11. The Development of Embryo in Mother’s Womb from Foetus to Its Crowning

The Process of Creation
A Qur'anic Perspective

by Dr Israr Ahmad

11. The Development of Embryo in Mother’s Womb from Foetus to Its Crowning With Full Adamic Stature --- A Microscopic View of the Long Process

Life began on Earth, as has been explained in the earlier sections of the essay, with a microscopic amoeba consisting of a single cell, i.e. it was initially unicellular and then it passed through an evolutionary process extending over millions of years to develop into Homo sapiens. The crowning of one of three [i.e. Angels, Jinns and Bashar (through infusion of Divine breath i.e. spirit or rooh)] has already been discussed. Later on, proliferation of human race took place exactly on the pattern of all living beings, viz. through copulation and cohabitation of the male and the female. However, unlike the development and birth of all other living species, a special event or phase characterizes the human embryo in the mother’s womb: its crowning with spirit or rooh exactly on the pattern of Adam (pbuh). Its “rooh” is brought forth from the repository (where it was kept in a dormant state) and aligned with the living embryo.

The stages of the development of human embryo starting from the fertilization of ovum (zygote) to a fully developed baby pointed out in the description contained in a number of verses of the Qur`an has surprised a good many top experts of embryology. In particular, mention here must be made of the two eminent Canadian professors of embryology at the University of Toronto viz. Dr. Keith L. Moore and Dr. Robert Edwards. While Dr. Keith L. Moore is a leading expert of the subject and two of his research publications are studied as textbooks in many medical universities around the world, and the latter is a world-renowned expert of test-tube baby reproduction. Both of them express their utter amazement at the scientifically correct Qur`anic description of the development of human fertilized ovum in the mother’s womb taking the form of a zygote and then gradually developing into embryo with all limbs and organs. The Qur`anic description given more than 14 centuries ago is fully corroborated by scientific researches done very recently after the invention of microscope and other imaging techniques.

Though the verses of the Qur`an describing the stages of human foetus’ development are numerous, the topmost in detail and depth among them are verses 12 to 14 of Surah Al-Mu`minun. Here the creation of man is initially described as consisting of four stages, which are differentiated with the word thumma (“then”) pointing to a next stage of growth and development. The third of these stages is further divided into four sub-stages by means of the word fa alone. This means that in three verses, we thrice read the word thumma and thrice fa. The translation of the verses is worth noting:

“Man We did create from a quintessence (of clay); then We placed him as (a drop of) sperm in a place of rest, firmly fixed; then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a (foetus) lump; then We made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, the Best of creators.” [23:12-14]

The first verse out of the above beautiful passage of three verses --- Man We did create from a quintessence (of clay) --- refers to a major and long phase of the creative work of Allah (swt). In the earlier sections of this monograph, we have already discussed and expounded in the Qur`anic perspective the earliest stage of creation in which the creation of primeval matter out of nothing (ex nihilo) took place. It is also a process of creation when inorganic matter becomes or assumes the properties of living matter. Thus, inorganic constituents of the earth are absorbed into living matter by way of food and living matter reproduces itself by means of sperm. The next verse --- then We placed him as (a drop of) sperm in a place of rest, firmly fixed --- refers to the activity when the sperm is deposited in the ovum and subject to fertilization rests for a time in security in the mother’s womb. The semen or fertilized sperm is protected in the mother’s womb like a king in a castle; it is firmly fixed and gets the protection of the mother’s body, on which it depends for its own growth until birth. Verse 6 of Surah Zum`r explains this:

“He makes you in the womb of your mothers in stages, one after another, in three veils of darkness.” [39:6]

Then we are told about the details of the third major phase in the development of the foetus which itself goes through four sub-phases viz.

i) Then we made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood;

ii) Then of that clot, We made a (foetus) lump;

iii) Then We made out of that lump bones

iv) and clothed the bones with flesh

The first change in the fertilized ovum is the conversion into a sort of clot of thickly congealed blood; the zygote cells grow by segmentation; then the mass gradually in its growth assumes the shape of a foetus. From the lump develop bones, flesh, organs and the nervous system. So far human baby’s growth in the mother’s womb is exactly like that of an animal, but then a further event takes place which transforms the infant animal into the infant human. This part of the verse, quite significantly, starts with the word thumma also which, according to Arabic grammar, refers to a new phase or “turn” after a considerable gap in a long preceding process. And this is the last major and momentous change in the (so far) animal-like embryo which turns it into a human infant with all its capacities and responsibilities. Let us again look at the translation of this part of the verse: “… then We developed out of it another creature or brought him into being as another creature.” And the verse ends with the words: “So blessed be Allah, the Best of creators”.

According to a great many exegetes, this last phase refers to breathing of Allah’s spirit into the embryo, as is stated very clearly in verse 29 of Surah Al-Hijr:

“When I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, fall down in obeisance to him.”

