15 Sunnah Food

                             Sunnah Food

       

  Foods Recommended by Prophet Muhammad (SAWW)

When we say Sunnah food, it means the Foods most liked or eaten by Prophet (SAWW). It doesn’t mean that he was very particular about food, No, he was not, but like everyone, he loved some food more than others. Despite this, whatever (Halal n Tayyab food) was available was good enough for him to eat. His companions knew whatever he liked the best and they used to send him that as a gift. Here we are going to give an introduction to some food items most liked or eaten by our Prophet (SAWW) and health benefits of these Sunnah Foods. Some of the sunnah food are also mentioned in Qur’an.

1. Dates

The Holy Prophet(SAWW) used to receive dates as gifts and He also ate them fondly. Regarding great benefits of dates, He said:

· Narrated Ibn `Umar (r.a):

I was with the Prophet (SAWW) while he was eating fresh dates. He said, “From the trees, there is a tree which resembles a faithful believer.” I wanted to say that it was the date palm, but I was the youngest among them (so I kept quiet). He added, “It is the date palm tree.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Sales and Trade, Book 34, Hadith 155)

· “There is a tree among the trees which is similar to a Muslim (in goodness), and that is the date palm tree.” (Bukhari, Vol.7 (65): 359).

·  “He who eats seven ‘Ajwa dates every morning will not be affected by poison or magic on the day he eats them.” (Bukhari)

Imaam Muslim and Tirmidhi among others have recorded the narration of Sayyidatuna Aaisha (r,a) that Rasulullah (SAWW) said,

· That house which doesn’t have dates has no food. (Sahih Muslim Hadith5305; Sunan Tirmidhi Hadith1815)

· It is also reported in a sound narration that he used to like butter and dates. [Abu Daawood].

Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) used to plant date trees himself.

Dates mentioned in Quran: The date palm tree, mentioned more than any other fruit-bearing plant in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Date Palm is a symbol often associated with Islam and believers/Muslims. Dates are packed with energy and nutrition, When Hazrat Maryam was having labour pains, Allah advised her to eat dates.

· “The pains of labour drove her to the trunk of a date-palm. She exclaimed: “Oh, if only I had died before this time and was something discarded and forgotten!” A voice called out to her from under her: “Do not grieve. Your Lord has placed a small stream at your feet. Shake the trunk of the palm toward you, and fresh, ripe dates will drop down to you. Eat and drink and delight your eyes. If you should see anyone at all, just say: ‘I have made a vow of abstinence to the All-Merciful, and [so] today I will not speak to any human being.'” – (Surah Maryam 19:23-26)

· “And in the earth are neighbouring tracts, and gardens of vines, and green crops (fields), and date palms, growing into two or three from a single stem root, or otherwise (one stem root for every palm), watered with the same water; yet some of them We make more excellent than others to eat. Verily! In these things, there are signs for the people who understand.” (Surat Ar-Ra’ad 13:4)
                                              

Benefits of Dates: The benefits of dates include relief from constipation, intestinal disorders, anaemia, heart problems, diarrhoea, abdominal cancer, and many other conditions. Fresh dates should also be eaten at the time of childbirth. It helps to increase the blood and energy.  

 Dates are free from any cholesterol and are very low at containing fats. Dates are very healthy to use as they contain various vitamins especially B-6 and minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, iron and calcium which are highly essential for the human body. Dates are a quick source of sugar, potassium and fibre, so these are especially associated to break the fast in Ramadan. Dates also help for a healthy weight gain.

2. Grapes

The Prophet (SAWW) was presented grapes on various occasions. In Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (by molana safi ur Rahman), the story of Taif gives us details how a slave named Adas served the Holy Prophet(SAWW) with grapes and Prophet (SAWW) recited Bismillah before eating the grapes.

Grapes mentioned in Quran:

 It is also one of the fruits of heaven, and is mentioned in the Holy Quran:

· And out of the date-palm and its spathe come forth clusters of dates hanging low and near, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates, each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety and taste). Look at their fruits when they begin to bear, and the ripeness thereof. Verily! In these things, there are signs for people who believe. (Quran Surah 6:99)

· With it He causes to grow for you the crops, the olives, the date-palms, the grapes, and every kind of fruit. Verily! In this is indeed an evident proof and a manifest sign for people who give thought. (Surah Al-Ina’am 16:11)

· Or [until] you have a garden of palm trees and grapes and make rivers gush forth within them in force [and abundance] (Surah Bani- Israil17:91)

· And grapes and herbage. (Surah Abas 80:28)

Benefits of grapes: They are useful in purifying the blood, provide vigour, energy and health, strengthen the kidneys and clear the bowels due to their high fibre content.

