Islamic traditions, vinegar is one of the four favored condiments of the Prophet Muhammad, who called it a "blessed seasoning"
==========================================
It is recommended to break our fast on dates”, as Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) used to do:
“Break your fast by eating dates as it is purifying.” (Narrated by Ahmad)
He said in another Hadith:
“The date that is from high [branches] is a cure”. (Narrated by Muslim and Ahmad.)
Narrated
by Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (may the
peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "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)
The date is one of the most
nourishing fruits. It is a food of great importance and is called the
bread of the Sahara. But its use is now universal. It is included in the
categories of both dry and fresh fruit. The date is a cylindrical fruit
of yellow to reddish brown color. It has fleshy pericarp surrounding a
single seed containing 60 to 70 per cent sugar. The tree-ripe fresh date
is delicious fruit. It, however, undergoes fermentation very rapidly.
It is, therefore, dried in the sun. The fruit looses about 35 per cent
of its weight in the process of drying.
Origin and Distribution:
The
date is held in high esteem from ancient times and is one of the
earliest fruits cultivated by man. In Mesopotamia, more than 5,000 years
old bricks have been found to contain instructions for growing date
palms. The ancient monuments of Egypt have been found to contain carved
figures of date palms. There are numerous references to the palm and its
fruit in the Bible, testifying to its manifold virtues Prophet Mohammed
believed that the first date palm was made from the tempered dust which
remained after the formation of Adam. The original home of date is
believed to be in the Persian Gulf area or in Mesopotamia. It is now
classed as one of the standard crops of world agriculture and is widely
grown in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Spain, Italy, China and U.S.A.
Food Value
The
date is a food of high nutritional value. It provides natural sugar in
the form of glucose and fructose. This sugar is ready for immediate
absorption and is, therefore, infinitely superior to cane sugar. It is
usually taken raw or with milk, which makes it highly nutritious in most
respects. Taking it with curdled milk is also common. In Sahara, rich
people take it with butter by removing the seed and filling the cavity
with butter. It is a scientific way of taking fat. It is also taken in
several cooked forms. The seeds of the fruit, roasted and ground into
powder makes a beverage like coffee, called ‘date coffee’. The date palm
yields a sweet juice of high food value. It can be taken fresh with
great advantage or make into a tasty country sugar.
Analyzed as :
Energy:
287kcal,Glucose: Min 41%, Frutose:Min 29%, Fiber:4.0g. Protein:3.3,
Iron:2.60gm. Carbohydrate:68.0g.Br ix:70 +_ 1%, Vitamin
BI:0.03mg.Vitamin B2 :0.06mg.Vitamin C :2.60mg.
Produced under the most modern and hygienic conditions.
You
can eat date as a Complement to bread,mix it with cold or hot milk and
drink,it can be used as a toping of icecream, can be used as a sweetner
while making cookies but I eat it raw alongwith milk and cerials.
Natural Benefits and Curative Properties
Dates
are valuable as medicine for their tonic effect. Being easily digested,
they are very useful for supplying energy and repairing waste. Milk in
which clean and fresh dates have been boiled is a very nourishing and
restorative drink to children and adults alike, especially during
convalescence.
Constipation
The
date is a laxative food. It is highly beneficial in the treatment of
constipation as the roughage provided by it stimulates sluggish bowels.
They should be immersed in water at night and taken after making them
into a fine syrup the next morning to secure laxative effect.
Intoxication
Dates
are an excellent remedy for alcoholic intoxication. In such cases,
drinking water in which fresh dates have been rubbed or soaked will
bring quick relief.
Weak Heart
Dates
are an effective remedy for weak heart. Dates soaked overnight in water
and crushed in the same water in the morning after removing the seeds
should be taken at least twice a week in this condition. It will
strengthen the heart.
Sexual Debility
Dates
are highly beneficial in the treatment of sexual weakness. A handful of
dates soaked in fresh goat’s milk overnight should be ground in the
same milk in the morning. A pinch of cardamom powder and honey should be
mixed in this preparation. This becomes a very useful tonic for
improving sex stamina and sterility due to functional disorders.
