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Who Are The People Of Regret?

Life as we know it can bring with it all sorts of grief, stress, and regret. At times, such stress is due to financial worries, other times it relates to health concerns, whilst at other times its anxiety is due to an enemy that awaits. The grief of this world is of many types and of varying degrees, however, no matter how serious stress becomes, you are very unlikely to see it causing a mother to “forget her baby”, or a “child to go grey” or for “people behaving as if they are drunk”.These descriptions are exclusive to only one specific day of stress and regret. That is the Day of Judgement.

Allah said, The Day you see it every nursing mother will be distracted from her nursling, and every pregnant woman will abort her pregnancy, and you will see the people appearing intoxicated although they are not intoxicated; but the punishment of Allah is severe.”[1]

A day so intense that it has been described as the day that will make children turn grey.”[2]

On this day of colossal stress and unimaginable fear, people– in their billions – will only be of two categories.

The first category
A group who feel safe, secure, and inexplicably at peace. These people singled out Allah in worship, they tackled every sin of theirs before death and lived a life of preparation for the Day of Allah’smeeting, thus Allah said about them,

أThose will have security…”[3]And He said, “TheGreatest Terror (the Day of Judgement) will not grieve them”[4]

The second category
They are the terrorized and regretful ones, who will be heard screaming out: “.. How great is our regret for not giving it thought!”[5]

A second group will be heard pleading as they lower their heads in shame, “Our Lord, we now see and we hear so return us so that we may do good, we are now certain!”[6]

And a third group will be heard screeching “O I wish that I was dust!”[7]

Regret is an incredibly powerful negative emotion that, at times, can become so extreme that, if not managed with iman, can make a person suicidal. In fact, the Harvard Newsletter tells a story of a man in Liverpool who always chose the same set of lottery numbers. However, one time when he forgot to renew his ticket, his numbers came up. This poor man was so full of self-blame and regret that he committed suicide. Similarly, there will be people who will wish for death on the Day of Judgement as one of its names is ‘Yawmul Hasra’ (The Day of Regret).

Allah said, “And warn them, O Muḥammad, of the Day of Regret…” [8]

The Prophet (sall Allahu ʿalayhi wa sallam) said, “There isn’t any person who enters Jannah except that they are first made to see their potential place in the hellfire had they failed so that they increase ingratitude, and there isn’t a person who enters the hellfire except that they are first made to see their potential place in paradise had they passed so that they are taken by regret.”[9]

What once seemed to be the greatest possible achievement in life will all of a sudden seem on that Day as a regretfully wasted opportunity, for what greater regret can there be in existence than missing out on Allah’s acceptance and the Paradise that it brings.

With this said, it is essential to realize that the Prophet(sall Allahu ʿalayhi wa sallam) has explicitly mentioned several matters that will bring about ‘Hasra’ (regret) on that long day. What follows are a few examples of these matters:

The regret of not giving Surat Al-Baqara due attention
When the rewards are distributed to those who had given this surah the focus it deserves, those who fell short will be in a major state of bitter regret. This is because the Prophet (sall Allahu ʿalayhi Wa Sallam) said, “ReciteSurat Al-Baqara, for taking care of it is a blessing, leaving it will be regret and the magicians are unable to overcome it.”[10]

Prophet Muhammad: A Perfect Management

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a human being who was chosen by God to deliver His final message to mankind. As Islam is not merely a religious faith that governs only the relation between man and God, but rather a complete way of life that seeks to regulate all aspects of human life, the Prophet’s role gave him the leadership of the Muslim community in every respect. He was the religious, social, military, and political leader of all Muslims.

In other words, he combined both religious and secular leadership. In doing so, he set the regulation of people’s affairs at a new level, making clear that appropriate religious and moral values must govern all aspects of life.

Today, most people throughout the world suggest that religion should not interfere with politics or economics, or even social relations. When we look at what this means in practice we find that people accept that politicians lie, misrepresent facts and try to deceive others and their own population. Even in the most liberal democracies, people accept much of this as normal. The scandal of members’ expenses in the British Parliament is a clear example that self-interest is an acceptable justification for unethical behavior.

The Prophet laid the foundation of a system of management that showed great insight and looked at the interests of the community and ensured that friendly relations should prevail within it. Wherever a group of people needs to work together, either for themselves or for society, someone should be chosen as the head of the group. This would ensure that they would stick together and that their work would be mutually complementary and without duplication.

