book 27, Hadith 3776. Classed as Sahih by Sh Al Albani (rahimullah).

There is no harm in mixing milk with water as per the following Hadith;

It was narrated by Sahl  ibn Sad (radhi Allahu anhu) that a drink (milk mixed with water) was brought to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) who drank some of it while a boy was sitting on his right and old men on his left. The Prophet said to the boy, "If you permit me, I'll give (the rest of the drink to) these old men first." The boy said, "I will not give preference to any one over me as regards my share from you, O Allah's Apostle!" The Prophet then put that container in the boy's hand. 

Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 3, Book 47, Number 774

Milk's Benefits.

According to the Dairy Council, the benefits of drinking fresh milk include healthy bone growth due to milk’s composition of calcium, phosphorous, protein and magnesium, and the healthy growth of teeth in children. Milk along with a balanced and healthy diet helps reduce blood pressure, instances of type-2 diabetes, some forms of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. A little honey can be added to milk that has been gently warmed up and then mixed thoroughly. This sweet milk should then be chilled before drinking. It is important to note that milk sweetened with sugar rather than honey causes plumpness of the body and face.

Milk should never be drunk excessively since it can cause dimness of the sight, aching of the joints, tooth and gum troubles and intolerance to lactose. Adding honey to milk when drinking can help alleviate these symptoms. Cow’s milk is the best type of milk since it is the most balanced and cows tend to graze on a wider range of plants than other animals.

Raw Organic Milk vs Processed Milk.

Without a doubt, raw milk is better for health than the processed and pasteurized milk which we buy at the market. Raw milk contains more nutrients, natural enzymes and probiotics.

The pasteurization process destroys milk's natural enzymes which help the human body assimilate the calcium contained in milk, as well as its other nutrients which the human body needs to grow, fight disease and function well. That is partly why breast milk is far better for babies that formula and also why, by the same token, raw milk is better for everyone than processed milk. Having said this, it's important to source your raw milk from farms where the milking animals have been vaccinated for contagious diseases like TB and Brucellosis and are fed a vegetarian organic diet.

85% of those who are lactose intolorant should be able to digest raw milk without any problems and raw milk does not spoil like pasteurized milk does if it is left out of the fridge overnight and can much easily be made into homemade butter, cream, soft cheese etc.

References - 

Organic Raw Milk (London and Home Counties) - http://www.hookandson.co.uk/index.html

http://www.milk.co.uk/page.aspx?intPageID=73

http://www.realmilk.com/health/more-about-raw-milk/

http://www.cheeseslave.com/top-ten-reasons-to-drink-raw-milk/

Honey is from both the Qur'an and the Sunnah.

Honey is ma sha'Allah the most pleasing sweetener created and Allah the Most Exalted praises the Bee in the Qu'ran and mentions honey's healing quality;

"There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colours, in which is a healing for people. Indeed, in that is a sign for people who give thought."

[16:69]

Allah uncovers the hidden beauty of honey by mentioning that it varies in colours. The same bee can produce different colours of honey at different times of the year depending on which wild flowers it has visited.

Ibn al Qayyim (rahimullah) mentions that natural [organic] honey is the best of all nutritive sweeteners. Light-coloured honey which has had the minimum of processing and comes from mountainous or wooded areas is better than other types of honey. Honey contains detergent and tonic properties. Taking a spoonful of honey in the mornings helps dissolve phlegm, gently warms and strengthens the stomach and increases a person’s appetite. Drinks sweetened with sugar rather than with honey yield more harm than benefit. A cold drink of honey and water insha’Allah strengthens the body,preserves its youth, as well as refreshing the heart.

The Holy Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam's) fondness for Honey;

It has been narrated by A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) that "Allah's Apostle 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, 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 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 Sada bint Zam'a "The Prophet 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 Sada said, "By Allah, as soon as he (the Prophet) 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 came near Sada, she said to him, "O Allah's Apostle! 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 again went to Hafsa, she said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Shall I give you more of that drink?" He said, "I am not in need of it." Sada said, "By Allah, we deprived him (of it)." I said to her, "Keep quiet." '

Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 63, Number 193

Honey as a medicine.

The use of honey as a medicine is directly traced to the Sahih Sunnah and therefore should be strongly promoted;

It was narrated by Ibn Abbas (radhi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, "Healing is in three things: cupping, a gulp of honey or cauterization, (branding with fire) but I forbid my followers to use cauterization (branding with fire)."

Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 585

And also;

It was narrated by Sa'id Al Khudri (radhi Allahu anhu) that a man came to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and said, "My brother has some abdominal trouble." The Prophet said to him "Let him drink honey." The man came for the second time and the Prophet said to him, 'Let him drink honey." He came for the third time and the Prophet said, "Let him drink honey." He returned again and said, "I have done that ' The Prophet then said, "Allah has said the truth, but your brother's abdomen has told a lie. Let him drink honey." So he made him drink honey and he was cured.

Sahih al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 588

The most anti-bacterial honey is ‘Manuka’, which is produced in New Zealand. It is renowned as the ultimate healing honey and comes in three main strengths, Active 5+, Active 10+ and Active 15+; the higher the numeric factor, the higher the anti-bacterial and antiseptic powers of the honey. Active 5+ or similar should be adequate to help treat digestive disorders, sore throats, acne, eczema and sunburn, and it can also help in the fight against gum disease.

