Staying physically healthy and fit is a blessing of Allah. It is our responsibility to keep ourselves healthy and fit to perform our level best in our lives. Ibn Abbas reported a great hadith. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your riches before your poverty, your free time before your work, and your life before your death.” [1]
There are many aspects of our life that we have to take good care of. One of the essential elements is to consume adequate amount of fruits. According to a study written in the CDC Morbidity and Mortality Reports in 2015, only 1 out of 10 American adults meet the American Federal recommendation of daily fruits and vegetable consumption. Fruits are good sources of vitamins and minerals. They have an essential health property. Nobody denies the importance of it.
A population-based cohort study in The Netherlands shows that higher consumption of fruit and vegetables, was protective against cardio heart disease incidence by 34%. They often contain vitamin C and potassium. Fruits are an excellent source of fiber which can help maintain a healthy gut and prevent constipation. Fruits can help with illnesses such as reducing the risk of bowel cancer, heart diseases, and stroke. We must consume fruits daily to ensure successful blood circulation and a healthy lifestyle. Other than that, lack of vitamin and minerals will cause the bones to be weak and makes a person experience tiredness.
This short article will highlight some beautiful information about 6 of the fruits mentioned in the Quran that have particular importance and benefit for our health. We hope that it helps create awareness about fruit consumption, especially those mentioned in the Quran.
The grapes are protective for your heart
Grapes are mentioned 6 times in the Quran, and Allah says it will be made available in heaven. According to Imam Ibn Al Qayyim, grapes are more than just fruit. They have medicinal property. Grapes are high in antioxidants, namely flavonoids. It also has the function to relaxes the blood vessels. It is healthy for the heart, acts as an anti-cancer, improving short-term memory, and an excellent fruit to help us lose weight.
Dates & Pomegranate are some of the delicious rewards awaiting in Paradise.
These fruits are singled out for mention in the Quran because of their superiority over other fruits. Both of them are the fruits of Paradise. In Surah Ar-Rahman verse 68, Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “In them (both) will be fruits, and date-palms and pomegranates” Pomegranate is mentioned 3 times in the Quran. It has an anti-inflammatory effect. Regular consumption helps in improving gut health, digestion and protects us from bowel diseases.
The natural sweetener date fruit is essential to help with normal labor.
Date is specifically grown in the desert countries’ oasis area. It is well known high fiber fruit with a lot of nutrition to boost brain health. The fruit mentioned more than 20 times in the Quran. One particular date is the Ajwa date. It has an excellent health benefit than any others. Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever eats seven ‘ajwah dates in the morning, will not be harmed by any poison or witchcraft that day.”[2] It contains many minerals and a great energy booster needed to help with easy and less stressful labor. In the Quran, it was mentioned that Maryam ate dates when she was having labor pain to give birth to Prophet Esa.
Banana is a very healthy and widely consumed fruit in the world.
Banana, mostly grown in tropical countries, is mentioned in the Quran also as one of the pleasures waiting in Paradise. In Surah Al-Waqiah verse 29, Allah says (interpretation of the meaning) ‘And [banana] trees layered [with fruit]’ The people of Jannah will enjoy the banana. It is a fruit with a lot of barakah. Banana contains a lot of nutrition, consists of water (75%), protein (1.3%), and fats (0.6%). Each banana also contains carbohydrates and a considerable amount of potassium and other minerals. It helps athletes remain focused and motivated.
The excellent fruit of the Mediterranean, Fig, and Olive
Olive fruit has a long history of medicinal properties. The fruit is mainly grown in Mediterranean countries. It contains monounsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial for the heart and circulation. The fig is believed to be first cultivated in Egypt thousands of years ago. It is low in calories with antioxidant vitamins to protect us from cancer, diabetes, degenerative tissue disease, and infections.
Reminding ourselves or our kids to eat, especially the fruits mentioned in the Quran consistently every day, could be challenging if we are not used to the taste. what can we do? Decorating the dining table with fresh-looking fruit, makes it easy to grab the fruits as our quick snack. We can keep a chopped variety of fruits in a glass container and keep it in the fridge to tempt those who like cold sweet snacks. We do hope that this short article beneficial. A healthy person is a fruit-eating person. Enjoy reading and enjoy your fruits, especially the six fruits mentioned in the Quran.
Knowledge Dunes has prepared ‘The Plants & Animals’ Activity Books For Children’ and ‘Know It, Love It; The Quran’ Online Course For Kids‘ that discuss among others the fruits mentioned in the Quran. They are suitable for kids aged 7 and above. Find out more !!
[1] Shu’ab al-Imān 9575, Sahih by Sheikh Al Albani
[2[ Narrated from Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas, Al-Bukhaari (5445), and Muslim (2047)
References:
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3649719/#targetText=Nutrients%20in%20fruits%20and%20vegetables,play%20a%20role%20in%20health.&targetText=Both%20epidemiologic%20and%20experimental%20fiber%20studies%20are%20linked%20to%20improved%20health%20status.
- https://islamqa.info/en/answers/240598/the-hadith-there-is-not-one-of-your-pomegranates-but-it-is-pollinated-with-a-grain-from-the-pomegranates-of-paradise-is-a-fabricated-hadith
- https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2017/p1116-fruit-vegetable-consumption.html#:~:text=Depending%20on%20their%20age%20and,of%20a%20healthy%20eating%20pattern.
- https://ijp.mums.ac.ir/article_3461_f3d52c77bcdf325842a9c01c60d329cc.pdf