Children’s Diseases
According
to Dr. Aman, a date tied to the wrist of the baby and allowed to be
sucked by him during teething time hardens the gums and prevents other
complaints like fretfulness and diarrhoea. A teaspoonful of paste of the
date prepared with honey is an effective medicine for diarrhoea and
dysentery during teething. It should be given three times a day.
extracted from: http://www.sahravi.com/dates/iranian-date-nectar-honey-syrup.htm
The fruit,because of its tanin content ,
is used medicinally as a detersive and astringent in intestinal
troubles.In the form of an infusion,decoctin,syrup or paste,is
adminstered as a treatment for sore throat,colds,bronchial catarrh.It is
taken to relieve fever,cystitis,gonorrhea,edema,liver and abdominal
troubles. A gum that exudes from the tree trunk is employed in India for
treating diarrhea and genito-urinary ailments.It is diuretic and
demulcent. The root of the plant is used against toothache. The pollen
yields an estrogenic principle,estrone,and has a gonadotropic effect on
young rats.
Magic doesn't affect you ifyou eat seven Ajwa dates every morning.
Allah's
Apostle said, "He who eats seven 'Ajwa dates every morning, willnot be
affected by poison or magic on the day he eats them. " Volume 7,Book 65,
Number 356: Narrated Sad: Also, Volume 7, Book 71, Number 663:Narrated
Saud Number 436: Narrated Abu Huraira
8, Number 436: Narrated Abu Huraira
Ibn
Abbas (R) reports that the Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam. ) was
veryfond of Ajwa dates and said that the Ajwa date is from Jannah, and
contains acure against
=========================================================
(By the fig, and the olive. By Mount Sinai. By this city of security (Makkah).)
(Surat At-Tin (The Fig):1-3)
Dr. M.Laiq Ali Khan
Zaitoon (Olive) the sign of peace and friendship in this world has its description in Holy Qur’an Allah Taala says
- By the fig and olive
- And the mount of Sinai
- And the city of security
- We have indeed created man in the best of moulds
- Then do we abase him (to be) the lowest of low
- Except such as believe and do righteous deeds for they shall have a reward unfailing
- What then, can after this, make you deny the last judgement
- Is not Allah the wisest of judges” (The Fig, Surah 95)
The plant of olive goes upto 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 (Pbuh) 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 (Pbuh) said, “ There is olive oil for you, eat it, massage over your body, since it is effective in Heamorrhoids (Piles).” (Ibn Al-Jozi, Zanbi)
Hazrat Aqba Bin Amir narrates that the Prophet (Pbuh) 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 (Pbuh) 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 (Pbuh) 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 (Pbuh) 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
Pharmacopoca of USA and Britain (British Pharmacopoca). 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 (Pbuh) 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 (Pbuh) , whereas the Prophet (Pbuh)
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 decotion of olive leaves in water is
effective against mouth and lips ulcers and allergic dermatitis also.
The concentrated aquous 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 researchs 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 (Pbuh) 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 (Pbuh) 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 (Pbuh) 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
coryzha 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.
=================================================================
(By the fig, and the olive. By Mount Sinai. By this city of security (Makkah).)
(Surat At-Tin (The Fig):1-3)
By: Dr. / Zaghloul El-Naggar
Abu ad-Darda' (A.S.) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
"If
I could say that a fruit was sent down from Heaven (to earth), I would
say it is figs, because the Heaven's fruit has no stones. Eat it, as it
cures hemorrhoids and it is useful for treating gout'."
In
another narration by Abu Dharr (A.S.), he said, "The Prophet (PBUH) was
given a basket full of figs as a present. He said to us, "Eat!" He ate of it and said:
"If
I could say that a fruit was sent down from Heaven, it would be this,
as the fruit in Heaven has no stones. Eat it, as it cures hemorrhoids
and it is useful for treating gout (or arthritis)."