How many people should be in the group to need to have someone acting as its chief? The Prophet made this very clear. He said: “When three people travel together, they should appoint one of them as their head.” This will ensure that the group will have someone responsible for keeping them together so that none is left out at some point on the way because the others wanted to move on. If they face a problem on the way, they are in it together. Without someone taking this responsibility, any one of them facing a problem might find himself alone while the others move on.

The Prophet sent out many expeditions, some very small. Indeed one of them consisted of only eight people. Others included several hundred men. In all cases, he appointed a commander. He gave the commander clear instructions with regard to the treatment of his men and the mission they were undertaking. He set very high standards in the treatment of opponents. No plundering was allowed. No one should be fought except an enemy who is out to fight Muslims. Even with enemies, no religious person, elderly man, woman, or child should be killed in any circumstances.

What were the criteria the Prophet applied in choosing such commanders? The two basic criteria were ability and love. No one was given a command by the Prophet unless he had the qualities that make him able to handle the job in hand very efficiently. Moreover, he must be known to love his fellow Muslims, keen to ensure their welfare. He must also be acceptable to them. With regard to the first criterion, the Prophet said: “Whoever appoints someone as head of a group of ten people, knowing that among them there is a better one to lead them, betrays God, His messenger, and the Muslim community.” Even in worship, the leader must be acceptable to the congregation. The Prophet says: “Anyone who leads a congregation when they dislike him, his prayer does not go beyond his ears.” If prayer is unacceptable because the imam is disliked by the congregation, then this applies in an even greater measure to all situations.

– By Adil Salahi

Women’s Clothing In Salat

Aaisha (RA) has narrated that RasulAllah (SAW) stated: ‘A mature women’s prayer if performed without a large sheet is not accepted.’ (Abu Dawood, Tirmizi)

For the prayer to be correct there are certain conditions: 
One such condition is that the face, the portion BELOW both ankles, and the fingers of both hands can be exposed. Apart from this, it is COMPULSORY (FARD) to cover all other parts of the body. Whether the women read in privacy or openly, these conditions are binding in both respects. At the time of RasulAllah (SAW), Muslim women would cover their bodies with a thick cloth whether in prayer or outside of this worship. (Sharee Hijab, p124)

Dear sisters, When you attend the Masjid please make sure that you are wearing the appropriate clothing that covers the body adequately according to the conditions set in Shariah.

  1. Women must cover their heads and hair completely with a large sheet/ scarf draped over the shoulders.

  2. Women must wear a long loose fitting shirt with full-length sleeves (to cover the area over the wrist)

  3. Women must wear a loose-fitting full-length lower garment reaching below the ankles. If you choose to wear a skirt, please ensure that it covers the legs and ankles completely to fulfill the conditions of Salat.

  4. If sisters choose to wear clothing of their own choice, then, they are advised respectfully to adopt an Abaya or Burka to attend the Masjid and offer their prayers.

Mufti Yusuf Danka Al-Kauthar

The Importance Of Halal In Islam

Allah (SWT) says in Qur’an: “O you who believe! Eat of the lawful things that we have provided you with, and be grateful to Allah (SWT) If it is He whom you worship” (S2,v172)

“O Messengers! Eat of the Tayiyyibat (Halal foods) which Allah has made lawful (meat of eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables, fruits, etc.) and do righteous deeds” (S23,v51)

In both the ayats Allah (SWT) orders the Messengers and all Muslims to abstain from eating Haram food, in the same way, Halal food and pure things are emphasized for consumption while showing thanks (shukr) for this blessing. By eating Haram food bad characteristics are borne in an individual, the desire to perform good deeds disappears and du’aas are not accepted. By eating Halal food, nur (spiritual light) is created. This results in good characteristics and an attraction to do good deeds. A person starts to hate evil deeds. His du’aas are accepted.