Moreover, according to verse 44 of Surah Al-Nahl it is the vocation of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) explain the meaning of Qur`an. The verse ends:

“And We have sent down unto thee the Message; that thou may explain clearly to men what is sent for them…”

So instead of thinking on our own (disengaged from divine guidance) and making conjectures on this point, it is best to look for guidance and wisdom from the sayings  of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Here an authentic Hadith contained both in Bukhari and Muslim helps us tremendously. On the authority of Abu Abdul Rahman Abdullah Ibn Masood who said: The Messenger of Allah (swt), and he is the truthful and the believed, narrated to us:

“Verily the creation of each one of you is brought together in his mother’s belly for forty days in the form of seed, then he is a clot of blood for a like period, then a morsel or lump of flesh for a like period, then there is sent to him the angel who blows spirit (rooh) into him…”  [Bukhari, Khalq-e-Adam and his progeny #3085]

It is this spirit that makes the embryo thoroughly human. Prior to this, the embryo was a piece of living flesh and hence had an animal existence only. The union with the soul is the transition from a mere animal existence to a fully human one. This blowing of spirit or rooh is indeed the crowning of the living animal embryo that places him – by making him ensouled --- on the high and dignified station of a human person, a member of Adam’s (pbuh) progeny. Prior to this super-addition of soul, the embryo or foetus developed and passed through various stages just like an animal foetus. We can only regret that quite a few religious scholars (who are totally ignorant of modern scientific knowledge and in particular of biology) take the last phase to mean infusion or breathing of life in the foetus. The fact, on the contrary, is that not only the fertilized ovum developing in the womb but its constituents in the form of spermatozoa (from male parent) and ovum contributed by the female already have the property of life. Neither the spermatozoa are dead, nor the ovum coming from the mother is dead. In particular, the “sperm” of the male parent is not only living, it is jumping and hitting with force and zest. To sum up: it is the addition of the spiritual element or rooh into the already living foetus that makes it truly human or homo cum deo.  

Source:  The Process of Creation

 to be continued  . . . .

Healing Plague

Healing Through Prophetic Medicine in Islam

Tibb-e-Nabawi

Healing Diseases

Plague

وَقُلِ الْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ الَّذِي لَمْ يَتَّخِذْ وَلَدًا وَلَم يَكُن لَّهُ شَرِيكٌ فِي الْمُلْكِ وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُ وَلِيٌّ مِّنَ الذُّلَّ وَكَبِّرْهُ تَكْبِيرًا

Prophet commanded Muslims not to enter a plague-infested area

In the Sahihain, it is narrated that Sa'ad bin Abi Waqas Radi Allaho Anh asked Usamah bin Zayd about what he heard Prophet Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam say concerning the plague. Usamah said that the Messenger of Allah said:

الطاعُونُ رِجْزٌ أُرْسِلَ عَلَى طائفةٍ من بنى إسرائيلَ، وعَلَى مَن كان قَبْلَكم، فإذا سَمِعْتُم به بأرضٍ، فَلا تَدْخُلوا عليه، وإذا وَقَعَ بأرضٍ وأنْتُم بها، فلا تَخُرُجوا منها فِرَاراً مِنْهُ

The plague is a punishment that was sent down on some of the Children of Israel and on those who were before your time. So if you hear that it has struck a land, do not enter that land, and if it breaks out in a land that you are residing in, do not go out of that area escaping from it

Furthermore, in the Sahihain, it is narrated that Prophet Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam said:

‏‏الطَّاعُونُ شهادةٌ لكلِّ مُسْلِم

"The plague is martyrdom for every Muslim".

Linguistically, Ta'oon, the plague, is a type of disease. In medical terms, the plague is a fatal, vicious tumor that causes a very strong and painful infection, quickly turning the infected area into black, green or brown color. Soon afterwards, ulcers start to appear around the infected area. The plague usually strikes three areas, under the alms, behind the ear and the tip of the nose, and / or, the soft (flaccid) tissues of the body. Ayesha Radi Allaho Anha narrated that she asked the Prophet about the plague, and he said:

غُدَّةٌ كَغُدَّةِ البَعيرِ يَخْرُجُ في المَرَاقِّ والإِبْط

"A gland that is similar to the camel’s gland and which appears in the tender parts of the abdomen and under the arms".

Doctors say that when a septic infection occurs in the soft flesh, such as under the arms or behind the ears, it is called the plague. The plague is caused by spoiled, septic blood [infected by a bug that carried the disease from infected rodents]. The infected blood spoils the part of the body that it strikes, sometimes causing blood hemorrhaging and pus. In this case, the inflicted organ sends the infected blood to the heart, thus causing vomit, unconsciousness and rapid heartbeat. Although the plague describes every infection that sends septic blood to the heart, becoming fatal sometimes, it particularity describes the infection that attacks the soft tissues of the body. Since the infected blood is septic, the various organs reject the blood, except those that have become weak. The worst types of the plague are those that strike behind ears and under the arms, because they are closer to the essential organs of the body. There is little chance to be cured from the black plague, while the red plague and the yellow plagues are the least dangerous. Since the plague breaks out in polluted areas, it is called a plague, although this word describes every epidemic, as we have stated, and as Al-Khalil has concurred.

The word epidemic is more general than the plague; every plague is an epidemic while not every epidemic is a plague.

The plagues cause infections, ulcers and malignant growths in the areas of the body we described. It is my judgment that these are only the symptoms of the plague, since this is what doctors visibly observe, thus prompting the doctors to call them symptoms of the plague.

There are three meanings for the word plague. First: the symptoms of the disease that the doctors observe and record. Second, the death that occurs to those inflicted by the plague, as our beloved Prophet said, "The plague is martyrdom for every Muslim".

Third, the reason behind the outbreak of the plague, which is mentioned in the Hadith "The plague is the remnant of a punishment that was sent on the Children of Israel". In addition, the plague was described in another Hadith that "it is a result of the Jinn’s touch.” Furthermore, Prophet Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam said that the plague is a Prophet’s supplication.



