Zaitoon (Olive) is Cure for Seventy

Diseases
Dr. M. Laiq Ali Khan

Zaitoon (Olive) the sign of peace and friendship in this world has its description in Holy
Qur’an Allah (swt) says:

1. By the fig and olive

2. And the mount of Sinai
3. And the city of security
4. We have indeed created man in the best of moulds
5. Then do we abase him (to be) the lowest of low
6. Except such as believe and do righteous deeds for they shall have a reward unfailing
7. What then, can after this, make you deny the last judgement
8. Is not Allah the wisest of judges” (The Fig, Surah 95)

The plant of olive goes up to the height of 3 metres, leaves are bright green and very
attractive and the fruits are of bright bluish or violet colour, possesses a metallic taste. It is
known from old ages. During the excavation of ancient Egyptian graves, vessels full of olive
oil were found with other articles. According to the scholars of Hadith, on subsidence of
Toofan-E-Nooh, when water level came down, the first thing on the earth that was seen,
was the olive plant.

The plant is extensively found in Asia minor, Palestine, Roman territory, Greece, Portugal,
Spain, Turkey, Italy, North Africa, Algeria, Tunisia, California in America, Mexico, Peru and
South zone of Australia. Usually it is imported from Spain, Italy, France, Turkey and Greece.
Though olive fruits are very nutritious it is not usually eaten due to its metallic taste. Rather
pickles of its fruits are largely consumed in Europe. The fruits preserved in vinegar is
imported from Greece and liked very much in Europe and in Arabian countries.

Olive oil is a good preservative for other eatables too. Sardine and other fishes are tinned
and preserved in olive oil. The smoke-less burning of olive oil is a peculiar feature, which
produces a bright light. Holy Qur’an stresses the importance of Zaitoon on several
occasions: (141-M-AlInaam-6), (99-K-AlInaam-6), (11-K-AlNahl-16), (AlNoor-35),
(Moominoon).

Hazrat Sayyed Al-Ansari narrates that the Prophet (saws) said “Eat the olive oil and
massage it over your bodies since it is a holy (mubarak) tree.” (Tirmizi, Ibn Maja)

Hazrat Alqama Bin Amir narrates that Prophet (saws) said, “ There is olive oil for you, eat it,
massage over your body, since it is effective in Haemorrhoids (Piles).” (Ibn Al-Jozi, Zanbi)

Hazrat Aqba Bin Amir narrates that the Prophet (saws) stated, “You have the olive oil from
this Holy (mubarak) tree, treat yourself with this, since it cures the Anal fissure (Basoor).”
Khalid Bin Saad 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 Hazrat Aisha
that the Prophet (saws) 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 Maja, Bukhari)

Hazrath Abu Hurairah (t) narrates that the Prophet (saws) 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)

Hazrat Zaid Bin Arqam narrates “ We have been directed by the Prophet (saws) that we
should treat the Pleurisy with Qust-e-Behri (Qust Sheerin) and olive oil.” (Tirmizi,
sanadeAhmed, Ibn Maja)

Olive oil has a place in Govt Pharmacopeia of USA and Britain (British Pharmacopeia). Both
of these countries have given prime importance to olive oil for the treatment of various
ailments and have fixed standard parameters to evaluate its purity.

It contains Palmatic Acid, Oleic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Steanic Acid, Myristic Acid and
Glycerides. It is not dissolved in water but in Alcohol, Ether, Chloroform and Liquid Paraffin.

The adulterant very often used in the olive are of the seeds of Tea Plant, Arachis oil in the
market samples of olive oil. Sometimes Machine Gun oil and refined Mobile oil are also
found.

Olive oil is extracted from the ripened fruits. The unripe and over ripe fruits contain less
amount of the oil. The fruits are processed three times. Successively, the first round oil is
the best in quality, golden in colour, with a light fragrance and known as virgin oil. Some
varieties of olive oil remained unchanged in its effectiveness for years together. It contains
therapeutic potential even if it is a thousand years old. Despite the prime importance and
holiness given by Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad (saws) no work has been done to find out
its efficacy for the ailments other than the Haemorrhoids, Anal fissure, Skin diseases,
pleurisy and leprosy, which are already described by the Prophet (saws) , whereas the
Prophet (saws) himself says us that it contains cure for seventy diseases.