3. Milk

 Prophet Muhammad(SAWW) liked milk. He used to drink raw milk of goat and camel which was common at that time.

· When Prophet came from Mecca with Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr said "We passed by a shepherd and at that time Allah's Apostle was thirsty. I milked a little milk in a bowl and Allah's Apostle drank till I was pleased. (Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 69, Number 512)

 Our Prophet(SAWW) also preferred milk over wine at Jerusalem while being on the journey of Miraj:

· Narrated by Abu Huraira:

On the night Allah's Apostle was taken on a night journey (Miraj) two cups, one containing wine and the other milk, were presented to him at Jerusalem. He looked at it and took the cup of milk. Gabriel said, "Praise be to Allah Who guided you to Al-Fitra (the right path); if you had taken (the cup of) wine, your nation would have gone astray."(Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 69, Number 482)

· Narrated by Um Al-Fadl:

The people doubted whether Allah's Apostle was fasting or the Day of 'Arafat or not. So, I sent a cup containing milk to him and he drank it. (Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 69, Number 509)

· Narrated by Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle said, "The best object of charity is a she-camel which has (newly) given birth and gives plenty of milk or a she-goat which gives plenty of milk, and is given to somebody to utilize its milk by milking one bowl in the morning and one in the evening." (Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 69, Number 513)

Milk mentioned in Quran: 

· “There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colours, in which there is healing for people. Indeed, in that is a sign for a people who give thought.”

(Surah An-NAhl16:69)

· And indeed, for you in grazing livestock is a lesson. We give you to drink from what is in their bellies - between excretion and blood - pure milk, palatable to drinkers. (Surah An-Nahal 16:66)

· Is the description of Paradise, which the righteous are promised, wherein are rivers of water unaltered, rivers of milk the taste of which never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink, and rivers of purified honey, in which they will have from all [kinds of] fruits and forgiveness from their Lord. (Surah Muhammad 47:15)

 Benefits of Milk: Milk is associated with strengthening of bones and teeth as it contains calcium, It is also a good source of Protein (which Serves as a source of energy and builds/repairs muscle tissue), Potassium (which Helps maintain a healthy blood pressure), Phosphorus (which Helps strengthen bones and generate energy) and Vitamin D (which Helps maintain bones). Milk is good for curing gastric diseases, strengthening of memory and better vision plus many other health effects on one`s body.

4. Honey

Prophet used to love sweets and honey, as 'Aa'ishah said:

· "Allah's Messenger used to love sweets and honey." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Imaam An-Nawawi said: '(Sweet) in the narration refers to both kinds of sweets, natural and prepared, as reported from Ibn Battaal.’ Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to take honey and recommended it to others.

· Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree narrated, “A man came to the Messenger(SAWW) and said, ‘My brother has pain in his stomach’, so the Messenger(SAWW) said: ‘Give him honey to drink.’ The man came back and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! It only increased his illness!’ So, the Messenger(SAWW) said, ‘Give him honey to drink.’ The man came back and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! It only increased his illness!’ The Messenger of Allah (SAWW) said ‘Allah spoke the truth and your brother’s belly has lied. Go and give him honey to drink.’ He went and gave him honey and was cured.” [Bukhari (5684), Muslim (2217)].

Honey mentioned in Quran:

· Then eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down [for you]." There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colours, in which there is healing for people. Indeed, in that is a sign for a people who give thought. (Surah An-Nahl 16:69)

· Is the description of Paradise, which the righteous are promised, wherein are rivers of water unaltered, rivers of milk the taste of which never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink, and rivers of purified honey, in which they will have from all [kinds of] fruits and forgiveness from their Lord, (Surah Muhammad 47:15)

Benefits of Honey: Honey is a miraculous food and medicine.

· The Prophet (SAWW) said), "Healing is in three things: A gulp of honey, cupping, and branding with fire (cauterizing)." But I forbid my followers to use (cauterization) branding with fire."(Sahih al-Bukhari 5680)

 Honey is considered the best remedy for stomach diseases and diarrhoea. It is the food of foods, drink of drinks and medicine of the medicines. d. It is used for improving appetite, strengthening the stomach, pain reliving of arthritis, eliminating phlegm; as a meat preservative, hair conditioner, eye soother and mouthwash.

In short, honey is the best natural therapy for curing almost every disease.

5. Olive & Olive Oil

Olives are said to be the food of Prophets.

Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) used to take it himself and also suggested it to others because of its great curing benefits. Narrated by Abu Hurairah (R.A):

· The Messenger (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) said: "Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it is from a blessed tree." (Tirmidhi At'ima, 43)

And also:

· "Eat olive oil with your bread, and oil yourselves with it, for it is from a blessed tree." (Ibn Maja, At'ima, 34)

Olives mentioned in Quran:

Zaitoon (Olive) is also one of the foods from Jannah (paradise) and it has been mentioned along with figs in the Holy Quran.

·  By the fig and the olive. (Surah Teen 95:1)

Allah has said of the olive tree:

· “And a tree that grows out of Mount Sinai which produces oil and a condiment for those who eat. For olive oil is the supreme seasoning.” Allah has also called it the Blessed Tree [ Surah Noor 24:35]

· And out of the date-palm and its spathe come forth clusters of dates hanging low and near, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates, each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety and taste). Look at their fruits when they begin to bear, and the ripeness thereof. Verily! In these things there are signs for people who believe. (Surah Al- Ina’am 6:99)

· He causes to grow for you thereby the crops, olives, palm trees, grapevines, and from all the fruits. Indeed, in that is a sign for a people who give thought. (Surah Nahl 16.11)

· And olive and palm trees. (Surah Abas 80:29)

Benefits of Olive: Green olives are the most nourishing and counteract auto intoxication. Black olives cause the spleen to overproduce bile and are hard on the stomach. Olive leaves can be chewed as a treatment for inflammation of the stomach, skin ulcerations, and eruptions of herpes and hives. Olive oil is an excellent treatment for skin and hair, delays old age, and treats inflammation of the stomach, not to mention its low-calorie cooking benefits.

6: Pumpkin

It was Prophet Muhammad (SAWW)’s favourite and topmost desired vegetable.

· Anas said: "The Prophet (SAWW) used to like pumpkin." [Ahmad and At-Tirmithi]

· Anas b. Malik reported that a person invited Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) to a meal. I also went along with him. He brought soup containing pumpkin. Allah's 'messenger (SAWW) ate that pumpkin with relish. He (Anas) said: When I saw that I began to place it before him and did not eat it (myself). Anas said: It was since then that pumpkin was always my favourite (food). (Muslim, Book 23, Hadith 5068)

· “The Holy Prophet (SAWW) amongst all other foods, liked pumpkin. (Tirmidhi)

Benefits of Pumpkin: It is good for the Lungs and protects against birth defects. It is also good in asthma, colon cancer, prostate cancer, pain, blood pressure and heart disease to name a few. It stimulates the kidneys and prevents the formation of calcium oxalate stones. Pumpkin protects against joint inflammation, arthritis and depression. One handful of pumpkin seeds per day, keep the wrinkles away.

7. Vinegar

Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) called Vinegar the best curry. The Messenger (SAWW) used to eat vinegar with olive oil.

· Jabir b. ‘Abdullah (r.a) reported:

Allah’s Messenger (SAWW) took hold of my hand one day (and led me) to his residence. There was presented to him some pieces of bread, whereupon he said: Is there no condiment? They (the members of his household) said: No, except some vinegar. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Vinegar is a good condiment. Jabir said: I have always loved vinegar since I heard it from Allah’s Apostle (SAWW). Talha said: I have always loved vinegar since I heard about it from Jabir.

(Sahih Muslim, The Book of Drinks, Book 36, Hadith 227)

So, it was preferred by Rasulullah (SAWW) to have vinegar as a flavour while having something to eat.

· “Allah has put blessing in vinegar, for truly it was used by the Prophets before me.”

(Narrated by Ayesha, Muslim and Ibn Maja)

Benefits of Vinegar: It is healthy and makes for great salad dressings. As a matter of fact, vinegar is so beneficial, it Regulates Blood Sugar Levels, Enhances Weight Loss, Lowers Cholesterol, Improves Skin Health, Helps in Digestion Of Food, Boosts Gut Health, Reduces Blood Pressure and fatigue, Relieves Symptoms of Acid Reflux and Soothes Sunburns.

8. Barley

Rasulullah (SAWW), liked Barley very much, and used to have it in the shape of bread, porridge, gruel and dough. He even used to receive it as a gift from His companions.

· Yousuf Bin Abdullah Bin Salam states that I saw the Prophet (saws) taking a piece of barley bread and put a date on it and stated that was bread’s vegetable (salan). (Abu Dawood)

· Narrated Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri: In the lifetime of Allah’s Apostle, we used to give one Sa’ of food (edible things) as Sadaqat-ul-Fit,r (to the poor). Our food used to be either of barley, raisins (dried grapes), cottage cheese or dates. (Book #25, Hadith #586 Bukhari)

The Apostle of Allah also recommended it as a great source of curing illness and weakness.  