The doctors cannot refine the seasons we have mentioned explaining why the plague breaks out, although they feel that thorn is no physical proof that supports them. The Messengers informed us of matters of the Unseen, while a doctor's expertise deals with the physical symptoms of the plague. However, the symptoms of the plague that doctors are familiar with do not provide them with any material evidence that the plague does not engage the soul in some manner, for there is a tremendous connection between the soul and what the body suffers due to disease and ultimately death. Only the most ignorant people will deny the effects of the soul on the body and on human nature as a whole. Allah gives the soul certain powers over the body when someone is attacked by plague; & at such times when an epidemic breaks out or when the air is unhealthy. In addition, the soul has certain effects on the body when it experiences the ailments that are caused by septic substances, especially when blood, semen or black bile is irritated. Evil forces take control of the body when it experiences such emotions and ailments, unless the person repels it with an even stronger power, such as remembering Allah, supplicating to Him, invoking and pleading to Him, giving in charity and reciting the Quran. In this case, angels will descend and will defeat and neutralize the evil effects of the devilish souls (evil forces). 

We have successfully tried this method many times, that which only Allah is Able to count, and we witnessed the wonderful effects of such positive forces (good souls) in strengthening one’s resolve and ridding him of bad elements when in the early stages. This method almost never fails. When one feels that evil is close-by him, he should turn to good deeds as we have explained, so that they deter and fend off the evil forces (souls). This is the best medicine in such cases for those whom Allah leads to success. But when Allah Decides that His appointed destiny takes over; He draws the slave’s heart away from knowing and intending to perform these good deeds. In this case, the slave does not decide or intend to perform Saalehaat (good deeds), so that what Allah has Decided over rules.

We must reemphasize the fact that unhealthy air plays a major role in causing the plague. Air becomes unhealthy when it becomes polluted because of septic materials or pollutants, no matter what time of year, although it usually happens in the latter part of the summer and in the autumn. This is because during these times of the year (and when the air is most polluted), acute bilious excretions will accumulate during the summer, yet would not have maturated by the end of the season. In autumn, the air is usually cold and thus the immature excretions that accumulated in the summer will heat up and start to get spoiled and decayed, thus causing putrid illnesses. This is especially the case when the body is ready to accept such ailments, being inactive and having abundant septic materials, both of which rarely spare the body from ailments.

We should state that the best season of the year is spring especially regarding the air. Hippocrates said, "Autumn carries the worst types of ailments and fatal diseases. Spring on the other hand, is the best season and has the least occurrences of deaths, pharmacists and those who prepare dead bodies for burial usually borrow money during spring and summer, rather than autumn. This is because to them, autumn is their spring that they are eager for its coming and feet happy when it starts (due to the increased number of deaths in the autumn).

It was reported in Hadith that

‏‏إذا طَلعَ النَّجْمُ ارْتَفَعَت الْعَاهَةُ عن كلِّ بَلَدٍ

"When the Najm (literally: star) appears, every epidemic is removed from every land".

The Najm is said to mean the star, or the plants that appear in spring.

‏وَالنَّجْمُ وَالشَّجَرُ يَسْجُدَان‏

"And the herbs (or stars) and the trees both prostrate themselves (to Allah)". (55:6)

Meaning during spring, because it is the season when the trees are at their prime and thus the epidemics are removed.



As for the Najm (North Star in this case), ailments intensify when it rises and then sets just about dawn. Al-­Tamimi said in his book, ‘The Secret of the Existence’, “The worst two times of the year and the most harmful for the body are when the North star sets just before dawn, and when it appears from the east before the sun rises on the world. This is the time when spring is about to end. Yet, the harm that occurs when it appears is less than the harm caused by its setting. Further, Abu Muhammad bin Qutaibah said:

‘Whenever the Pleiades (in astronomy, the star cluster was named by the ancient Greeks after the “Seven Sisters” of mythology, the Arabs called it الثُّريا  Thuraiya) rises or sets, it brings about an epidemic for people and camels. Yet, its setting is worse than when it is rising”

There is a third opinion regarding the meaning of the Hadith, that is, the star means the Pleiades and the epidemic is that which attacks the plants and fruits during winter and in the beginning of spring. When the star rises, the plants will be safe from such epidemics during that time, this is why our beloved Prophet disallowed selling or buying fruit before it is apparent that they are good.

Prophet Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam commanded Muslims not to enter a plague-infested area and to remain in the infected area. This is the best type of prevention, for when one enters a plague infested area; he exposes himself to the risk of infection and harm. Exposing oneself to such danger defies religion and a sound mind. Staying away from plague infested areas is a type of prevention that Allah has directed and guided the people to. In this case, one observes a form of diet or prophylactic by avoiding contaminated areas and air.

As for the Prophet’s sayings for prohibiting the Muslims from escaping the epidemic infested area, it has two possible meanings.

1. Encouraging the heart to depend and rely on Allah while observing patience and being content with what Allah has decided.

2. The best medical authorities say that in order to avoid becoming sick during an epidemic requires helping the body to get rid of harmful fluids and moisture, observing a diet and preserving the body’s dryness in general, they warn against sports activities and taking baths. The human body usually contains harmful substances that are idle and which sometimes become activated by sports and taking a bath. They would then mix with the beneficial substances in the body and cause several ailments. Therefore, when the plague strikes a land, the best thing one can do is to remain idle in that area, so that the harmful substances in his body are not aroused or irritated. Leaving the plague-infested area requires motion and physical effort, both of which are very harmful in this case.

These are the statements of the best medical authorities of old and present, helping to shed light on the correctness of the Prophet’s commands that assure the well being of the heart and body.

If someone asks about what our beloved Prophet said, "Do not abandon it and take flight", refutes the meaning that has been stated. Leaving the infested land for another purpose than escaping, such as traveling, is exempted from the prohibition.