According to Ibn Al-Qayyim the red coloured oil is better than blackish one. It is an
exhilarant, glows up the facial complexion, provides prevention against poisons, regulates
the digestive process, expels the intestinal parasites, makes the hair lustrous and minimises
the ageing problems. The massage of olive oil with common salt over the gums is a remedy
for several diseases of gums and teeth. The local application of olive oil or the water
extracted from the crushed olive oil leaves is effective on boils, rashes and itching. The
chronic ulcers and boils, which show difficult healing condition, are healed up with the use of
olive oil locally.

According to Zahbi it strengthens the hairs and body, hence could be used as a good tonic
in old age problems and to delay the ageing process. It is also useful in sexual weakness.
Combination of normal saline with olive oil is highly effective in burns cases.

The decoction of olive leaves in water is effective against mouth and lips ulcers and allergic
dermatitis also. The concentrated aqueous extract of olive leaves and fruits is very effective
against dental cavities and application of this solution shows very good effects on
Leukoplaquea in mouth. This solution is applied with vinegar on Alopecia, grows the hair
and removes the Alopecia. It is also stated that the local application of this extract removes
the scars of small pox and boils. The powder of seeds mixed with butter is effective in brittle
nails. The pickles prepared from olive fruits is a good appetizer and removes constipation.
The smashed leaves are applied locally to check excessive perspiration. The water extracted
from the leaves with honey is used as Ear drops and effective in various Ear ailments. The
oil procured by burning of olive wood is effective against all fungal infection viz, Ringworm,
T.versicolor etc. in addition to Eczema, Psoriasis, Dandruff and Alopecia. The local
application of olive oil on scalp is highly effective against dandruff. It grows the hairs and
checks, the loss of hair. The application of olive oil in eyes relieves the inflammation.

The massage of olive oil over the body tones up the muscles and organs, it relieves
muscular pains. Some physicians also advocate the massage of olive oil for epilepsy. It
relieves the Sciatic and arthritis. The ointment prepared from olive oil are very good healing
agents. It heals the sinus and fistula very quickly. 25ml of olive oil mixed with 250ml of
barley water, if taken internally, is highly effective against chronic constipation. It is good
Diuretic, hence is used in Ascites. It also removes the kidney stones.

A conventional regimen is also available comprising of olive oil and other herbal drugs
having potential against the Gall bladder stones. It is stated that this regimen dissolves and
expels the Gall bladder stone.

In view of the researches carried out in USA and England, it is concluded that it is a good
nourishing diet during the ailments of kidney, where nitrogen containing food/proteins in
take is contra indicated. Since, the Prophet (saws) stated that it is a good remedy for Anal
fissure, hence for the same complaint patients were advised to take two spoonful of olive oil
at bedtime and an ointment was applied on fissure locally at retiring and in morning,
prepared from 8 spoonfuls of olive oil and 2 spoonfuls of ground henna leaves. This showed
very good effects against the problem. It is a good tonic for hair and maintains the lustre.
Its combination with other prescribed drugs of Tibb-al-Nabwi is a good remedy for Psoriasis
and Eczema. The impressions of several doctors practising in middle east and North Africa
reveal that no case was detected of Gastro Intestinal Carcinoma, among those who were
used to consuming olive oil. Japanese doctors also endorse this fact and have the opinion
that olive oil prevents the incidence of Carcinoma in G.I.T.

The Prophet (saws) stated that it is a good remedy for intestinal inflammations. Therefore it
was used in the cases of G.I.T ulcers and found very much effective. It is also observed that
no remedy equates the benefits of olive oil in hyper acidity and gas troubles.

The Prophet (saws) recommended the use of olive oil in Pleurisy. Keeping this in view olive
oil was administered in various diseases of Respiratory tract and it was observed that the
regular users of olive oil were least affected with common cold and coryza and pneumonia.