· Ummul Manzar states that the Prophet (SAWW) along with Ali came to their house, they had dates and those were presented to them. Both of them ate from those dates. When Ali (R.A) consumed a little of those, the Prophet (SAWW) said”

“You recently recovered from illness, hence you are weak, hence don’t eat more. Therefore, that lady prepared a dish from barley and beetroot. Then, the Prophet(SAWW) told Ali “eat from it, it is better for you”. (Tirmidhi).

· Anas Bin Malik states that a tailor invited the Prophet (SAWW) to meals. He prepared the barley bread and meat with Pumpkin. The Prophet (SAWW) very affectionately ate the pumpkin pieces from the curry. (Bukhari, Muslim)

Powdered barley (Sattoo) was very much liked by the Prophet (SAWW). At the time of victory of Khaibar, the Prophet agreed to marry to Safia, the very next day he directed to Anas Bin Malik to invite the people to attend the Dawat-e-Walima of Safia.

· According to the narrations of Tirmizi and Ibn Majah the walima comprised of dates and sattoo, but according to Bukhari a confection was prepared from dates, barley and sattoo and served before the guests.

· In Nisai, Abu Dawood, Bukhari, Ibn-e-Majah, Tirmizi and Ahmed Bin Hambal, there are 21 hadiths recommending the consumption of Sattoo. Besides this, the description of Sattoo is also available in other Hadiths.

Benefits of Barley: According to the scholars of hadith barley is very nutritious and provides energy for the body. The modern scientific research also proved the great effects of this food on health and is among the world`s healthiest nourishment.

It resolves the inflammation of the stomach (Gastritis) and expels the toxins from the body. Barley soaked in water, is drunk for coughs and sore throats. The soup made from barley is recommended for curing the pain of fever.

Barley water is a good remedy in kidney problem, to quench the thirst and provide the best nutrition for indisposed and weak persons.  Preparation of Barley water is described by Ibn Al-Qayyim. According to him, barley with five times water should be boiled, till the contents become 3/4 and the colour of the mixture becomes milky.

Prophet (Peace be upon him) recommend barley gruel to cure grief of heart. That preparation was called as Talbina, it was specially prepared after boiling barley with milk and sweetened with honey. More details about Talbinah are given below.

9: Talbinah: Talbina is one of the foods in the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) which is more strongly established from the Hadith and was eaten by those suffering from illness or grief. It is made of barley, honey and milk (dates can be added too for better nutrition value).

· "it removes the grief from the patient’s heart, removes its weakness as any of you removes the dirt from your face after washing it". (Ibn Maja)

· Aisha (R.A) used to order preparation of Talbina for the sick person and used to say "though the patient dislikes it, but it is highly beneficial for him. (Bukhari)

· A'ishah (R.A) narrated that whenever one of her relatives died, the women assembled and then dispersed (returned to their houses) except her relatives and close friends. She would order that a pot of Talbina be cooked. Then Tharid (a dish prepared from meat and bread) would be prepared and the Talbina would be poured on it. A'ishah would say (to the women),"Eat of it, for I heard Allah's Apostle (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) saying, 'The Talbina soothes the heart of the patient and relieves him from some of his sadness.' (Sahih Al Bukhari Volume 7, Book 65, Number 328)

Recipe of talbina: 

  You need 1-2 tablespoons of whole grain barley flour and add into one and a half cup of milk and mix vigorously to avoid lump formation, then cook on a low heat for 10-15 minutes. The same broth is ideal for being added in soups and stews to thicken the consistency instead of using artificial ingredients. Honey or dates can be added to the flavour and served as breakfast.

10: Cucumber

The Holy Prophet (SAWW) used to take it as a means of Salad.

· “The Messenger of Allah used to eat Qiththa (cucumber) with Rutab (fresh dates). “(Tirmidhi)

· Hadhrat ‘Abdullah bin Ja’far R.A. said, I saw the Messenger SAW of Allah (SWT) eating dates with cucumbers (Bukhari) (Sahih Muslim, Book 36, Hadith 204)

Cucumber mentioned in Quran:

· And (remember) when you said, “O Mûsâ (Moses)! We cannot endure one kind of food. So, invoke your Lord for us to bring forth for us of what the earth grows, its herbs, its cucumbers, its Fûm (wheat or garlic), its lentils and its onions.”  (Al‐Baqarah, 2- 61)

Benefits of Cucumber: Cucumber is vastly linked with quenching thirst, curing the inflammation of the stomach, easing down pains of bladder etc. Ranking high with 96% water content, cucumbers are extremely low in calories and high in nutrients, good in taste so they make for a very healthy snack especially for summer.