We answer this question by stating that no person, whether a doctor or otherwise, said that all types of motion are prohibited when the plague strikes a land, or the people cannot act as if they were fixed objects. Rather, engaging in excessive physical movements and activities that are not necessary is discouraged during the outbreak of an epidemic. There is no reason behind abandoning the plague-infested land other than escaping from the plague, whereas being idle and calm are better for the people’s hearts and bodies in this situation. In addition, staying inactive satisfies the required dependence and reliance on Allah and submitting to His decisions. As for those who need to move about, such as hired hands, manufacturers and travelers, they are not required to remain completely inactive, but to refrain from any unnecessary movements such as traveling to escape the plague.

There is a great wisdom behind commanding the people to remain in the plague-infested area which is as under:

1. Avoiding harm and the paths that might lead to harm.

2. Preserving one’s health, which is the vehicle that people rely on to acquire life’s necessities and to fulfill the requirements of the Hereafter.

3. So that the people do not fall sick upon breathing polluted and contaminated air.

4. Avoiding close association with those afflicted with the plague, so as not to catch the plague themselves.

5. Preserving the body and soul from contamination and superstition; this only harms those who believe in it.

In short, prohibiting entrance to plague-infested areas is a preventive measure and a type of diet (prophylactic) that leads away from the paths of harm. To prohibit leaving the area where the plague has struck entails submitting to Allah’s Will and decisions. The first order teaches and trains, while the second order entails submission and referring all matters to Allah’s will.

وفى "الصحيح": أنَّ عمر بن الخطاب خرج إلى الشام، حتى إذا كان بِسَرْغَ لَقيه أبو عُبيدة بن الجرَّاح وأصحابه، فأخبرُوه أنَّ الوَباءَ قد وقع بالشام، فاختلفوا، فقال لابن عباس: ادعُ لى المهاجرينَ الأوَّلينَ، قال: فدعوتُهم، فاستشارهم، وأخبرهم أنَّ الوباء قد وقع بالشام. فاختلفوا، فقال له بعضُهم: خرجتَ لأَمر، فلا نرى أن تَرْجِعَ عنه. وقال آخرون: معك بقيةُ الناس، وأصحابُ رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، فلا نرى أن تُقْدِمَهُم على هذا الوَبَاء، فقال عمر: ارتفعوا عَنِّى، ثم قال: ادعُ لى الأنصار، فدعوتُهم له، فاستشارهم، فسلكُوا سبيلَ المهاجرين، واختلفوا كاختلافهم، فقال: ارتفعوا عَنِّى، ثم قال: ادْع لى مَنْ هَهُنَا من مشيخةِ قريشٍ من مُهاجرةِ الفتح، فدعوتهم له، فلم يختلف عليه منهم رجلان، قالوا: نرى أن ترجِعَ بالناس ولا تُقْدِمَهُم على هذا الوباء، فَأَذَّنَ عمر فى الناس: إنى مُصبحٌ على ظَهْرٍ، فأَصْبِحُوا عليهِ. فقال أبو عُبيدة بن الجرَّاح: يا أميرَ المؤمنين؛ أفِرَاراً من قَدَرِ الله تعالى ؟ قال: لو غيرُك قالها يا أبا عُبيدة، نعم نَفِرُّ من قَدَرِ الله تعالى إلى قَدَرِ الله تعالى، أرأيتَ لو كانَ لك إبلٌ فهبطتَ وَادِياً له عُدْوَتَان، إحداهما خِصبة، والأُخرى جَدْبة، ألستَ إنْ رعيتَها الخِصبة رعيتَها بَقدَرِ الله تعالى، وإن رعيتها الجدبةَ رعيتَها بقدر الله تعالى ؟. قال: فجاء عبد الرحمن بن عَوْف وكانَ متغيباً فى بعض حاجاتِهِ، فقال: إنَّ عندى فى هذا علماً، سمعتُ رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: "إذا كان بِأَرْضٍ وأنْتُمْ بها فلا تَخْرُجوا فِرَاراً منه، وإذا سَمِعْتُم به بأرضٍ فلا تَقْدَموا عَلَيْهِ".

Umar Bin Khattab radi Allaho Anh was on his way to Ash-Sham when he reached the area of Sargh where he met Abu Ubaydah bin Al-Jarrah Radi Allaho Anh with some people. They told the Caliph that there was an outbreak of the plague in Ash-Sham. They disputed among each other about what to do. So Umar said to lbn Abbas "Summon the early Migrants". Ibn Abbas said, ‘I summoned them and they disputed, as some of them said to Umar that you went out for a certain purpose and we recommend that we do not go back until it is fulfilled. Other Migrants said, ‘You have the best of the people in your company and the remainder of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah.  Therefore, we do not recommend that you send them towards the epidemic. Umar said, ‘Go away from here.’ He then said, "Summon Al-Ansar for me". Ibn Abbas summoned them and Urnar asked for their opinions. The Ansar disputed just as the Migrants disputed and copied their behavior. Umar said, ‘Go away from here. Umar then said, "Summon whoever is present from the leaders of Quraish from those who embraced Islam in the aftermath of the Fath (conquering of Makkah)". Ibn Abbss summoned them and no two among them disputed, as they all said, "We recommend that you go back with the people and do not expose them to the epidemic". Umar Radi Allaho Anh then ordered the people to leave saying, "In the morning, I will be riding on my animal’s back, and so you too should". Abu Ubaydah bin Jarrah Radi Allaho Anh said, O leader of the believers! Do you run away from Allah’s appointed destiny? Umar said, "I wish that somebody else had uttered these words, O Abu Ubaydah Yes, we run away from Allah's appointed destiny to Allah’s appointed destiny. If you had a herd of camels that arrived at a valley that has two slopes, one fertile and the other barren and you let your camels graze on the fertile slope, you will do so by Allah’s Leave, will you not? And if you allow them to graze on the barren slope, you will do so by Allah’s Leave, will you not? Soon after, Abdur Rahman Bin Awf Radi Allaho Anh came back from attending to some of his needs and said, "I have knowledge regarding this matter. I heard the Messenger of Allah said:

"If you bear about it (the plague) in a land that you are in, do not run away from it, and if you hear that it broke out in a certain land, do not enter that land." [Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmizi, An-Nasaii, lbn Majah and Ahmad].

