In His infinite Mercy and Wisdom, Allah Ta'ala has decorated the earth with many different foods; in all tastes, colours and sizes. Each fruit or vegetable containing something, which together gives all that man requires to take care of his physical and mental body in the right and wholesome manner.
Nature is bursting with foods which have their own healing and nourishing remedies for us to make use of. It is a saddening realisation that we do not make use of the beautiful gifts bestowed upon us; not only as a source of food, but as a source to nourish, strengthen, heal ourselves, and allieviate illnesses.

The most complete system of "natural medicine" ever devised has been extant for over 1400 years, presented in the fullest and miraculous order of Divine Commands from Allah Ta'ala, and lived out in example by the most profound human being in history - Muhammad

So we have learned from the hadith of the Prophet , "We did not send down any disease, unless we have sent down the remedy with it." Medical practice today has changed from a reliance on foods and plants from nature to a heavy reliance on synthetic medicines. Perhaps one should turn to Allah, Ash Shifaa' (The Healer) for the infallible remedy and vital prescriptions for our time.

What is needed today, more than all the advancements of science perhaps, is a return to the simple, eternal laws for living, as shown in the way of life of Islam. Resurrection of our health, of body, mind and soul, utilising the medical traditions of Islam, as shown by the light of Islam the Prophet Muhammad , is the true need for the salvation of the plagues which now disturb the souls of men.

In summary our healthy body is a gift from Allah Ta'ala, we are its trustees, so we should not misuse it. Make use of that which is a ni'mah of Allah.

Olives

by Mutmainaa
[05/02/03]
[03 Dhul Hijjah 1423]

"By the Fig and the Olive.."

[Surah at-Teen; 95:1]

Olives (Zaytun) have numerous health benefits, including being rich in Vitamins (in particular Vitamin E), minerals, monounsaturated fats, and anti-oxidants. They are full of nutritional value, helping to fight against a number of critical diseases; including cancer, arthritis, osteoprosis, constipation, inflammation and asthma. It isn’t any wonder that Allah (Ta’ala) has sworn by the Olive in the Qur’an;

"By the Fig and the Olive, and the Mount of Sinai..."
[surah at-Teen; 95: 1-2]

The mufassireen (commentators of the Qur'an) have suggested numerous explainations for this ayah. It has been said that the most likely explanation of the mentioning of the (fig and) olive, is that they both represent deen (religion) and faith or to man as the creature fairest and goodness in shape and form. The special mentioning of this fruit, and the inferences made from it indicate the unique essence and value of the Olive.

Another indication of the Olive representing life and goodness can be taken from the Olive branch bought back by the Pigeon which Prophet Nuh (alayhis salam) released from the ship to examine the state of the floods. When the pigeon brought back the olive branch, he (alayhis salam) knew that the land had reappeared and that vegetation was growing.

The Qur'an makes manetion of Olives in several places; namely, surah al-An'am; 6: 99, 141, surah an-Nahl; 16: 11, surah an-Nur; 24:35, surah al-Mu'minun, surah at-Tin; 95: 1, and surah Abasa; 80: 29.

The Benefits
The Vitamin E contained in Olives is the body's primary fat-soluble antioxidant. Anti-oxidants help to strengthen the body's immune system; reducing the severity of asthma, cancer, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, premature ageing, as well as delaying the effects of ageing.

Olives contain compounds called polyphenols that appear to have significant anti-inflammatory properties. Imam as-Suyuti comments that in using olive oil as a balm, you fortify your limbs and as a result reduce inflammation.

Ibn Umar recorded the well-known hadith “use olive oil and anoint yourself with it, because it is ‘from a blessed tree’”(24:35)
[al-Bayhaqi]

The juice of the olive, otherwise known as olive oil (Zayt), is a delicious source of antioxidants. This oil is monounsaturated, and it has a positive effect on the cholesterol level in our blood streams, by helping to reduce it. Monounsaturated fats are an important part of our diets. These oils act to keep cholesterol from sticking to our artery walls, and thus combating against diseases such as heart disease and strokes. Not only that, but they help to control blood sugar, a big plus in offering protection against Diabetes.