The clinical experiences of well qualified and highly established doctors in the profession
who take a keen insight in Prophet’s medicine reveal that olive oil is a good supportive
treatment in Tubercular infection of either sites. According to a narration of Kahlid Bin Saad
in Ibn Maja, one spoonful of Kalonji was pulverised and mixed with 12 spoonful of olive oil.
This suggestion was dropped into the nostrils morning and evening for the cases of chronic
cold and epistaxis. The results were found highly positive.
 Honey
The Holy Qur'an says:

 "And your Lord revealed to the bee saying: Make hives in the mountains and in
the trees and in what they build: Then eat of all the fruits and walk in the ways of
your Lord submissively. There comes forth from within it a beverage of many
colours, in which there is healing for men; most surely there is a sign in this for a
people who reflect." (Qur'an an-Nahl 68-69)

Listed below are some common problems which can be cured by honey:

Over the centuries, the great power and strength possessed by honey has been
underestimated by scientists. It's an element whose curing ability has surprised all levels of
intellect. A few of the very many cures from honey have been outlined:

For burns: Apply freely over burns. It cools, removes pain and aids fast healing without
scarring. Apart from being a salve and antibiotic, bacteria cannot live in honey.

Bed Wetting: A teaspoon of honey before bed aids water retention and calms fears in
children.

Sleeplessness: A dessert spoon of honey in a mug of hot milk aids sleep and works
wonders!

Hyperactivity: Honey is a mild sedative with minerals, vitamins, amino acids etc. Replace
all white sugar with honey. White sugar is highly stimulating with no food qualities!

Nasal Congestion: Place a dessert spoon of honey in a basin of hot water and inhale
fumes after covering your head with a towel over the basin. Very effective.

Wounds or Grazes: Cover wound with honey and a bandage. Excellent healer.

For Fatigue: Dissolve a desert spoon of honey in warm water or quarter honey balance of
water in a jug and keep in the fridge. Honey is primarily fructose and glucose and so it is
quickly absorbed by the digestive system. (Honey is a unique natural stabilizer - ancient
Greek athletes took honey for stamina before competing and as a reviver after
competition.)

Facial Deep Cleanser: Mix honey with oatmeal approx. 50/50 till thick and apply as a
face-pack. Leave on for half an hour then wash off. Great as a deep cleanser for acne etc.

Poor Digestion: Mix honey with apple cider vinegar approx. 50/50 and dilute to taste with
water. This aids digestion. (Also reputed to be wonderful for the joints.

Hair Conditioner: Mix honey with equal quantity of Olive Oil and cover head with a warm
towel for half an hour then shampoo off. Feeds hair and scalp. Hair will never look or feel
better!
Sore Throats: Let a teaspoon of honey melt in the back of the mouth and trickle down the
throat. Eases inflamed raw tissues.

For Stress: Honey in water is a stabilizer - calms highs and raises lows. Use approx. 25
percent honey to water.

Anemia: Honey is the best blood en-richer by raising corpuscle content. The darker the
honey the more minerals it contains.

Food Preservative: Cakes with honey replacing sugar stay fresher longer due to natural
antibiotics. Reduce liquids by approx. one-fifth to allow for moisture in honey.

Heart Patients: These people are well advised to replace white sugar (sucrose) with
honey, natural fructose and glucose.

Hay-fever: Chewing the tops of comb honey stimulates the immune system due to minute
amounts of pollen. During the season chew for 20 minutes a teaspoon of bee capping (tops)
five to six times per day. Highly effective and useful for asthma sufferers as well.

Baby's Bottle: Four teaspoons of honey to a baby's bottle of water is an excellent pacifier
and multivitamin additive. If baby's motions are too liquid then reduce by half a teaspoon; if
too solid increase by half a teaspoon.

Teething: Honey rubbed on a baby's gums is a mild sedative and anaesthetic.

Osteoporosis: English research has shown that a teaspoon of honey per day aids calcium
utilization and prevents osteoporosis. Essential from age 50 onwards.

Long Life: One common fact worldwide is that the most long-lived people are regular users
of honey. An interesting fact yet to be explained is that beekeepers suffer less from cancer
and arthritis than any other occupational group worldwide.

Migraine: Use a dessertspoon of honey dissolved in half a glass of warm water. Sip at start
of attack. If necessary repeat in 20 minutes. Always effective (insha'Allah) as migraine is
stress related.

