The Qur’an and Sunnah address the use of honey as a healing source for a variety of ailments. Allah (swt) 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 bee produces forth a wonderful substance that has therapeutic effects for humans. Honey has been used in ancient times for medicinal purposes. According to Smithsonian.com, the earliest recorded use of honey comes from the Sumerian time period, where clay tablets conveyed that honey was used in 30 percent of prescriptions. The ancient Egyptians used honey regularly to treat skin and eye problems, as did the Greeks, Romans, and many other cultures.
Honey is being championed in modern times too for its beneficial effects. Science has discovered that its unique chemical composition allows it to have an indefinite shelf life and act as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Of course, honey is also used as a natural sweetener! Some of the medicinal benefits of honey include:
- healing cuts and scrapes
- moisturizing hair and skin
- lessen allergies
- energy boost
- soothe a sore throat
In a hadith, as reported by Bukhari, a man came to the Prophet (saw), 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 (saw), said, “Make use of the two remedies: honey and the Quran.”
Truly honey is a beautiful gift to us from God that has healing in it!
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