Source

to be continued .....

Healing Conjunctivitis

Healing Through Prophetic Medicine in Islam

Tibb-e-Nabawi

Healing Diseases

Treating Conjunctivitis

أَعُوذُ بِاللّهِ أَنْ أَكُونَ مِنَ الْجَاهِلِينَ

Prophet's Guidance on treating conjunctivitis with rest and observing a special diet.

We mentioned that Prophet Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam required Suhaib Radi Allaho Anh to observe a diet from eating dates when he was suffering from conjunctivitis, and asked Ali Radi Allaho Anh when he was suffering from the same condition. Furthermore, Abu Naeem narrated in his book, "The Prophetic Medicine",

وذكر أبو نُعَيْم فى كتاب "الطب النبوى": أنه صلى الله عليه وسلم "كان إذا رَمِدَتْ عينُ امرأةٍ من نسائه لم يأتِهَا حَتَّى تَبرَأَ عينُها".

"Whenever any of the Prophet's wives would come down with conjunctivitis, he would not touch her until her eyes were cured".


Conjunctivitis is an infection that attacks the conjunctiva; that is the white part of the eye. The disease is caused by one of the four conditions [hotness, coldness, dryness and wetness], or by the accumulation of hot flatulence in the head and body, that later reaches the eye and causes conjunctivitis. When the eye receives a hit, the blood and the soul will rush to the aid of the affected eye, which then becomes swollen.


We should know that there are two types of moistures that ascend to the air. One is hot and dry and the other is hot and wet. These moistures form the clouds that shade the sky from our eyes. Likewise, gaseous substances and moistures ascend from the stomach to the upper parts of the body and cause many ailments, such as Conjunctivitis. 

When the body's resistance is strong, it will push these gaseous substances to the nose and cause a congestion that usually accompanies colds. When these substances are pushed up through the uvula and the nostrils, they cause Angina. When these moistures are pushed towards the side, they cause pleurisy, and when they reach the chest, they cause pneumonia. When the moistures reach the heart, they cause rapid pulse, and when they reach the eyes they result in conjunctivitis. When they reach the intestinal cavity, they cause diarrhea and when they reach the brain, they cause forgetfulness. If the brain receives excessive amounts of these gaseous moisture, they might cause heavy sleeping. This is why sleep is a wet substance while being awake is dry. When the septic gases un-successfully seek to depart from the body through the head, they will cause headache and disturbance in sleep. When these gases attack one side of the brain, they cause migraines. If these gases reach the cerebral divider and impart coldness, hotness or wetness, it will cause sneezing. If the gases cause the accumulation of phlegm in the cerebral divider; so that its hot nature becomes weak, they cause unconsciousness & stroke. If the gases excite the black bile, they will cause obsession, and if they reach the nerves, they will cause epilepsy. When the cerebral nerves receive these gases they will suffer from facial paralysis (Bell's palsy). If these gases were caused by inflamed yellow bile that heats the brain, they will cause cerebral tumors, and when the chest receives a path of these gases, they will cause pleurisy.


In short, the condition of the head and body will be irritated because of conjunctivitis, and having sex in this state will only aggravate the condition even more. Sex entails a movement that is shared by the entire body, the heart and the soul. As for the body, it heats up due to the intense movements during sex, while the heart will seek to acquire its lust and pleasures. The soul will follow the lead of the body and the heart, as the first part that is connected to the soul is the heart, which in turn affects the rest of the body. As for the body, it sends the semen that is needed to bring the sexual intercourse to conclusion. Thus, sexual activity involves a movement by the entire body, the heart and the soul, and every move excites the various conditions and causes them to move to meeker parts of the body, such as the eye when suffering from conjunctivitis.




We should state that the body benefits from conjunctivitis in that it helps the body to extract harmful substances and cleanses the body and the head from septic elements. In addition, conjunctivitis compels the affected person to observe a special diet and avoid sadness, grief, strong movements and hard work. Furthermore, one of our righteous predecessors said,

لا تَكرهوا الرَّمدَ، فإنه يقطع عروق العَمَى.

"Do not hate conjunctivitis, because it prevents blindness".



Conjunctivitis requires rest and avoiding touching the eye to prevent more harmful substances from accumulating in it. Some of the Salaf once said, "The example of the Companions of Prophet Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam is the example of the eye; its cure is in avoiding touching it".

وقد رُوى فى حديث مرفوع، الله أعلم به: "علاجُ الرَّمد تَقطيرُ الماءِ الباردِ فى العَيْن"

A Hadith that we are not sure about its authenticity states that sprinkling cold water on the eye helps cure conjunctivitis. The remedy mentioned in the Hadith is beneficial for hot conjunctivitis, since water is cold and thus cools down the heat that accompanies it. This is why when the wife of Abdullah Bin Mas'ood Radi Allaho Anh complained about her eyes, he said to her “If you had done what Prophet Muhammad used to do, it would have bean better for you and would have brought fast healing to your eyes. Splash water on your eyes & then say,

"أَذهِبْ البأْسَ ربَّ النَّاس، واشْفِ أنتَ الشَّافِى، لا شِفاءَ إلا شِفَاؤك، شِفاءً لا يُغادِرُ سَقَماً".

