Honey is regarded as a remarkable sweet viscous liquid produced by honey bees from the flower nectar as pure and nutritious food. There is an ample number of health benefits that honey does provide us with. The benefits of honey are also mentioned in the Holy Quran and the number of Hadith which is why it is held in high esteem by Muslims, as evidenced by the Holy Quran’s unique mentions.
Surah-An-Nahl (Chapter 16)
The Quran has a separate surah called “Nahl” (meaning “bee” in Arabic) on bees and honey in which Allah, the Almighty says:
And your Lord inspired to the bee, “Take for yourself among the mountains, houses, and among the trees and [in] that which they construct (Surat An-NaÄ¥l: 16:68). [Sahih International]
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 colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought (Surat An-NaÄ¥l: 16:69). [Sahih International]
Similarly, Prophet Muhammad would prescribe honey for stomach aches and enjoyed drinking honey sherbet (honey melted in water).
Hadith regarding the benefits of Honey
It is narrated by Abu Said Al-Khudr that once a man came to the Prophet ï·º and said, “My brother has some abdominal trouble.” The Prophet said to him “Let him drink honey.” The man came for the second time and the Prophet said to him, ‘Let him drink honey.” He came for the third time and the Prophet said, “Let him drink honey.” He returned and said, “I have done that ‘ The Prophet then said, “Allah has said the truth, but your brother’s abdomen has told a lie. Let him drink honey.” So he made him drink honey and he was cured. (Sahih Al-Bukhari Book 71 , Hadith 588)
Honey has a variety of health-promoting properties. The Quran and Hadith regard honey as a healer. Jabir bin Abdullah reported that he heard the Prophet ﷺ say, “If your medicines have any healing, then cupping, a gulp of honey, or cauterization with fire that suits the ailment, contain it. But I dislike being in fire.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari Book 71, Hadith 587)
Previous religious scriptures have also mentioned honey. People report that Prophet Solomon said:
My son, eat thou, honey because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste. So let wisdom nourish your soul: when you find it, you will receive your reward, and your hope will never be cut off.” (Old Testament, Proverbs 24:13-14)
It is for this reason that many Jews believe that eating honey can lead to mental keenness. After surviving the crucifixion, Prophet Jesus appeared before his disciples and ate fish with a honeycomb along with them.
While they were still in disbelief because of their joy and amazement, He asked them, Do you have anything here to eat So they gave Him a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb, and He took it and ate it in front of them. (Luke 24:42)
‘May your food be honey!’
“When Sultan Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, established the council, a well-wisher said, ‘Oh my powerful sultan, may your morning be prosperous, your food be honey and cream, and your route be made of meadows.’ The sultan, pleased by the peasant’s words, rewarded the man generously. His generous response astonished the onlookers, and the leader replied, ‘What was he supposed to say?’” He wanted to bless me with the best place and food he knew of.”
Ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks, and Romans all found honey to be beneficial to their well-being. People have used honey to treat diseases, heal wounds, and cure stomach problems.
Conclusion
Honey may be the 21st century’s latest antibiotic! Thousands of studies and experiments have shown this. Fourteen centuries ago, Allah revealed in the Holy Qur’an that honey contains healing and medicine for mankind. Without a doubt, this stands as one of the Qur’anic wonders, proving the Divine Claim of Allah Almighty. The Noble Qur’an presents scientific assertions and ideas in abundance. What’s even more incredible is that science and current scientific findings have proved all of these theoretical assertions and hypotheses to be in full harmony.
[References]
https://www.searchtruth.com/book_display.php?book=71&translator=1
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266832372_The_Benefits_of_Honey_in_Holy_Quran
https://www.dailysabah.com/feature/2017/08/11/the-story-of-honey