Conjunctivitis (pus in the eye): Honey dissolved in equal quantity of warm water. Apply,
when cooled, as lotion or eye bath.

Cough mixture

 6 oz. liquid honey

 2 oz. glycerine
 Juice of 2 lemons
 Mix well. Bottle and cork firmly. Use as required
 Vinegar
Prophet Muhammad (saws) liked vinegar. Modern medicine also acknowledge its
anti-cough, anti-inflammation and digestive properties

By Dr. Hassan Shamsi Basha

Jabir narrated, “The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, took me one day with him to
his house. He was served some bread. He asked: `Is there any dip?’ They replied ‘No, only
some vinegar.’ He said, ‘Vinegar is a good dip.'

Jabir used to say, “I have loved vinegar since I heard it from Allah’s Prophet”. And Talhah
ibn Naf’a said, “I have loved vinegar since I heard it from Jabir.” (Muslim, Abu Dawud,
Nasaa’i)

What is Vinegar and Why is it a Good Dip?

Vinegar is made by fermenting the juice of sweet

fruits and grains such as barley, apple and grape. The
process of creating vinegar entails fermenting in an
aerobic environment (in the presence of oxygen) as
opposed to alcoholic fermentation, which is done in
an anaerobic environment (in the absence of
oxygen). The alcohol in these liquids is oxidized to
acetic acid. Vinegar contains 4 per cent or more
acetic acid. Its colour and tastes differ depending on
its base.

Vinegar contains small amounts of protein and

starch. 100g of vinegar has only 16 calories. It also
contains sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium,
phosphorous, iron, zinc and chlorine but it has no
vitamins.

Ibn Seena (died 1037 CE) wrote in his famous book

Al-Qanoon fit Tibb (the Canon of Medicine), that
vinegar is a powerful clotting agent. If poured on an
external wound, it will stop the bleeding and prevent
swelling. It aids digestion and is an expectorant. It
helps with felons (inflammation of the tissues of a
finger or toe) and carbuncles (a kind of skin
inflammation). It acts quickly on burns. When mixed
with old and applied to the head, it helps with
headaches caused by heat. It strengthens gums. It is
an appetizer and aids digestion.

Vinegar is treating External Injuries

The Martin-Dale Encyclopaedia of Pharmaceuticals 1989 indicated that vinegar has many
beneficial uses. Some are :
1. To treat poisoning by alkaline (non-acidic) substances.
2. To help reduce fevers by applying a cold pad to the forehead which is soaked with
vinegar and water.
3. To cure ‘black hairy tongue.’ a disease caused due to intake of antibiotics like
penicillin, tetracycline by using vinegar once or twice daily for a week.
4. To soothe pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis by applying a pad soaked with vinegar
and water to painful joints.
5. To treat bee and jellyfish stings by applying a mixture of equal amounts of salt and
vinegar to the sting, relieving the pain and preventing inflammation.

Cider Vinegar

Professor John B.Yudkin wrote in the 1986 edition of the Penguin Encyclopaedia of
Nutrition that Cider vinegar is known for its ability to cure several diseases. It helps
in treating joint pain, rhinitis (inflammation of the nose), asthma and gastric
disorders and is helps in losing weight.”

Slight cases of diarrhoea are a way by which the body gets rid of harmful substances
that enter the digestive system. The 1989 edition of Dr. Micheal Sharon’s book,
Complete Nutrition, stated that vinegar aids in treating diarrhoea. It should be taken
as one to two tea spoons of vinegar in a glass of boiled or mineral water several
times a day.

Anti-Microbial

Complete Nutrition also states. “Vinegar performs the role of disinfectant for the
intestines. Some people advise it to be used for gargle for the mouth and throat. It
disinfects the inside of the mouth from germs. The usual dosage for gargle is to mix
one to three tea spoons of cider vinegar in a glass of water, in morning and at
night.”

Dr. Sharon ends his argument about cider vinegar by saying: “We always have to
remember that cider vinegar will not have the same effect on everyone. Some may
benefit from it and some may not. Very few people may be allergic to vinegar.
Nevertheless vinegar is beneficial for the majority of people.