As regards to the Zaytun tree, Allah (Ta’ala) says:

”And a tree that grows on mount Saini which provides oil – and enjoyment for those who eat it”
[23:20]

The roots of the Zaytun tree are so extensive and strong that in times of drought, when other trees die, the zaytuna tree is still standing because it draws from deep within the earth when the heavens withhold their life-giving water.

The human body easily absorbs olives. This aids digestion, and so your body can handle food with ease. Imam Jalaluddin as-Suyuti in his book, “Medicine of the Prophet” suggests drinking Olive oil so as to keep the bowels moving, soothing pains and combating constipation.

Olives are also very light foods (ie contain low calories), but at the same time very filling; being able to quickly satisfy hunger. and lead to fewer total calories ingested at mealtime.

It is recorded that the Prophet said

“Every kind of olive oil is for you, and anoint yourself with it..” [ibn al-Juzi].

The Prophet used to recommend olives and saffron in cases of pleurisy, and he used to say that olives are the medicine of the poor.

In another tradition Muhammad said “Eat olive oil and anoint yourself with it” [at-Tirmidhi].

Saied al-Ansari narrates that the Prophet said,
"Eat the olive oil and massage it over your bodies since it is a blessed tree."
[at-Tirmidhi, ibn Maja]

Indeed, Allah Ta'ala has mentioned the Olive tree as being blessed as well;

"a blessed Tree, an Olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil is well-nigh luminous.."
[surah 24: 35]

Abu Hurairah RadiAllahu Ta'ala anhu narrates that the Prophet stated, "Eat the olive oil and apply it (locally), since there is cure for seventy diseases in it, one of them is Leprosy."
[abu Naim]

Khalid Bin Sa'd narrates "I came to Madinah with Ghalib Bin Al Jabr. Ghalib became ill during the journey. Ibn Abi Ateeq came to see him and told a narration from Aisha that the Prophet told about the cure in Kalonji. We crushed a few seeds of Kalonji and mixed it with olive oil and dropped in both nostrils, after which Ghalib became healthy."
[ibn Majah, Bukhari]

According to ibn al-Qayyim, Olives are an exhilarant, they provide prevention against poisons, gives the facial complexion glow, regulates the digestive process, expels the intestinal parasites, makes the hair lustrous and minimises ageing problems.
He also comments that the massage of olive oil with common salt over the gums is a remedy for several diseases of gums and teeth.
The chronic ulcers and boils, which show difficult healing condition, are healed up with the use of olive oil generally.
The local application of olive oil or the water extracted from the crushed olive oil leaves is effective on boils, rashes and itching.

Imam Tirmidhi (in the Shama'il of at-Tirmidhi) mentions that it was reported that the Prophet used so much olive oil that his shawl was often saturated with it.

Key benefits of olives

· The Zaytun oil can also be used on hands, hair and as a base for massage oil.

· Used as a balm, it fortifies the hair

· It keeps the hair shiny and prevents dandruff

· Used as a balm, it fortifies and moisturises the skin, combating dry skin and softening it. It also combats against acne.

· Massaged onto the body, Olives fortify the limbs, combat against inflammation, and sooth away aches and pains from tired muscles and so on.

· Help against wrinkles and delaying the effects of old age.

· Help combat against strokes, heart-disease, High blood pressure, diabetes.

· It aids digestion and strengthens the bowels, as well as the stomach.

· Soothes pain

· Strenthens the body's immune system

· Drunk, the tea from Olive leaves help against High blood pressure.

· General consumption of Olives, due to their high anti-Oxidant properties, help to combat against diseases such as cancer (studies in particular show Breast cancer), asthma, arthritis, osteoprosis, and others.

[Bibliography:
'The Holy Qur'an' - Translated by Yusuf Ali
'The Qur'an - Basic teachings' by Thomas B. Irving, Khurshid Ahmad, Muhammad M. Ahsan
'Medicine of the Prophet' by Jalaluddin as-Suyuti
'In the Shade of the Qur'an' by Syed Qutb
'The meaning of the Qur'an' - by Syed Abu-Ala' Maududi
'The design in Nature' - by Harun Yahya
'The essential Olive oil companion - by Anne Dolamore
Various websites, food & nutrition magazines]

Pomegranates

[]
[18/02/03]