Fig is a tree brought to India during the
Moghul rule and has stayed over since. The leaves are highly useful as
feed for cattle. Figs are high sources of calcium, iron and copper. Zinc
is also moderately present. Vit. A and C are present in all forms of
fig fruit while Vit. A is lost by 30 percent in dry ones. Vit B complex
and vit D are also present.
Characteristics
How it looks - It is a medium
sized tree w ith leaves rough on the upper surface and softer on the
under surfaces. The fruits arise from the corners of the leaves and turn
red in colour when ripe. They are many seeded. The latex of the tree is
used medicinally.
What we use - Fruit latex
What it does - It is highly nutritive, diuretic, expectorant, laxative
Herbal Medicines for the Cure of General Disorders
- In delayed periods - Boil the roots of the fig and take the decoction, filtered for a few weeks to set the cycle normal.
- In urinary stones and dysuria
- Boil figs in water to get a decoction. Take an ounce or two of this
decoction twice a day to set right urinary disorders and to melt small
stones.
- In burn ulcers - Boil
the bark of fig in water along with neem, mango and peepal barks. This
decoction is very useful to wash and soothe ulcers caused by burns.
- To build resistance - Take a dry fig fruit or tvvo everyday to build body resistance and for your natural daily requirement of vitamins.
- In anaemia - Due to the iron-rich content of fig, it is ideal to include it in one's diet in anaerma.
- In hyperacidity - The burnt ash of the fig fruit is highly basic in nature and can be consumed a tsp before meals to counter hyperacidity.
- In worm infestation -
The enzyme ficin present in the fig latex is responsible for its
anthelmintic activity and can be given with great benefit in worm
infestations especially ascaris and tricharus types.
=================================================================
Miswaak: The natural toothbrush
The Miswaak was known before Islam, but Islam added a religious perspective to its usage.
The Prophetic guidance:
The Prophet Muhammad 
recommended Muslims to clean their teeth using a Miswaak every day;
especially upon waking up, when performing ablution, before prayer, when
reciting the Quran, before sleeping, when entering the house, and when
the mouth has a foul odor.
There are many Prophetic narrations that talk about Miswaak. Following are some of them:
‘Aa'ishah 
related that the Prophet
said: "Ten things are part of one’s natural disposition: Trimming the
moustache, growing a beard, (using) the Miswaak, sniffing water, cutting
the nails, washing hands, plucking armpits, shaving pubic hair, and
conserving water." [Muslim]
Furthermore, he highlighted its importance, saying: "If
it were not that it would create hardship for my people, I would have
ordered them to use the Miswaak with every ablution and with every
prayer." [Al-Bukhaari]
Medical discoveries:
The
Miswaak is a natural tool for brushing the teeth. It is taken from the
roots and branches of particular desert trees. It differs from one
region to another, but in Arabia and Asia it is taken from the Arak tree. This is the most famous variety, and is the kind that was used by the Prophet .
Its
scientific name is Salvadora Persica. It is a tree that grows in hot
equatorial countries, especially in desert valleys. It is widespread in
the South of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Egypt, and elsewhere.
Salvador Persica is an
upright evergreen small tree or shrub, seldom more than one foot in
diameter, reaching a maximum height of three meters. The leaves are
small, oval, thick and succulent with a strong smell of cress or
mustard.
The Miswaak is also obtained from other trees. In Africa, for example, it is cut from Lime and Orange trees, and in America some are cut from the Senna tree.
As the Arak tree is so well-known, and as it was the kind that the Prophet used, it has been scientifically studied. The following summarize the various discoveries regarding Miswaak.
Health effects of Miswaak:
Physically, the Miswaak is
a natural toothbrush. It is composed of a compact group of minute
natural fibers that perform exactly the same function as a normal
toothbrush except that it is made of natural rather than plastic fibers.
For this reason it may be more gentle on the gums.
Miswaak's natural
toothpaste is made up of many substances that are important for cleaning
teeth. Many researchers have studied the Miswaak in depth, and have
proven that Miswaak contains over ten different natural chemical
compounds considered essential for good oral and dental hygiene.