Didn't the Prophet (saws) say, “Vinegar is a good dip.”

(Courtesy Al-Jumuah)
 Henna (Mehendi) is a Great Healer
By Dr. M. Laiq Ahmed Khan

The Henna plant is not only extensively grown throughout India, but cultivated as well. It is
planted as hedges around houses, buildings and sometimes fields. It is two-meter long
when fully grown and emission of a typical fragrance is also noted during nights. It is
cultivated throughout India. For ages. The Mehndi of Faridabad is very much popular and
liked by the users. The different parts of the plant viz. leaves, stems, flowers and fruits are
being used for cosmetic as well as medicinal purposes.

Umme Salma (R) narrates: "In the life of Prophet Muhammed (saws), no injury or thorn
piercing was treated on which Henna was not applied." (Tirmizi, Sanad-e-Ahmed)

"Whenever somebody came to Prophet Muhammad (saws) with complaints of headache, he

directed him to undergo cupping and whosoever complained of pain in legs, was advised to
apply Henna." (Bukhari, Abu Dawood)

In another narration Henna was prescribed for headache also Hazrat Abu Huraira narrates:
Nabi-e-Akram (saws) said that Jews and Christians did not use Khizab, you oppose that.

The same verse is narrated by other narrators in Nisai and Tirmizi.

Osman bin Abdullah Ibn Mohib narrates: "My family sent me to Ummul Momineen, Hazrat
Salma (R), with a bowl of water (the narrator of this Hadith, Israil closed his three fingers
and said the bowl was of silver). A few holy hairs of Prophet (saws) were there in the bowl.
If some one fell ill with evil sight or with any other ailment would send the water in a bowl
to Umme-e-Salma. She would dip the plate in it. I looked into the water and found that the
colour of the Prophet’s hair was red." (Bukhari)

Jahzma (R) the wife of Bashir Bin Khasasia (R) narrates "I saw Prophet Muhammad (saws)
coming out of the house. He was coming after taking bath, therefore, he was shaking his
hairs. The colour of Henna was visible on his head." (Tirmizi)

Wasila (R) narrates that Prophet Muhammad (saws) said "Use Henna, it makes your head
lustrous, cleanses your hearts, increases the sexual vigour and will be witness in your
graves"

Abi Rafai narrates, "I was present before Prophet (saws). Passing his hand over his head he
said that the head of all dyes was Henna which added a glow to the face and increased the
sexual vigour." (Abu Naim)

The scholars of Hadith paid a great attention towards its use keeping in view the repeated
sayings of Prophet Muhammad (saws).

Sahaba and Tabayeen like Abu Bakr, Umar, Abu Ubaida, Mohammed Ibnal Hanifa,
Mohammed Ibn Al Sirin used to apply Henna on their hairs.
Mohaddis Abdul Latif Baghdadi says that its red colour is very attractive and its colour and
smell is a nerve stimulant. The fact is well understood in today’s scenario, from the impact
of colour and odour on personality and physiology.

Mohd. Ahmed Zahbi says that there are three essential factors for healing

i. Expulsion of fluids from the wounds

ii. Cessation of production of any more fluids
iii. Formation of healthy flesh (granulation tissue) to fill the gap.

Henna contains all these three factors and possesses very good healing properties. If
Mehndi leaves are soaked in water throughout the night and this decanted water, if taken in
morning for 40 days, is effective in leprosy and heals the wounds.

Ibu al Qayyim in the light of his experiences describes it a good healing agent for burns. Its
gargles are beneficial in stomatitis and all ulcers of tongue, cheeks and lips. Its local
application has soothing effects on acute inflammations and hot abscesses. Henna levels’
extract in oil mixed with natural wax and oil of rose, if applied locally in conditions of
backache, is highly effective.

It is a clinically tested fact that if Mehndi leaves paste is applied on the soles of the patients
of small pox and chicken pox, the eyes remain unaffected with the disease and besides
become dry very soon.

Dry leaves of Henna if kept in clothes, serve the purpose of insect repellent.

If the paste of Henna is applied on nails, the lustre of the nails increases and if applied on
feet and soles, is effective in burning feet syndrome.

