كأسا كان مزاجها زنجبيلا

إنما أنا لكم بمنزلة الوالد أعلمكم

“I hold the status of a father unto you, thus I teach you…”.  (Abu Dawood – Abu Hurairah RA).This Hadeeth of Rasoolullaah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam is the Hadeeth in which Rasoolullaah taught us the etiquettes of Istinjaa (purification after relieving oneself). With these courteous words, Rasoolullaah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam commences his lesson on the subject.On one occasion, a disbeliever said to Sayyiduna Salmaan RA: Your companion (ie Rasoolullaah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam) teaches you how to relieve yourself? He replied without taking any offence: “Yes indeed,…” and he went on to give details thereof. (Abu Dawood, Nasaee – Salmaan).In 1963, in Dundee, Scotland, typhoid was sweeping the nation. Finally scientists begged people to use water instead of toilet paper to clean themselves in the bathroom. People responded to the call, and to their great amazement the spread of the disease was contained. If only they knew that Muslims were taught that more than 1400 years ago. (Islamic Medicine, page 308).In the Hadeeth we referred to in the beginning, mention is made in it of using sand clods or stone to clean as well. This is because some parasites that are found in human waste can remain and cause harm. These parasites are killed by sand.We find fine details in our beautiful Deen, to the extent of even how to clean our nostrils during wudhoo, etc. Aadil Assoom, a writer for Sudaninet writes: “My father (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) was a medical assistant. Originally he was a graduate of The School of Medical Assistants, which was established in 1918. After graduating he joined Medical Corps of the English Army, and travelled to work in Ethiopia and Libya, consequently acquiring much experience in the medical and health fields, in addition to proficiency of the English language in the very English accent. He told me (may Allah’s mercy be upon him): “During the period of work in Libya, a type of Influenza like the Spanish-flu-virus which had just killed millions of human beings, swept the army camp. Members of the African and Indian soldiers and a number of British officers would suddenly collapse dead. A number of medicines brought in from Britain and India had no success in limiting the number of deaths. My father said: The Sudanese numbered about one hundred and seventy, some being soldiers, and others employees. Praises be to Allah alone, no Sudanese among us was infected by the virus at all. An English officer named Michael came to us. He was a doctor working in the Medical Corps. He was sent specifically to oversee the operation to eradicate the virus. He embarked upon a study about the causes of the disease. He issued many health directives and orders to all individuals of the army. I was working under his direct supervision. Suddenly we found him giving extraordinary importance to the finer details of the way the Muslims in the army performed Wudhoo. It then became clear to us that the disease had afflicted the non-Muslims among the Africans and Indians, in addition to a number of English officers, while all the Muslims remained unharmed, except one individual from Niger. Later it came to light that the death of the Niger man was because of appendicitis. The English Officer arrived to the conclusion that, the drawing in of water into the nostrils and blowing them out during Wudhoo that was practiced by Muslim soldiers, was the underlying reason for reducing, rather eliminating the virus. This later lead to the English officer embracing Islam, where he said that the practice of inhaling and blowing out of water from the nose, was not found in any other religion or culture in the world! My father, (may Allah have mercy on him), would regularly remind us at home to do the inhalation and blowing out of water during Wudhoo properly. He would say: Draw in the the water to the point that you feel agitation and tears. He would emphasize the same to all his patients in the clinic, who complained of any virus, infection, or bacterium in the respiratory system. (https://www.sudaninet.net/15088.)