They are: fluoride,
silica, tannic acid, resins, alkaloids (salvadorine), volatile oils
(sinigrin), sulfur vitamin C, sodium bicarbonate, chlorides, calcium,
benzylisothiocyanate (BIT), and others including salicylic acids,
sterols, trimethylamine, saponins, flavenoids.
Some of these components
are stain removers and teeth whiteners, some protect teeth against
caries, some are bactericidal and antiseptic, some help in healing and
to repair tissues, some promote remineralization (building) of tooth
enamel, and some give the pleasant taste and smell.
Cytotoxicity:
Results of cytotoxictests
showed no cytotoxic (cell damaging) effects from using freshly cut
Miswaak. However, the same plant used 24 hours after cutting did contain
harmful components. Based on these findings, researchers recommend
cutting the used portion of the Miswaak after it has been used for a day
and preparing a fresh part.
Scientific comparison between Miswaak and toothbrushes:
A clinical trial study on
Ethiopian schoolchildren, comparing Miswaak with the conventional
toothbrush, found Miswaak to be as effective as the toothbrush in
removing oral deposits. The study also found instruction and supervision
to be important since the children in the sample were not familiar with
techniques for using Miswaak.
How to use Miswaak:
The method of preparing a Miswaak for use is to cut a branch or root of the Arak
tree into pieces between 10 cm and 20cm in length, and between 4mm and
14mm in diameter. Occasionally some are thicker than this.
Fresh Miswaak is brown in
color, with a hot, pleasant taste. People usually strip off some of the
Miswaak's thin bark from one end, then chew that end a little to
separate the fibers so that they become like the fibers of a normal
toothbrush. They then use it to brush their teeth.
Length and diameter:
A length of 15cm is
recommended, which is convenient to grip, and easy to manipulate in a
confined space. The diameter is normally less than 1 centimeter, which
provides a supple stick firm enough to transmit the pressure of the
cleansing action to the teeth without breaking.
Freshness: Miswaak should
be freshly cut so that it is supple, easily chewed, and still rich in
active constituents. The root should be whitish-brown in color; a dark
brown color indicates that the Miswaak is no longer fresh.
If a stick is dry, the end
for chewing should initially be soaked in fresh water for 24 hours. It
should be noted that soaking for unduly long periods causes loss of
active constituents and diminishes the therapeutic properties, although
the mechanical effects on the teeth can still occur.
The end: Before Miswaak is
used, the end should be washed with water. It is then chewed repeatedly
until the fibers stand out like the bristles of a toothbrush. These
fibers should be trimmed every 24 hours.
Brushing technique:
The techniques employed
for removing plaque mechanically are similar to that for the toothbrush
and the chewing stick; i.e., vertical and horizontal brushing. The
cleaning movement should always be directed away from the gingival
margin of the teeth (away from the gums) on both the buccal (outer
cheek) and lingual (inner cheek) surfaces.
Care should be taken to
avoid damaging the soft tissues of the mouth. Satisfactory cleaning can
be achieved if this procedure is followed for five minutes.
There are two basic holds:
Pen-grip (three-finger) or palm-grip (five finger-grip). In each case
the aim is to ensure firm but controlled movement of the brush end of
the Miswaak within the oral cavity, so that every area of the mouth is
reached with relative ease and convenience.
When to use Miswaak:
In general, the Miswaak
should be used a minimum of five times a day (i.e. before each prayer).
However it is recommended to use it all the time, whenever possible.
Common mistakes in Miswaak use:
1. The end is either too thin or too thick.
2. Keeping it in the mouth while doing other things.
3. Not cutting the end every day.
4. Forgetting that teeth
have five faces (inner, outer, two sides, and biting/chewing face), and
only using Miswaak to clean the outer faces.
==========================================
Milk:
The Prophet SAW) said that milk wipes away heat from the
heart just as the finger wipes away sweat from the brow.
It strengthens the back, increases the brain, augments
intelligence, renews vision and drives away
forgetfulness.