  • Abu Hurairah (RA) states: ‘For one of you to fill his mouth with the dirt of the earth is better for you than to put a morsel of Haram food in your mouth.’ (Al Kabair, Ahmed)
  • Ibn Ka’b bin Ujra (ra) states that Rasulullah (saw) said: ‘That body will not enter Jannah which was nurtured by Haram substances.’ (Tirmidhi)
  • Abu Hurairah (RA) states that Rasulullah (SAW) said: ‘A time will come upon the people that they will not care for that which is being taken/earned if it is from Halal or Haram sources.’ (Bukhari)
  • Ibn Umar (RA) states that Rasulullah () ) said: ’Four characteristics are such that, if they are within a person, they are enough for him, (1) the care of trust in your possession, (2) to speak the truth, (3) good characteristics, (4) to care for Halal and Haram in eating and drinking. ‘ (Al Targib wal Tarhib)

Many people are such that in matters of eating and drinking they do not think about whether there is a Haram ingredient in the food, or whether the meat has been slaughtered according to Shari’ah or not, i.e. Halal. There are also people who take care of the food being Halal but do not care about the income they use to buy the food. Whether it is Haram or not, in both instances, it is not permissible and the food will be regarded as Haram. Some individuals open bank accounts to use the interest to assist the poor, but after a while, they forget the needy and use the interest for personal gain and enjoyment.

A trustworthy trader’s status in Islam

  • Abu Said Al Khudri (ra) states that Rasulullah (SAW) said: ‘The merchant/trader who is completely honest & truthful in his trade will be with the Prophets, the Truthful and Martyrs on the Day of Qiyamah.’ (Tirmidhi)
  • Ibn Masood (RA) states that Rasulullah (SAW) said: ‘The worry and striving to earn Halal is Compulsory (Fardh) after the major Fardh acts (salaat, saum, etc.) (Baihaqi)
  • Umar (RA) said: ‘Do not give up earning from Halal sources, and do not say that Allah (SWT) provides an earning, for Allah (SWT) does not send gold and silver from the skies, he has the ability to do that, but Allah (SWT) has the habit of using different means to sustain his creation.’(Aksir hidayat)
  • Abdullah bin Mubarak (rah) said: ‘ I prefer to return one dirham (silver coin) due to suspicion more than giving 100,000 dirhams in Sadaqah.’ (Al Kabair)

My dearest friends! Everyone has to die and will be placed in their own grave. We should be ashamed that we say ‘The time is such that we can’t differentiate between Halal/Haram’. May Allah (SWT) save us from that. Eating Haram food will cause immodesty, shamelessness, and disregard for the laws of Allah (SWT). If children are nurtured with Haram food, they will be rebellious and have the worst of characteristics. It is plainly evident that from purity comes good and from dirt comes evil.

My Brothers and Sisters! Let us think about whether our earnings are Halal or Haram, and let us ensure that we eat only Halal food. May Allah (SWT) grant us the means to live according to His orders and attain His pleasure. Aameen.

Mufti Yusuf Danka

How To Present A True Picture Of Islam?

Muslims going to America and Europe are faced with a flood of questions about Islam. People have many ways of asking these questions and different motivations for doing so, but their questions are essentially as follows:

Why does Islam permit polygamy?
Why is a woman counted as half a man in matters of inheritance and when she gives testimony?
Why does Islam “belittle” women?
Is Islam a religion of terror since it prescribes jihad

Questions like these are what occupies their minds when they think about Islam since the Western media has actively maligned Islam as a religion of lust and blood and nothing else. When our Muslim youth go to Western countries, they often find such questions awkward and try to evade them.

In many cases, Muslims will come across a strange opinion on a matter and promote it simply because it is more conciliatory.

Many Muslims who did not have correct or sufficient Islamic knowledge suffered from such difficulties. They really did not know what to do. I used to tell them the following: Why should we be on the defensive? Why don’t we adopt a more assertive attitude? If they confront us with one question, we should respond with 10 of our own.

If they ask you about polygamy, ask them about the sexual promiscuity that is rife in their societies that has brought humiliation to so many women and allowed men to absolve themselves of their responsibilities towards them and towards their children.

If they ask you about inequalities in inheritance, ask them about the reality in their own country where a woman earns only 60% of what a man earns for doing the exact same job.

I do not mean that we should be evasive.

However, it is not good for you to respond when you are in a state of weakness and difficulty where there is a danger that you might answer wrongly and misrepresent Allah’s religion in order to appease someone else.

You can move on to a more advanced level of discourse and demonstrate that Islamic teachings are the solution to the problems that they are suffering from.

For instance, according to some assessments, there are 119 women for every 100 men in the United States. In some states, the number is more like 160 women for every 100 men. Polygamy is the solution to the problems that ensue under such circumstances since it requires some men to assume responsibility for more than one woman and to be as just as humanly possible in doing so.

We can stress how Islam treats all people equally.

There is no preference for anyone over anyone else except for a person’s piety and virtue. This is the way to do away with the problem of racism that people in the West suffer from.