I have personally found that the best honey for general consumption is that which is produced locally to where the patient lives and is unfiltered and organic. Local honey mixed with bee pollen is also an excellent treatment for the patient's summertime allergies like hayfever as it slowly build's up the patient's resistance to allergens.

Honey can also be used to treat wounds due to its anti-bacterial properties and it can also be used in skin treatments since it has the ability to soften, absorb and retain moisture. A very effective face pack can be made with one tablespoon each of besan (gram flour), honey, lemon juice and milk, mixed together and applied for 30 mins before washing off. This in sha’Allah helps soften skin and even out brown spots.

Honey should be excluded from the diets of infants under 12 months of age.

Strengthening the eyesight.

Antimony sulphate (Ithmid, or Isfahan Collyrium) is a silvery dark grey stone, which is crushed into a very fine powder and used to darken the eyes. The best kind is found in Morocco, and it has a cold, dry temperament. Antimony strengthens the optic nerve and is considered the best kohl when mixed with musk powder for elderly people with poor vision weakened by old age.

Ibn Al Qayyim (Rahimahullah) suggests that then used as a kohl, Ithmid, also helps reduce skin flap growing on the eyelid, mange of the eyelids and it relaxes eyestrain. It helps detoxify eye moisture and eases congestion in tear ducts. It helps natural cleansing of the eyes and helps to protect the eyes from dust particles floating in the air, and brightens one’s sight. When Ithmid is mixed with honey diluted in water and applied on the edge of the eyelid, it can help reduce headaches.

Applying it before going to sleep is healthier than using it during the day, especially for women, and it helps the growing of eyelashes, making them thicker and longer in sha Allah. 

Abdullah Ibn Abbas (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Wear your white garments, for they are among your best garments, and shroud your dead in them. Among the best types of collyrium you use is antimony (ithmid): it clears the vision and makes the hair [eyelashes] sprout."
[Sunan Abi Dawood Book 28, Hadith 3869] Classed as Saheeh by Al Albaani.

The kohl most widely available is normally produced in India and Pakistan (called ‘Surma’). It is jet black and has a different chemical composition to true Ithmid. It can be made up of many ingredients, some of which include lead sulphide, the soot of sandalwood oil lamps and charcoal (Wiki). Lead sulphide is extremely toxic.

The best Ithmid to buy is from Morocco or from Medinah, Saudia Arabia.

Purchase Ithmid here - http://www.healthmeanswealth.co.uk/Kohl_Ithmid_Shop.php

Lowering the Gaze.

By casting evil glances [malicious jealousy], a person's eyesight becomes very weak. Eyesight is one of the greatest blessings of Allah and we should take great care with it, particularly ensuring we are lowering our gaze when in the presence of non-mahrams. The eyes of men should not follow women, neither should the eyes of women follow men. This is because by guarding one's gaze, one is fulfilling gratitude for the blessing of sight and the reward of gratefulness is the increase of blessings, as Allah Azzawajjal mentions in the Qur'an;

"And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'"

[14:7]

And also Allah Azzawajjal commands His believing servants directly regarding their gaze;

"Tell the believing men to reduce [lower] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do..."

[This and the next verse regarding women 24:30-31]

Ruqyah.

There is a well known case of an Eygptian doctor who developed eye drops which cure cataracts using the recitation of the Qur'aan upon a liquid which contained the components of human sweat.

The verses come from the story of Prophet Yusuf (alayhisalaam) where Allah the Exalted relates how Yusuf's father Ya'qoob (alayhisalaam) fell into despair after having been separated from both Yusuf and then his youngest son Benyameen for a long period, so much so that his eyes became white with sorrow. Islamic commentators have taken this to mean that Ya'qoob (alayhisalaam) developed cataracts.

"And he [Ya'qoob] turned away from them and said; "Alas my grief for Yusuf!" And he lost his sight because of the sorrow he was suppressing."
[12:84]

Yusuf (alayhisalaam), being divinely inspired by Allah, asked his brothers to take his shirt and cast it over the face of their father.

"Go with this shirt of mine, and cast it over the face of my father, he will become clear sighted, and bring to me all of your family." And when the caravan departed, their father said; "I do indeed feel the smell of Yusuf, if only you think me not a dotard [a person who suffers weakness of mind due to old age]." They said; "By Allah! Certainly, you are in your old error." Then, when the bearer of glad tidings arrived, he cast it [the shirt] over his face, and he became clear sighted. He said; "Did not I say to you 'I know from Allah that which you know not?'"
[12:93 to 96]

The second set of verses can be recited an odd number of times on purified water and used as eye drops or recited on olive oil which is then massaged onto the eyelids.

The spiritual aspect of strengthening the eyesight.

Imam Shafi’ (Rahimahullah) said;

Four matters weaken the sight;

* Looking at filth (dirt, excrement etc.) 
* Looking at crucified persons. 
* Men – looking at their spouse’s private part. 
* Sitting while your back is towards the Qiblah (direction of the prayer).

He also said;

Four matters strengthen the sight;

* Sitting next to the Ka’ba. 
* Using Ithmid before going to sleep. 
* Looking at green things (trees, grass etc.) 
* Cleaning up the sitting area (at home, i.e. because it is where guests are welcomed).

[page 353 from Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet (salahu alayhi wa sallam). Darussalam 2003]