Honey:
Considered to be the best remedy for diarrhoea when
mixed in hot water. It is the food of foods, drink of
drinks and drug of drugs. It is used for creating
appetite, strengthening the stomach, eliminating phlegm,
as a meat preservative, hair conditioner, eye salve and mouthwash.
It is extremely beneficial in the morning in warm water and is
also a sunnah.
Olive
oil: excellent treatment for skin and hair, delays old
age, treats inflammation of the stomach
Mushroom:
The Prophet SAW) said that mushroom is a good cure for
the eyes, it also serves as a form of birth control and
arrests paralysis.
Grapes:
The Prophet was very fond of grapes, it purifies the
blood, provides vigour and health, strengthens the
kidneys and clears the bowels.
Dates:
The Prophet SAW) said that a house without dates has no
food, also to be eaten at the time of childbirth.
Figs: It is a fruit from paradise and a cure for piles
Barley: Good for fever in a soup form
Melon:
Melon contains 1000 blessings and 1000 mercies, The
prophet SAW said "None of your women who are pregnant and
eat of water melon will fail to produce off spring who
are good in countenance and good in character.
Pomegranate: The Prophet SAW) said it cleanse you of Satan and evil aspirations for 40 days.
Water:
The Prophet SAW) said the best drink in this world and
the next is H20 (water), when you are thirsty drink it by
sips and not gulps, gulping produces sickness of the
liver.
In the Holy Qur'an, Allah commands Muslims and all of mankind to eat of the Halal things.
O
mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and wholesome in
the earth, and follow not the footsteps of the devil. Lo!
he is an open enemy for you. (2:168)
O
ye who believe! Eat of the good things wherewith We have
provided you, and render thanks to Allah if it is
(indeed) He Whom ye worship. (2:172)
Eat
of that which Allah hath bestowed on you as food lawful
and good, and keep your duty to Allah in Whom ye are
believers. (5:88)
Halal: The Arabic word Halal means lawful.
The following products are definitely Halal:
1. Milk (from cows, sheep, camels, and goats)
2. Honey
3. Fish
4. Plants which are not intoxicant
5. Fresh or naturally frozen vegetables
6. Fresh or dried fruits
7. Legumes and nuts like peanuts, cashew nuts, hazel nuts, walnuts, etc.
8. Grains such as wheat, rice, rye, barley, oat, etc.
Zabihah:
Animals such as cows, sheep, goats, deer, moose,
chickens, ducks, game birds, etc., are also Halal, but
they must be Zabihah (slaughtered according to Islamic
Rites) in order to be suitable for consumption. The procedure
is as follows:. The animal should be put down on the ground (or
held it if it is small) and its throat should be slit with a
very sharp knife to make sure that the 3 main blood
vessels are cut. While cutting the throat of the animal
(without severing it), the person must pronounce the name
of Allah or recite a blessing which contains the name of
Allah, such as "Bismillah Allah-u-Akbar".
Haraam: The Arabic word Haraam means unlawful.
The
following items have been categorically spelled out as
being Haraam by jurists in light of the Holy Qur'an and
the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammad (SAW):
1. Pig
2. Blood
3. Carnivorous animals
4. Almost all reptiles and insects
5. The bodies of dead animals
6. Halal animals which are not slaughtered according to the Islamic Law.
7. Wine, Ethyl Alcohol, and Spirits.
The above mentioned items are Haraam and should be avoided by all Muslims.
Ingredients: The following ingredients should be avoided by all Muslims:
1.
Alcohol (Ethanol, Ethyl Alcohol): Alcohol is a
colourless liquid, produced by the fermentation of sugar
or starch, that is the intoxicating agent in fermented
drinks and is used as a solvent. Also called ethanol and
ethyl alcohol.
2.
Animal Shortening: Shortening is a type of fat such as
lard that is solid at room temperature, and is used for
making pastry.
3. Bacon: Meat from the back and sides of a hog that has been salted, dried, and often smoked.
4.