There is not a pomegranate which does not have a pip from one of the pomegranates of the Garden (of Jannah) in it

- Muhammad

There are Three references of the Pomegrenate in the Qur'an under the name of Rumman (its Qur'anic name). The references can be found in;

"We bring forth the green blade from, which we bring forth the thick clustered grain; and from the date palm, from the pollen thereof, spring pendant bunches; and (We bring forth) gardens of grapes, and the olive and the pomegranate, alike and unlike."
[Surah vi,Verse 99]

"He it is Who produceth gardens trellised and untrellised, and the date palm, and crops of divers flavor, and the olive and the pomegranate , like and unlike."
Surah vi,Verse 141]

"Wherein is fruit, the date palm and pomegranate .Which is it, of the favors of your Lord, that ye deny?"
[Surah LV,Verse 68]

There are also a number of ahadith on the Pomegranate;
Anas bin Malik (Radhiyallahu anhu) narrated that Rasulullah said,
"There is not a pomegranate which does not have a pip from one of the pomegranate of the Garden(of Jannah) in it."
[Abu Nu'aim]

Rasulullah said,
"Pomegranate and its rind strengthen digestion(stomach)."
[narrated Ali(radhiyallahu anhu), Abu Nuaim, Al-Jozi]

Pomegranate is native of Iran, although its wild forms are found in India (in the Himalayas), Afghanistan and Syria. Pomegranate is a highly delicious juicy fruit and is held in high esteem from time immemorial, both as a fruit and in medicine.
Good quality pomegranates were grown in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and were also known in ancient Egypt. During the time of Prophet Musa(alaiyhis salaam), quality pomegranates were in cultivation throughout Palestine, Syria and Lebanon. The city of Rimmon was well-known for its quality Rummon ie. pomegranate.

The cultivation of pomegranate was introduced quite early in the Mediterranean and eastern countries like India. But in Spain, it was introduced after the Islamic influence there and it reached England in the thirteenth century. Much later, Spanish took this important fruit plant to the new world - Mexico and Florida.

Its cultivation gradually spread to other countries too and now it is grown almost everywhere in the tropical and sub-tropical climate. Presently good quality pomegranate comes from Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, Morocco and Spain. In India, Sholapur is famous for juicy pomegranate fruit known as Anar. In Turkey pomegranates are served during important feasts.

The calorific value of the pomegranate fruit is 65. Its juice is easily digestible and contains about 15% invert sugar. It is a rich source of sodium and also contains a good amount of riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, Vit.C, Calcium and Phosphorous. Protein and fat contents are negli- gible.

Pomegranate is a good food and a medicine of great value. It is a tonic for heart patients, highly efficacious in the inflammation of the stomach and effective to check heart pain. The juice of the fruit is an excellent cooling beverage and allays thirst in diarrhoea.

It acts as a good medicine for both diarrhoea and dysentery. For many ailments such as colitis, anaemia, jaundice, high blood pressure, piles and arthritis, its juice is an effective medicine.

When given with honey, it reduces biliousness. Pomegranate fruit is also prescribed in many disorders under the Homoeopathic medicine system.

The decoction of the root bark of pomegranate, which contains an alkaloid pellatrierine and tannic acid, is a highly useful medicine for the expulsion of worms, including tapeworms. This decoction is reported to be effective also in tuberculosis.

The thick skin: ie. the rind of the pomegranate fruit is greatly responsible for its good keeping quality. The fruit can be kept for as much as six months. The rind too contains high percentage of tannic acid (more than 20%) and is sometimes used for tanning leather. The well-known Moroccan and Spanish leather were once used to be tanned by the pomegranate rinds.

According to Unani medicine, the ideal time to eat pomegranate is after having had lunch. Take out the seeds, sprinkle with a little salt and black pepper and swallow the juice after chewing the seeds. This way of eating is beneficial in chronic constipation and indigestion. It also soothes the nerves and stimulates the liver.

Authorities of Unani medicine also maintain that persons doing tedious mental work should eat the fruit in the late afternoon in the same manner shown above. Another way of using the fruit advantageously is to press out the juice, add a little sugar and drink it. This produces blood, promotes good health and refreshes the brain.

Figs

[by Mutmaina]
[05/02/03]
[03 Dhul Hijjah 1423]