"Cure the ailment, O LORD of the people, Bring about the cure, for You Alone Bring the cure and there is on cure except that which You Bring about. Bring a type of cure that eradicates every ailment".

Source

to be continued .....

Healing by Herbs - Karafs - Celery

Healing Through Prophetic Medicine in Islam

Tibb-e-Nabawi

Healing by Herbs

كــرفـــس / Karafs / Celery

كَرَفْس: روى فى حديث لا يصِحُّ عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، أنه قال: "مَن أكَلَهُ ثم نامَ عليه، نام ونَكْهتُهُ طَيِّبةٌ، وينامُ آمناً من وَجَعِ الأضراسِ والأسنانِ"، وهذا باطل على رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، ولكن البُسْتانىَّ منه يُطيِّب النكهة جدّاً، وإذا عُلِّق أصله فى الرقبة نفع من وجع الأسنان.

وهو حارٌ يابس، وقيل: رطب مفتِّح لسُداد الكَبِد والطِّحال، وورقُه رطباً ينفعُ المَعِدَة والكَبِدَ الباردة، ويُدِرُّ البَوْل والطَّمْث، ويُفتِّت الحصاة، وحَبّه أقوى فى ذلك، ويُهيِّج الباه، وينفعُ مِن البَخَر. قال الرازىُّ: وينبغى أن يُجتنب أكله إذا خِيفَ من لدغ العقارب.

There is a false Hadith related to Prophet Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam which says, "Whoever eats Karafs (Celery) & then sleeps, then his breath's smell will remain pleasant & he will be saved from toothache".


But it is a fact that Bustani Karafs (Celery) has a good aroma, it makes the breath pleasant and when it is hung under the neck, it relieves toothache.



Karafs is hot and dry, and it opens the clogs of the liver and spleen. Wet celery leaves helps the stomach and the cold liver, causes urine (it is a diuretic), menstrual flow, and dissolves stones. Celery seeds are more effective in this regard. Karafs stimulates semen production and relieves offensive breath. Al-Razi said, "One should avoid eating it if he fears he might suffer a scorpion sting".



Other Benefits of Celery seeds :


Lowers Blood Pressure and Cholesterol - in one study, at the University of Chicago, lab animals who were given a daily dose of a compound extracted from celery seed experienced a 12 percent reduction in their blood pressure over a four-week period. The same study indicated it may reduce artery-clogging cholesterol. A traditional Vietnamese remedy for high blood pressure.

Healthy Joints - celery has been used and suggested as an alternative therapy for arthritis, rheumatism, and gout. Celery seed is most often taken to aid in the maintenance of healthy joints. Celery seeds have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and pain around the joints. It is suitable for anyone who wishes to reduce the degeneration of body joints that commonly occurs with age. Celery seed can also ease joint discomfort that occurs due to inflammation and is, in fact, used for the relief of symptoms of conditions such as arthritis.

Antiseptic Properties - celery seed has an antiseptic property that makes it useful to the health of the urinary tract and a diuretic property to help relieve fluid retention. Celery seed aids in the elimination of uric acid. These properties can prove useful in cases of bladder disorders, cystitis, and kidney disorders. Celery seed helps with urinary tract infection in women.

Acts as A Diuretic - the herb contains a diuretic substance that also benefits arthritis and gout patients, as it helps to flush away the uric acid crystals that build up around the joints. Celery helps shed water weight.

Menstrual Discomfort - celery may promote the onset of menstruation.

Anxiety - celery seed can help soothe the nerves and relieve pain.

Aids Digestion - Consuming celery seed in food also aids in the digestion of protein.

Anti-Cancer Agents - contains eight different families of anti-cancer compounds, such as phthalides and polyacetylenes, which detoxify carcinogens, present in high concentrations in cigarette smoke.

Celery

Celery seeds

Source

to be continued .....

Healing by Lahm - Meat

Healing Through Prophetic Medicine in Islam

Tibb-e-Nabawi

Healing by Food

لــحــم / Lahm / Meat

Allah Said:

قال الله تعالى: وَأَمْدَدْنَاهُم بِفَاكِهَةٍ وَلَحْمٍ مِّمَّا يَشْتَهُونَ [الطور: 22]

وقال: وَلَحْمِ طَيْرٍ مِّمَّا يَشْتَهُونَ [الواقعة: 21]

"And We shall provide them with fruit and meat such as they desire.” (52:22)

"And with the flesh of fowls that they desire.” (56:21)



In the Sahih, it is narrated that Prophet Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam said:

وفى "الصحيح" عنه صلى الله عليه وسلم:"فضلُ عائشةَ على النِّساءِ كفضلِ الثَّريدِ على سائِرِ الطَّعَامِ". و"الثريد": الخبز واللَّحم. وقال الزُّهْرى: أكل اللَّحْم يَزيدُ سبعين قوَّة، وقال محمد بن واسع: اللَّحْم يزيد فى البصر، ويُروى عن على بن أبى طالب رضى الله عنه: "كُلُوا اللَّحْمَ، فإنه يُصَفِّى اللَّوْنَ، ويُخْمِصُ البَطْنَ، ويُحَسِّنُ الخُلُقَ"، وقال نافع: كان ابن عمر إذا كان رمضانُ لم يَفُتْه اللَّحْم، وإذا سافر لم يفته اللَّحْمَ. ويُذكر عن علىٍّ: مَن تركه أربعين ليلة ساء خُلُقه

"The virtue of Aishah compared to rest of the women is like the virtue of Thareed as compared to the rest of the foods". (Thareed means a soup made with bread and meat).