The Islamic teachings about jihad are what uproot oppression and guarantee people the freedom to think and to choose their religion for themselves without being under any compulsion. Islam seeks to have people freely submit themselves to their Creator and not be placed under the subjugation of any worldly dictator, race, tribe, or nationality. We don’t need to fancy that the whole world will convert to Islam at our hands.

However, we must be eager to guide them and we must seek to do so in every possible and permissible way. We should perfect our way of presenting Islam to them, taking into account the age, circumstances, and level of knowledge of those whom we are addressing.

We must present to them the noble Islamic values of freedom, justice, and human dignity and prove to them that Islam is superior to everything that they already know.

Above and beyond all of this, we must conduct ourselves in the best ethical manner and present our own lives as a practical example of moral virtue.

Unfortunately, many Muslims call people to Islam with their tongues while pushing them away from it with their ignoble, contradictory conduct and with their narrow-mindedness.

How To Get Rid Of Depression

Nowadays, almost every one of us is affected by Mental Stress and Depression. It can not only cause psychological harm but also manifests in various physical defects. The common stress and depression-related problems are some forms of mental illness, drug addiction, insomnia, skin, stomach, and blood pressure disorders, colds, migraines, a number of bone diseases, kidney imbalances, respiratory difficulties, allergies, heart attacks, and brain swelling. Of course, stress and depression are not the only causes of these, but it has been scientifically proven that the origins of problems such as these are usually psychological.

In short, stress harms a human being’s natural equilibrium. Constant exposure to this abnormal condition impairs the body’s health, leading to various disorders.

The reason for “stress” is revealed by Allah in the Quran: “But if anyone turns away from my reminder, his life will be a dark and narrow one” (Quran, 20:124)

In another verse, Allah has revealed that “the earth became narrow for them, for all its great breadth and their own selves became constricted for them and they realized that there was no refuge from Allah except in Him” (Quran, 9:118)

Anyone who acts rightly, male or female, being a believer, we will give them a good life and we will recompense them according to the best of what they did. (Quran, 16:97)

So the HOLY QURAN is the best tablet for all of our Tensions and Depressions.

Let’s make addict ourselves of this tablet to avoid all mental and psychological depression.

The Reality of Sins

Allah has stated in the Holy Qur’an: “Leave (O mankind, all kinds of) sin, open and secret. Verily, those who commit sin will get due recompense for that which they used to commit.” (Holy Qur’an, 6:120)

In the above verse, Allah has ordered that Mankind should abstain from all types of sins. (Tafsir Ibn Kathir). It is further mentioned, that no action should be performed which is against the pleasure of Allah. Nor should there be any doubts regarding the Deen of Allah, otherwise it will be regarded as a sin. (Tafsir Uthmani)

Sins are those actions that are performed against the criteria of the Qur’an and Sunnah. The example of a sin is like that of cancer. When cancer inflicts a body part, that part of the body is singled out and may need to be removed completely from the body. This is done to prevent the fatal spread of the cancer throughout the whole body. Therefore, whenever a sin is committed, the believer should immediately resort to repentance (Taubah). The Prophet said: Refrain from sins which you may consider as minor, as you will be held accountable for them. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Sunan Baihaqi)

The Reasons for Sinning

1. Whenever the individual thinks that he or she is not being watched then Because of this mindset, it becomes very easy for that person to commit a sin. Remember! Allah has highlighted this point in the Holy Qur’an: “Allah, is verily always watching over them.” (Holy Qur’an, 89:14)
2. Whenever the individual thinks that no one is aware of their actions. Remember! Allah has already answered this in the Qur’an. “Allah knows the fraud of the eyes and all that the breasts conceal…” (Holy Qur’an, 40:19)
3. Whenever the individual thinks that no one is beside/near them. When this thought comes to mind then it becomes a means of opening the doors of sin. Remember! Allah has already answered this in the Holy Qur’an: “Allah is with you wherever you may be. And Allah is All-seer of what you do.” (Holy Qur’an, 57:4)
4. Whenever the individual thinks that they can not be held accountable by anyone, a sense of pride, this type of thinking increases the zeal in a person to commit sins. Remember! Allah has already answered this in the Holy Qur’an: “Verily, the seizing of Allah (of the wrongdoers) is very painful and severe.” (Holy Qur’an, 11:102)

What the Scholars of the Ummah say about sins

Hafiz Ibn Qayim stated: My friend! Do not look at sin in the manner of it being minor or major, look at it in the manner of the Majesty of the being whose orders you are disobeying (Allah ).