If the nails become disfigured after getting fungal infection, it is advisable to use Henna with
vinegar to restore it to normalcy. The paste of Henna is very effective in Burns and scalds.
It heals the boils of scalp if applied with Roghan-e-Zaitoon.

The physicians of Unani Medicine describe it as a good blood purifier. Hakim Ajmal Khan
once used the paste of Henna on the palms of a female patient who was suffering from
Menorrhagia and she got cured. Inhaling the scent of its flowers cures headache from heat.

The oil prepared from olive oil and leaves of Henna is very much effective in muscular
rigidity. If Henna leaves are soaked in a sufficient quantity of water and kept throughout the
night and the decanted water is taken in morning it is effective in Jaundice and
Splenomegaly.

(The writer is director, Shah Faisal Institute of Hadith and Medical Sciences, Kasganj-)
Alternative Medicines:The Miracle of Honey
By: Vivian bint Joan Taylor

More than 1,400 years ago Allah and His messenger sallallahu aleyhe wa sallam (peace be
upon him), told us that honey can heal a variety of medicinal problems.

Allah says in the Quran, "And the lord inspired the bee, saying: Take your habitations
in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. Then, eat of all fruits and
follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you)'. There comes forth from their
bellies a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for men. Verily in this is indeed
a sign for people who think." [Qur'an 16:68-69]

The Prophet, sallallahu aleyhe wa sallam (peace be upon him), has also told us of the
healing found within honey for a variety of medical problems, including stomach ailments.
One hadeeth, reported by Bukhari, states that a man came to the Prophet , sallallahu
aleyhe wa sallam (peace be upon him), because his brother had a stomach disorder. The
Prophet said "Let him drink honey." The man returned a second time and again the
Prophet , sallallahu aleyhe wa sallam (peace be upon him), responded again, "Let him drink
honey." The man returned again, and said "I have done that." The Prophet then responded,
"Allah has said the truth, but your brother's stomach has told a lie. Let him drink honey." He
drank it and was cured.

Tirmithi, Ibn Majah and Baihaqi also reported that the Prophet, sallallahu aleyhe wa sallam
(peace be upon him), said, "Make use of the two remedies: honey and the Quran."

Modern medicine is only just learning of this fact. Traditional uses of honey have included
honey mixed with lemon for sore throats. Honey coats the throat and reduces throat
irritation. Research has already shown that honey blocks the growth of oral bacteria. Honey
has also been used for stomach pains and problems. Modern research shows that honey is
effective when used in the treatment of gastric or peptic stomach ulcers. Research has also
revealed that honey is effective in the treatment of various wounds and infections because
of its antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal) properties.

Researchers are not absolutely sure why honey heals but they are learning new things
about honey everyday. We do know that honey contains a variety of sugars and minerals.
Honey is also considered an antioxidant. This means it allows the blood to circulate better
and provide more oxygen to areas of the body such as the brain. Honey can also be used
externally to promote healing when applied to wounds, even postoperative wounds. Honey
has also been effective in its use to treat burns. It has even been shown to be low in
calories and useful as a sweetener for diabetics, people with heart disease or those
overweight.

Although there is healing in honey for a variety of medical disorders, certain precautions
should be taken. Children under the age of one year never be given honey due to the
possibility of infant botulism. This type of food poisoning can be deadly, however, it only
seems to affect infants under one year of age. Also, if you have any known allergies to
specific plants, then you should make sure the honey you are using is not made from that
plant. People with allergies to bee stings should be careful when using other bee-related
products such as propolis or royal jelly. If these precautions are followed, then honey may
provide healing for you.

As Muslims, we must acknowledge and accept that Allah and His Prophet, sallallahu aleyhe
wa sallam (peace be upon him), know better and have revealed the truth. We should,
therefore, study the research that is available, not to confirm or deny the truth that has
been revealed by Allah and his Prophet, sallallahu aleyhe wa sallam (peace be upon him),
but to learn of new ways we can use honey.
 Dates
RELIEF OF PAIN: A MEDICAL DISCOVERY

It is a long-established custom among Muslim parents to put a piece of well-chewed date

(or other available sweet fruit) in the mouth of a newborn baby. Muslims do this following
the practice of the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace, believing him to bee, as the
Qur'an says, sent as a healing and a mercy to mankind. We may infer from the way this
custom originated that there is a virtue in it. There is - complimentary to the virtue and
pleasure of following the Sunnah (the practice of the Prophet) - placing a `sugary
substance' inside the mouth of a new-born baby dramatically reduces pain sensation and
heart rate.