Az-Zuhri said, "Eating meat brings about strength in seventy different ways". In addition, Muhammad bin Wasi’ said, "Eating meat strengthens the sight". Ali Radi Allaho Anh was reported to have said, "Eat meat, because it makes the skin's color lighter, the stomach firmer and the behavior better". Ibn Umar Radi Allaho Anh used to eat meat frequently when Ramadan started and when traveling". Finally, Ali Radi Allaho Anh was reported to have said, "Whoever refrains from eating meat for forty days will acquire bad behavior".



There are different types of meat, & we shall describe them briefly and elaborate on their benefit or harm.



Sheep Meat (Mutton)


Mutton is warm in the second degree and wet in the first degree. The best type of mutton comes from the one-year old animal, which creates good blood for the human's body (if digested properly). This type of meat is suitable for those who have hot or cold temperaments and for those who practice sports activity in cold areas and cold weather. It is beneficial for those who suffer from black bile, and it strengthens the mind and memory. However, the mutton of old, thin animals is not good, as is the ewe's meat.


The best type of mutton is the dark meat of the male animal, for it is lighter, tastier and more beneficial. The mutton of castrated sheep is even better and more beneficial. The red meat of fat sheep is lighter and more nutritious, while the chest of the goat is less nutritious and floats in the stomach.


The best parts of mutton meat are the meat that covers the bones, the right side, which is lighter and tastier than the left side, and the front parts rather than the back parts. The best part of sheep's meat liked by Prophet Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam was the front part, which is closer to the head, but not the head itself. The front part is lighter and tastier. Once, Al­-Farazdaq gave a man some money to buy meat for him, saying, "Buy the front parts and avoid the head and the intestines, because that is where disease resides".


The meat on the neck is tasty and easy to digest. The meat that covers the arm is the lightest meat, the tastiest, the healthiest and the easiest to digest. In the Sahihain, it is narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) used to like eating the meat of sheep's arm. Furthermore, meat on the back of the sheep is nutritious and produces sanitary blood.



Goat Meat


It is cold and dry, and the mixtures that goat meat produces are harmful. Goat meat is not digested easily and is not significant nutrition-wise. The meat of billy goats is not beneficial, because it is rather dry, heavy on the stomach and produces black bile.



Al-Jahiz once said, "A skilled doctor once said to me, O Abu Uthman! Avoid goat meat because it causes depression, causes black bile, forgetfulness, and spoils the blood. By Allah, it drives children wild.”

Some doctors say that goat's meat that is not preferred is the meat of old goats, especially for old people. They say that goat meat is not bad for whoever is used to eating it.



When the doctors state that goat meat is not beneficial, they specifically mean those who have weak stomachs and those who are not used to eating it, such as the people who live in luxury in cities and who are used to softer types of foods. But this is not the majority.



The meat of young, but not very young goats is milder, especially when the goat is still nursing. This type of goat meat is digested faster, because it still possesses the strength of its mother’s milk. The meat of young goats is milder for most people and lighter than camel's meat. In addition, young goat's meat produces moderate blood.


Cow Meat


Cow Meat is cold and dry, heavy on the stomach and produces black, bilious blood that is only suitable for hard workers. Eating cow meat excessively (for those who are not used to it) can cause Vitiligo (a skin condition of unknown cause, characterized by patchy loss of pigment), mange, herpes, leprosy, elephantiasis, cancer, obsession, Quartran fever and various tumors. The harm that this meat causes will be neutralized when one eats it with spices, garlic, ginger and cinnamon. Meat of a male cow is colder than female cow's meat, which is less dry.


Meat of fat calves is one of the best, mildest and tastiest types of food. It is warm and wet, and if fully digested, it provides good nutrition.



Camel Meat


The difference between the Shiite and the Sunnis and between the Jews and Muslims is that the Muslims eat camel's meat. In addition, the Shiites and Jews neither praise nor eat camel meat. It is well established in the religion that Muslims are allowed to eat camel meat and that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) and his Companions used to eat it while traveling and otherwise.

Young camel meat is one of the tastiest and most nutritious types of foods, and those who are used to eating it find it as light and beneficial as sheep meat. Some doctors did not like eating camel meat for residents of the cities because they are not used to it. Camel meat is hot and dry, difficult to digest and begets black bile.

Rabbit Meat

Rabbit meat was mentioned in the Sahihain, as Anas Radi Allaho Anh said,

ثبت فى "الصحيحين": عن أنس بن مالك، قال:"أنْفَجْنَا أرنبا فَسَعَوْا فى طلبها، فأخذوها، فبعث أبو طلحة بِوَرِكِهَا إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَبِلَهُ"

"We hunted a rabbit after pursuing it for a while. Afterwards, Abu Talhah Radi Allaho Anh sent its hip to the Messenger of Allah (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) who accepted it".



Rabbit meat is mildly hot and dry, and the best.



Dried (Jerked) Meat


It the Sunan, it is narrated that Thawban Radi Allaho Anh said,

فى "السنن": من حديث ثوبان رضى الله عنه قال: ذبحتُ لرسولِ الله صلى الله عليه وسلم شاةً ونحن مسافرون، فقال: "أصْلِحْ لَحْمَها" فلم أزل أُطِعمُه منه إلى المدينة

"I slaughtered a sheep for the Messenger of Allah (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) while we were traveling, and he said to me : "Dry its meat". I kept feeding the beloved Prophet from its meat until we reached Al-Madinah".