Shaykh Zulfiqar Ahmed Naqshbandi states: When you commit a sin, you take great care of the small children that may be around, yet you have no thought of Allah Most High!? When committing a sin you close all those doors from which people may be able to see you. However, you cannot close that door from which Allah is always watching you.

Ata bin Abi Riba Tabiee stated: Whenever there is a deficiency in sustenance that is provided by Allah to an individual, he complains of this to the people. When that same person’s book of deeds, filled with sins comes before Allah, Allah does not complain of this individual and his actions to the angels. But, Allah waits for the moment that he will repent for his wrongdoings.

Imam Abu Hanifa stated: When somebody praises you, then in reality they are praising Allah. For it is due to the Mercy of Allah that he has kept your sins hidden from the eyes of people. If sins had a stench, then no one would even come near you! What is praise?!

A Tabiee is recorded as saying: I have experienced, that whenever I happen to disobey any order of Allah, I get the recompense of disobedience from my wife, children, servants, and even the animals I own.

When a person happens to sin, Allah prepares 4 witnesses for him

1. The Earth is made a witness on the Day of Qiyamah to the sin perpetrated on its back: “That Day (The Earth) will declare its information (good and bad that happened over it)” (Holy Qur’an 99:4)
2. The body parts of an individual will bear witness against the individual on the day of Qiyamah: “This day (Qiyamah) we shall seal up their mouths, and their hands will speak to us, and their legs will bear witness to what they used to earn.” (Holy Qur’an, 36:65)
3. The Angels will bear witness on the Day of Qiyamah: “Verily, appointed over you are angels to watch over you, honorable and writing down your deeds, they know all that you do.” (Holy Quran, 82:10-12)
4. The Book of Deeds will bear witness to their actions on the day of Qiyamah: “And when the pages of the book of deeds (of every person) shall be laid open.” (Holy Qur’an, 81:10).

One day Sayyidina Umar bin Khattab was reading this verse from the Holy Qur’an and the reality of the verse dawned upon him, he lost consciousness and was bedridden for several days. Many of the pious predecessors, used to read the following verse and cry all night saying “O Allah, what will be our condition be on that day?!” “The Day when all the secrets will be examined (as to their truth).” (Holy Qur’an, 86:9)

The remedy for sins is only in sincere repentance

Allah says: “O you who Believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will expiate from you your sin, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise)-” (Holy Qur’an, 66:8)

Mufti Muhammed Shafi stated: the meaning of sincere repentance, is that an individual should feel guilt, remorse, and embarrassment over their past sins. Together with this, they should make a firm intention not to repeat the same sin. If however, the sins which are being repented over are amongst the ‘Rights of Allah’, it should then be performed/made up as quickly as possible through Qadha (Salat, fasting, Zakat, etc). If the past sin is from amongst the ‘Rights of the Creation’ then forgiveness must be sought from the wronged persons. If money/wealth was wrongfully taken, it should be returned to the rightful owner. (Khutabhaat)

If we perform our repentance in this manner then Allah says: “Except those who repent and believe and do righteous deeds; for those Allah will change their sins into good deeds, And Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Holy Qur’an, 25:70)

May Allah forgive all our sins through his Mercy and include us among his pious servants. Ameen!

by Mufti Muhammad Yusuf bin Yaqoob Danka

The Use Of Electricity

And We made a fount of molten copper flow out for him. (Qur’an, 34:12)

One of Allah’s great blessings to Prophet Sulayman was “a fount of molten copper.” This can be understood in several senses. By the use of melted copper, it may be referring to the existence, at his time, of an advanced technology that employed electricity. We know that copper is one of the best metals for conducting electricity and heat, and thus constitutes the basis of the electrical industry, which uses much of the copper produced in the world. The expression “flow out” may indicate that electricity can be used in many fields. (Allah knows best.)

Vinegar: Why Is It A Good Dip?

Jabir narrated, The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) 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 (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)”. 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 percent or more acetic acid. Its color 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 Treats 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, and 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. 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 helps in losing weight.

Slight cases of diarrhea 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 diarrhea. It should be taken as one to two teaspoons of vinegar in a glass of boiled or mineral water several times a day.