An interesting scientific medical study, published in the British Medical Journal (No. 6993,
10 June 1995), proved beyond any doubt the benefit of giving a new-born child sugar, in
order to reduce the feeling of any painful procedure like heel pricking for a blood sample or
before circumcision.

The study, entitled `The analgesic (pain killing) effect of sucrose in full term infants: a
randomised controlled trial', was done by Nora Haouari, Christopher Wood, Gillian Griffiths
and Malcolm Levene in the post-natal ward in the Leeds General Infirmary in England.

60 healthy infants of gestational age 37-42 weeks and postnatal age of 1-6 days, were
randomised to receive 2ml of one of the four solutions: 12.5% sucrose, 25% sucrose, 50%
sucrose, and sterile water (control).

The first group of 30 babies received sugar syrup before a routine blood test (heel pricking,
which is usually painful) done to detect jaundice. The other 30 babies were given only
sterile water as a control group.

Placing 2ml of a 25% or 50% sucrose solution on the tongue before pricking the heel
significantly reduced the crying time, compared to babies who got water. Also, their heart
rate returned to normal more quickly. The stronger sugar solution had the greater effect,
crying being reduced further with increasing concentration of sucrose. From which we may
conclude that sucrose (sugar) placed on the tongue may bee a useful and safe form of
analgesia for use with newborn infants.

Blass and Hoffmeyer also showed that 12% solution of inter-oral sucrose significantly
reduced the duration of crying in new-born babies subjected to heel pricking or
circumcision. This study was reported in The Independent newspaper (Friday 9 June 1995)
as well as in the British Medical Journal article.

The practice of the Prophet, upon him b piece, is recorded in the collections of his sayings
and reports about him, of which the most revered are the two Sahih collections of Bukhari
and Muslim:
Abu Buradah reported from Abu Musa, who said: `I had a new-born baby; I took him to the
Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, who called him Ibrahim. The
Prophet chewed a date then he took it and rubbed the inside of the baby's mouth with it.'

There are many other reported incidents like this one.

The date contains a very high percentage of sugar (70-80%); it has both fructose and
glucose which have high calorific values, it is easily and quickly digestible, and very helpful
to the brain. The date contains 2.2% protein, vitamin A, vitamins B1, B2 ad nicotruic acid
(against Pellagra); it has traces of minerals needed for the body such as potassium, sodium,
calcium, iron, manganese, copper. Potassium, of which percentage is very high, has been
found to be very effective for cases of haemorrhage, such as the occasions of birth or
circumcision.

We may note that the Sunnah also commends dates for the breaking of the fast in
Ramadhan. Dates should be eaten, if available, before the sunset prayer - this is medically
and nutritionally the best way and the Sunnah.

The great worth of dates is also indicated in a famous and beautiful passage of the Qur'an,
surah Maryam, verses 25-6:

And shake towards you the trunk of the palm-tree and it will drop on you fresh
ripe dates. So eat and drink and be comforted.

This was the prescription of God, the Creator, for the blessed Virgin Mary at the time of the
birth of Jesus, the blessed Prophet of God. It was a prescription to make the delivery easy
and comfortable.

As in the example we have briefly recorded in this example, we believe further research will
confirm for those who still doubt the full worth and truth, the wisdom, of the teachings of
the Qur'an and Sunnah.

We shall show them our signs on he furthest horizons and within themselves until
it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. Is it not sufficient that your Lord is
witness over all things? (Qur'an Fusilat, 41.53)

As the authors of the medical study referred to intend trying new sugary or sweet
substances, we shall recommend that they try dates for the newborn for the relief of pain.

Finally, we hope Muslim medical scientists and researchers take this new discovery on
board, and that many more ideas and practices in the teaching of Islam needing
investigative research and objective, scientific study will get the attention they deserve.