Dried meat is better than old meat and strengthens the body, although it causes skin rashes sometimes, a side effect that could be neutralized with cold, humid spices. Jerked meat is favorable for hot conditions. Old meat is hot and dry, favorable for hot conditions and the best type of this meat is that which is fat and wet. Finally, old meat constipates unless cooked in milk and grease.



Fowl meat

 Allah Said: "And with the flesh of fowls that they desire". (56:2 1)



Some types of fowl meats are allowed and some are prohibited. The prohibited types include the birds that have claws, such as the falcon, hawk and peregrine, and those that eat carrion, such as the eagle, vulture, stork, and magpie, spotted and black crows. In addition, this list includes the birds that we are not allowed to kill, such as the hoopoe and the shrike, and some of the birds that we are allowed to kill, such as kite and crow.


There are many types of fowl that are allowed, such as the chicken meat. In the Sahihain, it is narrated by Abu Musa that Prophet Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam ate chicken meat.



Chicken Meat


Chicken meat is hot and dry in the first degree and it is easy on the stomach and digests quickly. Chicken meat strengthens the mind and increases the production of semen. It also makes the voice softer, the mind stronger and produces healthy blood. It was said that eating chicken meat on a regular basis causes gout, but this is not confirmed by fact.


Cock’s meat, on the other hand, is hotter and less wet. The meat of old cocks helps against constipation, asthma and thick flatulence when cooked with safflower, canella and Dill seeds (Shibit). The castrated cock meat is nutritious and easy to digest. Pullet meat is easy to digest and mild on the stomach and produces mild blood.



Bird and Lark Meat


Nasa'i narrated in his Sunnan that Abdullah bin Umar Radi Allaho Anh reported that Prophet Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam said:

روى النسائِى فى "سننه": من حديث عبد الله بن عمرو رضى الله عنه، أنَّ النبىَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: "ما من إنسانٍ يَقْتُل عُصفوراً فما فوقَهُ بغير حَقِّهِ إلاَّ سألَهُ اللهُ عَزَّ وجَلَّ عنها". قيل: يا رسول الله؛ وما حقُّه ؟ قال: "تَذْبحُه فتأكُلُهُ، ولا تَقْطَعُ رأسهُ وتَرْمى به".

"No person kills a bird and a larger animal without justification, but will be asked about it on the Day of Resurrection. He was asked, O Messenger of Allah! When is it justified? He said, ‘You slaughter it and eat it, but do not cut its head and discard its body (i.e. for sport only).


In addition, Nasaa'i narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) said:

وفى "سننه" أيضاً: عن عمرو بن الشَّريد، عن أبيه قال: سمعتُ رسولَ الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: "مَنْ قَتَلَ عُصْفُوراً عَبَثاً، عَجَّ إلى الله يقولُ: يا ربِّ؛ إنَّ فُلاناً قَتَلَنِى عَبَثاً، ولم يَقْتُلْنى لِمَنْفَعَةٍ".

"Whoever kills a bird for fun, the bird will complain to Allah, O my Lord, Such and such person killed me for fun, not for a useful purpose".


Bird meat is hot and dry, constipates and stimulates semen production. Bird meat soup constipates and helps the joints. If one eats bird's brain with ginger and onion, it excites the sexual desire.



Pigeon Meat


Pigeon meat is hot and wet, although the meat of wild pigeons is less wet. The meat of pigeon chicks is more humid, especially the chicks of domesticated pigeons. Young pigeons are less meaty but a better food. The meat of male pigeons is a good cure for numbness, narcosis, Apoplexy, Epilepsy, convulsive shaking or trembles. Pigeon meat is favorable for the sexual drive and the kidneys and produces more blood.



Locust Meat


In the Sahihain, it is narrated that Abdullah bin Abi Awfa Radi Allaho Anh said,

الجراد: فى "الصحيحين": عن عبد الله بن أبى أوْفَى قال: "غزونا مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم سبعَ غَزَواتٍ، نأكُلُ الجَرَادَ".

"We went to seven battles with the Messenger of Allah (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) during which we used to eat locust".


Musnad also narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) said;

وفى "المسند" عنه: "أُحِلَّتْ لنا مَيْتَتَانِ ودَمَانِ: الحُوتُ والجرادُ، والكَبِدُ والطِّحالُ". يُروى مرفوعاً وموقوفاً على ابن عمر رضى الله عنه.

"We were allowed two types of dead animals and two bloods: fish and locust; liver and spleen".



This Hadith is also narrated from Ibn Umar Radi Allaho Anh.


Locust meat is hot and dry and not very nutritious. In addition, eating locust meat regularly makes the body thin & emaciated. The smoke of burnt locust helps in cases of Dysuria (impaired ability to pass urine), especially for women, and is favorable for hemorrhoids. Eating fat wingless locust (roasted) is a good cure for scorpion stings. But locust meat is not favorable for those suffering from epilepsy and produces septic mixtures in the stomach.


There is a difference on allowing (eating) locust when it is dead, where the majority of the scholars except Imam Malik allow it. Yet, there is no difference that it is allowed if the locust died because of a reason, such as being burnt or pressed. It is not good for regular basis because it creates illnesses of various types.


Eating meat on regular basis causes bloody sanguineous of allergies. Hippocrates once said, "Do not make your stomachs as a graveyard for animals".

Source

to be continued .....