Enzymes: Microbial Enzymes are okay A protein substance
produced in living cells, that influences a chemical
reaction within a plant or animal without being changed
itself; an organic catalyst. Enzymes help break down food
so that it can be digested. Pepsin is an enzyme.
5.
Ethanol: Alcohol is a colourless liquid, produced by the
fermentation of sugar or starch, that is the
intoxicating agent in fermented drinks and is used as a
solvent. Also called ethanol and ethyl alcohol.
6.
Ethyl alcohol: Alcohol is a colourless liquid, produced
by the fermentation of sugar or starch, that is the
intoxicating agent in fermented drinks and is used as a
solvent. Also called ethanol and ethyl alcohol.
7.
Gelatine: An odourless, tasteless, protein substance
like glue or jelly, obtained by boiling the bones, hoofs,
and other waste parts of animals. It dissolves easily in
hot water and is used in making jellied salads and
desserts, camera film, and glue.
8.
Gin: A strong colourless alcoholic drink distilled from
grain and flavoured with juniper berries.
9. Ham: Meat cut from the thigh of the hind leg of a hog after curing by salting or smoking.
10.
Lard: The fat of pigs or hogs, melted down and made
clear. Lard is made especially of the internal fat of the
abdomen and is used in cooking.
11.
Rum: An alcoholic liquor made from sugar cane or
molasses. It can be clear but is usually coloured
brownish-red by storage in oak casks or by the addition
of caramel.
12. Wine:
1. Alcohol fermented from grapes: an alcoholic drink made by fermenting the juice of grapes
2.
Alcohol fermented from other fruit: an alcoholic drink
made by fermenting the juice of fruit other than grapes,
or the juice of other plants
13.. Tallow: A hard fatty substance extracted from the fat of sheep and cattle.
14. Vanilla Extract/Flavour:
A flavouring extract made from the vanilla bean and used
in candy, ice cream, and perfumes. The flavour extracted
from vanilla beans is most commonly dissolved in alcohol. Documentation
from a distributor of vanilla extract showed that the
ingredient contained 35% alcohol
hether
you are in Doha, Dubai, Manama, Salalah, Jiddah or an obscure country
village, when you step into an herbal medicine shop or wander through
the traditional suqs (markets), you will find vendors of herbs,
spices, bark, twigs, rocks and salt intended for culinary, cosmetic or
medicinal purposes. 
Have you ever wondered how people cleaned their teeth before the invention of the toothbrush? One answer is the miswak! A miswak (plural: masawik)
is a fibrous stick prepared from the root of the arak tree. It has
antiseptic and astringent properties which help clean and protect the
teeth and gums. A high-quality miswak has a strong, pungent smell. It is
pale yellow or cream in color. It is moist and flexible. 
Arabic: Haltita, Hiltit; 
History
credits Arab traders with giving the banana its popular name. Although
there are several hundred varieties which differ in taste, color, form
and size, Arab traders noted that bananas growing in Africa and Asia
were small, about the size of a man’s finger, and so called them banan, which means “fingertips” in Arabic. “Banana” is the singular form. 
Native to the Mediterranean and grown throughout the Middle East and parts of Asia, Nigella sativa
is cultivated for its seeds, which are known as the “seeds of
blessing.” For the Arabs, black seed is not only a food but also a
valued traditional medicine that has long been used to treat such
ailments as asthma, flatulence, polio, kidney stones, abdominal pain and
so on. It has served as an important health and beauty aid for
thousands of years. 
Arabic: Hal, Hail; 
How to use: 1)
Crush, chop or use garlic cloves whole to flavor dishes; 2) Bake, roast
or grill a bulb of garlic. When softened, squeeze out the pulp from the
individual cloves to eat; 3) Mash the softened pulp of baked garlic to
form a smooth paste and use it in soups, sauces and dips. Alternatively,
grind fresh garlic to a paste with a mortar and pestle. 
How to use: 1)
Slice, grate, chop or grind turmeric to a paste with other ingredients.
Then use it as you would fresh ginger root; 2) Grind dried turmeric
into powder; 3) Use whole pieces of dried turmeric in pickling.