كان يكره النوم قبل العشاء والحديث بعدها

“He (sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam) disliked sleeping before Isha, and speaking after it.” (Bukhari and Muslim – Abu Barzah RA).Imaam Nawawi RA says: “Speaking being makrooh after Isha refers to futile talk. Beneficial talk, such as talks of (Deeni) knowledge, stories of the pious, speaking to a guest, or to one’s spouse and children for the sake of showing kindness, or for some need… all of the above are not makrooh…”.Regarding sleeping, according to the Sunnah, sleeping until two thirds of the night passes is beneficial. In winter, when Isha is early, one should be in bed by at least 9 pm. After two thirds of the night passes (which is at around 2 am), sleeping hours are over. The last third of the night is meant to be spent in communion with Allah. Ahaadeeth make mention about the person who sleeps until the time of true dawn (when Fajr enters), that shaitaan has urinated into his ears. This means that shaitaan has filled him with spiritual filth. This is why such weight is found on the one who delays waking up until close to Fajr time.Lying down for a few minutes before or after performing the Sunnah of Fajr is also Sunnah. This rejuvenates the body too.During the day, Qailoolah (at midday) is Sunnah. In summer, Qailoolah (siesta) can be up to one hour. And during winter months, 15 minutes to half hour is enough.One may wonder that, how can a person wake up at 2am, only lie down for a few minutes at Fajr time, and suffice on siesta alone. However, research has proven that, each hour between 9 pm and 12 am is equal to three hours. Between 12 am and 2 am, each hour gives the rest of an hour. Siesta is the half way pitstop for the day, which is of immense benefit. The above mentioned hours are the best hours to rest, and are enough for the human body. Therefore, it is not the number of hours that one may sleep. Rather, it’s the time that you choose to sleep that matters.Between 2am and Fajr is the best time to memorise. Surah Muzzamil alludes to this.As for sleeping during other hours of the day, or over-sleeping, Ibn Tooloon RA writes: Day sleep is of low value. It’s spoils the complexion, harms the spleen, creates mouth odours, causes lethargy and makes the mind dull. Anyone who has some habit of such sleep should wean himself off gradually. (المنهل الروي page 83).

أكثرت عليكم في السواك

“I have often emphasised to you the use of Miswaak” (Bukhari – Anas RA, 288).The Ahaadeeth on the use of Miswaak are many, which we can easily find with a quick search too. Rasoolullaah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam would use the miswaak very often, to the extent that he said that he feared causing his blessed gums and teeth to be affected by excessive use. This went as far as it being the last thing he used before leaving the world. No doubt, whatever Rasoolullaah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam did was of immense benefit to man’s health and well-being. After all, he was the Messenger of Allah Ta’aala.Shaikh Haamid Ahmad Taahir says in his book: ‘A few Chapters on the Teachings of Nabi sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam in respect of Treatment’: “O you who have trust in Allah and conviction in the advices of Rasoolullaah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam! Know that the miswaak… aids digestion, expands the bronchial tubes, clarifies vision, expels phlegm, cleans the throat, clarifies the voice, strengthens the memory, assists in memorising… and removes bad smells from the mouth”.Yusuf Al Hajj Ahmad writes in his work ‘Islamic Medicine’ page 34, that research was carried out on 80 persons who were divided into four groups… Among their amazing findings, he writes, was that the Islamic teachings and recommendations of the Messenger of Allah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam to use the miswaak fully represent what modern dentistry is trying to achieve…, as its use leads to a high level of oral hygiene. Miswaak contains a high level of a natural substances which give its user from an early age strong and healthy teeth because of its silica content, its fluorine content which strengthens the gums, and its tannin and vitamin A content which strengthens the blood vessels of the gums. Research has shown that the oral hygiene of those who used the miswaak reached a high level, along with the absence of infection when compared with the commercial toothpaste and cornstarch that were used by the other two groups.”Refer to Islamic Medicine, pages 28 to 38 to read more about the benefits of this amazing Sunnah of our Beloved Master sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam.