11: Truffle

· Prophet(SAWW) said,“The truffle is of Manna (i.e. it grows naturally without man's care) and its water is a healing for the eye.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim- 5048].

· Sa'id b. Zaid reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Truffles are 'Manna' which Allah, the Exalted the Majestic, sent to the people of Israel, and its juice is a medicine for the eyes. (Sahih Muslim 5088)

The truffle is a kind of Fungus, which has neither leaves nor stem, and it grows in the earth without cultivation.

· Regarding the mushroom, it being a cure for the eyes is recorded by Imaam Bukhari in his Sahih (Hadith4487, 4639 and 5708).

(However, the type of mushroom referred to in this Hadith should be verified first.)

Benefits of Truffle and Mushroom:

These are very source of Protein, vitamin B, C, D, essential amino acids and fibre but low in Carbohydrates. These are the only vegetable and the second known source (after cod liver oil) to contain vitamin-D in edible form. Mushrooms are cholesterol free and are rich in calcium (good for bones), iron (good for anaemia), potassium (good for lowering blood pressure), copper (anti-bacterial) and selenium (which is an anti-oxidant and good for healthy bones, teeth, nails, hair).

12: Water Melon: 

· Aisha radiyallah anha reports that “Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam ate watermelon with fresh dates.”

The benefits of Watermelon: 

· Sayyidina Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam also said, “The cold effect of one removes the heat of the other, and the heat of one removes the cold effect of the other.” (Tirmidhi).

Watermelon Reduces risk of kidney disorders, it helps in repairing damaged tissues and prevent heat stroke and cancer, it aids in lowering blood pressure. Watermelon Contains Vitamin A, C and Thiamine and Minerals; potassium, magnesium and manganese.

13: Meat

· Abu Hurayrah reports: “Meat was brought to the Prophet. The shoulder was handed over to him, as he liked it. He had a bite of it.” (Ahmad, Al-Bukhari and Muslim.)

· It is also reported that Prophet(SAWW) was fond of the meat from the arm of a sheep. [Ahmad, Abu Daawood and others]

Al-'Atheem Abaadi said: 'The reason for this fondness is that this meat can be well cooked easily, more delicious and far from any nuisance.'

Imaam Al-Khattaabi and others said: 'The fondness of the Prophet does not mean that he used to crave for that or yearn for it, but he used to eat from that part whenever meat was presented, so they knew that he liked it.'

According to a Hadith literature (sayings and characteristics of the Prophet Muhammad), the Prophet ate meat very rarely, and when he did it was mostly on special occasions or as a guest. It means he was not used to eat meat on regular bases but only when it is available.

Meat mention in Quran:

· …and the meat of the birds they desire. (Surah Waqiah 56- 21)

· …Permitted for you are livestock (cattle, sheep, camel, goats) …

(Surah Al Maidah 5-1)

14: Black Caraway or black seed (Nigella sativa)

Last, but not the least, is Black Caraway (Kalonji), which according to the prophet (SAWW), is a cure for all diseases except death.

· Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “There is healing in black cumin for all diseases except death. (Sahih al-Bukhari, vol. 7, book 71, no. 592)

Benefits of Black Caraway: It contains ‘Nigel lone’ which is used in the treatment of several diseases, most common of them being respiratory diseases. It includes natural antibiotics along with essential nutrients and vitamins like Vitamin A, phosphates and iron apart from other compounds. It is beneficial for both the management and the prevention of diabetes. The seeds help increases body tone, Improved Skin Health, Boost Energy, stimulate menstrual period, and increase the flow of breast milk in nursing mothers. Asthma, Prevent Hair Loss and Rheumatism, Eye Diseases and Impaired Vision Cure Anaemia, Healthy Functioning of Kidney, Cure Liver Disorders and Jaundice, Cough and Allergy Treatment, Control Blood Pressure, Cure Tumours, Improve Heart Health, Cure Cough and Cold, Promote Weight Loss, Treatment for Piles, Cancer Prevention Cure Joint Pain, headache,

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These super Sunnah foods are no doubt good for your health and should be part of your grocery list next. Stay healthy, stay on Sunnah!

Allah Knows the best.