Anti-Bacterial Remedy
Complete Nutrition also states. “Vinegar performs the role of disinfectant for the intestines. Some people advise it to be used for gargling for the mouth and throat. It disinfects the inside of the mouth from germs. The usual dosage for gargling is to mix one to three teaspoons of cider vinegar in a glass of water, in the 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.”

Timeless Black Seed

“There is healing in Black Cumin for all diseases except death.”

With it (water) He produces for you corn, olives, date palms, and grapes and every kind of fruit: Verily in this is a sign for those who give thought. (Al-Qur’an, 16:11)

Narrated by Abu Huraira: I heard Allah’s Apostle (PBUH) saying “There is healing in Black Cumin for all diseases except death.”

Muslims have been using and promoting the use of the “Black Seed” or “Al-habbat ul Sawda” for hundreds of years, and hundreds of articles have been written about it. Black seed has also been in use worldwide for over 3000 years. However, many Muslims do not realize that black seed is not only a prophetic herb, but it also holds a unique place in the medicine of the Prophet

Black seed is mentioned along with many other natural cures in the Hadeeth (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH) and in the Qur’an. However, many herbs and natural cures in the Hadeeth and Qur’an are simply “mentioned” briefly, leaving the bulk of the descriptive narrative up to later Islamic scholars such as Ibn Sina or Ibn Rushd.

Black seed is one of the few that is said to “cure all diseases except death.” It is unique in that it was not used profusely before the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made its use popular, and it is one of the few herbs that is described in great detail in the Hadeeth with recipes and instructions on usage actually being found in the Hadeeth itself. Last, but not least, black seed has been studied by Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Although there were more than 400 herbs in use before the Prophet Muhammad and recorded in the herbals of Galen and Hippocrates, black seed was not one of the most popular remedies of the time. Because of the way Islam has spread, the usage and popularity of black seed is widely known as a “remedy of the Prophet”. In fact, a large part of this herbal preparation’s popularity is based on the teachings of the Prophet. The Prophet not only mentioned the usefulness of black seed in his teachings but also gave specific instructions on how to prepare the seed for medical use.

“The Prophet’s Medicine” is a collection of Hadeeth that instruct Muslims on the subject of sickness or medical treatment. Because black seed is mentioned so prominently in these writings, all eminent and famous Hakims of the past and present have written on the medicinal benefits and healing properties of “kalonji.” In fact, since it was made popular in the Seventh Century, there has not been a period in Muslim history when the use of it was ever stopped. At all times the seed was utilized with the belief and faith that benefits will be derived from practicing the Holy Prophet’s Sunnah (Hana, 2001).

The black seed (Nigella sativa) is an example of a prophetic remedy that has been studied extensively by both Muslims and non-Muslims. Nigella sativa has been used since antiquity by Asian herbalists and pharmacists and was used by the Romans for culinary purposes. The name Nigella comes from the Latin word nigellus, meaning black. Nigella sativa is small matte black grains with a rough surface and an oily white interior, similar to onion seeds. The seeds have little bouquets, though when rubbed, their aroma resembles oregano. They have a slightly bitter, peppery flavor and a crunchy texture. The seeds may be used whole or ground and are usually fried or roasted before use (they are easily crushed in a mortar).

However, although the seeds have been used for thousands of years in the kitchen, they have also been useful in the pharmacy. Ahmad Akhtar studied the effects of the black seed on nematode worm infections in children (Akhtar, 1999). The black seeds contain over 100 valuable components. Black seed is also a significant source of fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and other vitamins and minerals. The seeds are rich in sterols, especially beta-sitosterol, which is known to have anti-carcinogenic activity (Tierra). The seeds are also known to repel certain insects and can be used in the same way as mothballs.

Black seed is also used in India as a spice and condiment and occasionally in Europe as both a pepper substitute and a spice. It is widely used in Indian cuisine, particularly in mildly braised lamb dishes such as korma. It is also added to vegetables and dhal dishes as well as to chutneys. The seeds are sprinkled on naan (bread) before baking and to some Garam Masala and Panch Phoran mixtures.

The Indians also use black seed medicinally as a carminative and stimulant, and to treat indigestion and bowel complaints. It is also used to induce post-uterine contractions and promote lactation.

However, despite the cure-all benefits of black seed, it must still be used with wisdom and caution. “The seed yields a volatile oil containing melanthin, nigellone, damascene, and tannin. Melanthin is toxic in large dosages and nigellone is paralytic, so the spice must be used in moderation (the epicenter).