كان أحب الشراب إليه الحلو البارد

The most liked drink to Rasoolullaah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam was the cool sweet one. (Tirmidhi, 1895 – Zuhri, mursal).This Hadeeth is in particular reference to cool honey-water. Allaamah Baajoori RA says that it does not contradict the narration that says that he loved milk, because the word drink in the above Hadeeth was with regards to water.( See: Zaadul Ma’aad page 745, Tibb Nabawi of Ibn Qayyim, page 321).Allaamah Baajoori further quotes Ibn Qayyim saying: When water possesses these two qualities, viz. coolness and sweetness, then it preserves health, benefits the soul and physical energies, and the liver and heart as well. It suppresses (excess) heat, and preserves the basic moist of the body. It also eases digestion and helps nutrients finding their way to the veins. (See Zaadul Ma’aad as well, page 745, 746).Allaamah Baajoori says (المواهب, page 322): There are innumerable benefits of drinking honey-water. Some of them are: It expels excess phlegm, cleans the stomach lining, removes its grease, cleanses dirt from it, unblocks blockages and warms it up. In short, it is the most beneficial sweet item that can ever enter the stomach. However, one who has a bilious temperament may be harmed by it, but that harm could be avoided by vinegar.Muwaffaq RA says: It serves as a nutrition, a drink, a medication on its own and with other medicines. It is a sweet, a fruit, (and in fact) nothing of its like has been created better or even equal to it in rank, neither from what we (man) makes, nor from that which was created for us. Together with all the above-mentioned gigantic benefits, it is safe from causing harm. It is most beneficial for old people. Bilious temperaments may be (slightly) harmed by it, but with vinegar that harm could be undone. (If vinegar is taken with it then) it only benefits them.He further writes: Licking it first thing in the morning expels phlegm, cleans the stomach lining, removes residue, moderately warms the stomach and opens its blockages. It does the same for the liver, the kidneys and the bladder. المنهل) الروي لابن طولون page 170-172).

“A home in which there is no dates, its dwellers are hungry”. (Ahmad, Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi – Aaishah RA).This Hadeeth, in an emphatic way, encourages every home to have dates in it. This is because of the immense benefits dates have within them. In fact, if only dates are eaten, a household can survive on them without the need for any more nourishment. Sayyidah Aaishah RA says that three moons (two months) would pass, and all that they survived on was dates and water. (Ahmad, Bukhari). This was the condition of the home of the leader of the two worlds.Many Ahaadeeth make mention of the benefits of dates. And numerous books have been written on the subject as well. On one occasion, Rasoolullaah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam drew the comparison of a Mu’min with that of a date palm, because of it’s abundant fruits and barakaat. Allah Ta’aala refers to it in Surah Ibrahim as شجرة طيبة a good/pure/wholesome tree.In the Surah Maryam, Allah Ta’aala has alluded to the fact that an expecting lady who is close to birth should eat dates. It has been established that eating dates, especially Rutab (soft fresh ones) eases birth, due to components such as cellulose fiber, etc. found in it. The Aayah also indicates towards the benefits of eating dates after birth. For the same reason, Imaam Ali Radhaa mentions that eating seven Barni dates mixed with ghee is a remedy for piles and anal fissures. (الرسالة الذهبية page 186).In some Ahaadeeth, mention is made of making Iftaar with dates. A new born baby’s tahneek was done by Rasoolullaah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam by placing some soft chewed dates on the palate of the infant. This is because dates are loaded with healthy sugars, carbs, proteins, salts, vitamins, cellulose fiber, etc. and particularly vitamin C, which plays an important role in strengthening the walls of the veins and arteries, and prevents the occurrence of internal bleeding due to the calcium and various other vitamins that it contains. (Most of the above has been derived from the footnotes on الرسالة الذهبية by Dr Muhammad Ali Baarr of Jeddah, page 186,187).Whilst the date and date palm are mentioned in the Qur’aan, even the thin cover over the seed of the date, and the tiny dot on the tip of the date seed have also been mentioned as examples in the Qur’aan. It is then certainly not strange that in the prior scriptures, Allah Ta’aala mentioned the place to which Rasoolullaah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam would migrate as the place of the abundance of date palms.Glory be to Allah alone, the Creator of the entire universe.

إذا أراد أحدكم أن يذهب الخلاء وقامت الصلاة فليبدأ بالخلاء

“When any one of you needs to go to the openness (ie to relieve himself), and salaah has stood up (ie Iqaamah has been given), then he should first go to relieve himself”. (Abu Dawood – Abdullah Ibn Al Arqam RA).Many Ahaadeeth have mention of the fact that salaah should not be performed in such a condition. Some scholars have regarded salaah in this condition to be makrooh tahreemi, whilst others have said that if the need is not severe then it will be makrooh tanzeehi. In both instances, it will still be makrooh (undesirable).If someone chooses to pass his water in the masjid, logic would say, stop him, let him go outside and complete it, as every extra drop in the masjid is increasing impurity within the house of Allah. But Rasoolullaah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam did not let them stop him. The reason is that it would harm him.On the occasion when the bedouin came to the masjid and began urinating in the corner of the masjid, and the esteemed Sahaabah RA tried to stop him by saying to him “مَهْ مَهْ” (stop! stop!), Rasoolullaah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam forbade them and said: “Do not stop him, leave him”. So they left him until he finished. (Muslim – Anas Ibn Maalik RA).From the above two narrations we learn that one should not keep in his need to urinate, and neither should he be disturbed whilst urinating.Sayyiduna Ali Ar-Radhaa RA, (the great grandson of Sayyiduna Ali RA, who had a discourse on Tibb Nabawi, which he prepared for Khaleefah Ma’moon) says: “The one who would not like to have bladder problems should not withhold his urine even if he is on the back on an animal.” (Ar-Risaalah Adhahabiyyah, page 184, Dar Assu’oodiyyah).Camels and horses are high animals, and descending from them is awkward. Yet, he says, even in that condition, it is better to descend and relieve oneself than keeping it in.This takes us to another discussion, viz. passing water before going to bed. Ibn Al Qayyim, in Zaadul Ma’aad (page 820), states that physicians of the past would regard it to be among the fundamental aspects of preserving good health, to pass water before going to bed.Among the reasons is that urine would stay in the bladder for a long time. This in itself is harmful, because when the bladder gets full, it begins to use up energy which the body actually requires to use for other organs that work harder during sleep. Thus, the full benefit of sleep is also not accomplished, which was actually essential for the body.All of the above are wisdoms behind the teachings in the two Ahaadeeth.Besides, when the urine is withheld in the bladder after it is filled, it is released back into the pipes coming from the kidneys. The creates pressure on the kidneys, and leads to infections, which further leads to complications of the kidneys, as well as the prostrate.Lastly, we are left with the discussion of the unnatural usage of the high pan toilet. It is a known fact that, the squatting position is the most natural position to pass water, and this was the universal manner until just over a century ago. Then came about the invention of ‘queen’s seat’, which now has become a seat in every home. When using the high pan toilet, the relieving position is awkward, which puts strain on the bladder and pelvic floor. This may lead to a number of complications. A simple search on the benefits of squatting during urination will bring up many results. Refer particularly to the information on ‘nature’s platform’.Then, note that the bladder is not always emptied without passing water in the squatting position. Among the reasons is that sitting on a high pan when urinating weakens the pelvic muscles, which leads to urine retention. The last unreleased drop may hold acids and toxins, and may even include infections. Such infections, etc can build up and lead to complications of the bladder, kidneys, urethra and prostrate. It is for this reason that surgeons advise their patients after a procedure on the prostrate to avoid using the high pan toilet, to make sure that the last drop is released.From the above, once again we learn how important it is to lead our lives as closely as possible to ways of Rasoolullaah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam. May Allah Ta’aala through His mercy allow mankind to look up to the Sunnah, and give it its due regard.

يقول أع أع، والسواك في يده كأنه يتهوع

“… saying U` U`, with the miswaak in his hand, as though he wants to through up”. (Bukhari – Abu Moosa Al Ash’ari RA). This is the description Sayyiduna Abu Moosa RA gives of the occasion that he came to Rasoolullaah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam and observed him using the miswaak. In a narration of Abu Dawood, Sayyiduna Abu Moosa RA said: “I saw him making miswaak on his tongue”. The words U` – U` refer to the sound that one makes when the miswaak is placed on the back of the tongue near the throat to lightly induce vomiting. If this is done in the morning upon awakening, when the stomach is empty, excess phlegm and acid is removed. Phlegm normally accumulates during sleep, and can lead to various problems if there is a build up, or it begins to dry up and become hard. Whilst phlegm in itself is an important component in the human body, an excess amount of it leads to coldness within the body. This in turn leads to allergies. Asthma, sinusitis, etc are related to this as well. Similarly, during the fasting hours of sleep, many may have the problem of an acid build up. This also can be a cause of heart burn, stomach problems and may eventually lead to other complications and discomfort. When lightly inducing a vomit in the above mentioned manner first thing in the morning, such excess acid is also removed. Subhaanallaah, how wonderful aren’t the sublime teachings of Rasoolullaah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam that cover the finer details of our health and well being. Surely there is none, and there will never be any teachings more sublime and accurate, and that will live through the test of times without the need for any ammendments, than the teachings of the Beloved of our Majestic Creator. May the most selected and special mercies and blessings be showered upon him by Allah Ta’aala on our behalf.

عليكم بألبان البقر – ٢

“You should use cow’s milk”.As mentioned in the previous post, this is part of a longer Hadeeth. Refer to the previous post for details.In this post, we focus on the above words of the Hadeeth only. As mentioned in the previous post, the command to merely drink cow’s milk has not been given. Rather, an instruction of adopting the milk has been given. The reason as we mentioned was that seven important and beneficial items are extracted from the milk. These seven products are:a) milk itselfb) creamc) wheyd) cheesee) gheef) butterg) buttermilk/sourmilkh) YogurtEach of the above are loaded with essential nutrients for the human body. Allah Ta’aala, in His infinite mercy has provided all of the above for man in simply milking a cow. Glory be to Him alone.Says Allah Ta’aala in Surah Nahl (66):وَإِنَّ لَكُمۡ فِی ٱلۡأَنۡعَـٰمِ لَعِبۡرَةࣰۖ نُّسۡقِیكُم مِّمَّا فِی بُطُونِهِۦ مِنۢ بَیۡنِ فَرۡثࣲ وَدَمࣲ لَّبَنًا خَالِصࣰا سَاۤئِغࣰا لِّلشَّـٰرِبِینَ”Indeed for you in livestock is a lesson. We bestow you to drink from what (emits) from it’s bellies from in between filth and blood: pure milk that goes easily down (quenching) those who drink (it).”The world is not so young, and mankind had been enjoying good health for thousands of years on account of their natural way of life. Allah Ta’aala made a perfect natural system for man to follow and reap maximum benefits therefrom.It is so sad indeed that schools today don’t teach the benefits of each of the above seven gifts, let alone teaching the simple methods of extracting each of them at home. This would have been true science.In today’s world, we have become totally dependent on unhealthy and unnaturally processed dairy products. So we pay more for the same products after they have been stripped of most of their goodness. Ignorance comes with a price indeed! And ours is: Educated ignorance! 

عليكم بألبان البقر – ١

“You should use cow’s milk” This is part of a Hadeeth which is as follows: “Allah has not sent down any illness except that he has sent a cure for it. And you should use cow’s milk, as it eats from all trees”. (Ibn Majah, Ibn Hibbaan, Baihaqi, etc. – Ibn Mas’ood RA).From this Hadeeth, a few amazing lessons are learnt:a) Free grazing livestock that eat from various plants, trees and herbs have far more benefits than stock-fed livestock.b) The problems in the dairy products of today lie in the fact that livestock are not allowed to graze freely.c) Besides not being allowed to graze freely, unnatural additives are placed in their feed which complicate their systems more.d) Hormones, etc are injected into them, which makes their growth even more unnatural.e) Rasoolullaah sallallaahu’alayhiwasallam emphatically advised us to use cow’s milk, and did not merely say: Drink. This is because cow’s milk has at least seven basic products come out of it. Therefore the Hadeeth says: “You should use cow’s milk”.f) In today’s times, these (seven) items to which the Hadeeth has illuded, have actually become unhealthy. A large percentage of the world population have shown negative effects from dairy products. The reason is due to the multiple unnatural processes that are involved in the production of dairy products, starting from the way the cow is housed, fed, etc, and going then on to the manner of producing the dairy products, which includes the unnatural way of pasteurisation, etc.g) If man goes back to allowing nature to take its course with livestock, and also begins to extract all the wonderful products from the milk at home, in simple and natural ways, then a large part of the health that human beings have lost can be restored.h) Man’s greed for money has indeed led him to become inconsiderate to others. His greed drives him to earn money at whatever cost the world’s innocent people may have to pay for it.