Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

A man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said,

"My brother has some abdominal trouble." The Prophet (peace be upon him) ��said to him "Let him drink honey."

The man came for the second time and the Prophet (peace be upon him) ��said to him, "Let him drink honey."

He came for the third time and the Prophet (peace be upon him) �said, "Let him drink honey."

He returned again and said, "I have done that."

The Prophet (peace be upon him) ��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 Hadith No. 7588 Narrated Abu Said Al Khudri

Could you please give me the context in which this hadith is mentioned and could please explain it as well.Jazakallahkhair

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Answer:

Drink honey cure

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Your Question: Could you please give me the context in which this hadith is mentioned and could please explain it as well.

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chatper 16 Surah Nahl verses 68-69:

68 And thy Lord inspired the bee to build its houses in hills, on trees, and in (men's) habitations;

69 Then to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their (the bee’s) bodies a drink (honey) of varying colors, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought.

Beloved brother, the context of the exact incident, or the exact nature of the pain in the companions abdomen is not related in detail in the narration, but since time immemorial honey has been used as a medical cure for many an ailment. The statement of the Messenger of Allah (saws) when informed that even after consuming honey the pain had not subsided ‘…….Allah has said the Truth, but your brother`s abdomen has told a lie’ basically personifies and epitomizes the unconditional faith and belief a true believer has and should have on the Revelations of the Glorious Quran.

Honey is composed of sugars like glucose and fructose and minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron and phosphate. It contains vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, B5 and B3 all of which change according to the qualities of the nectar and pollen. Besides the above, copper, iodine, and zinc exist in it in small quantities. Several kinds of hormones are also present in it. It also has different ‘phytochemicals’--chemicals found in plants and different foods--that kill viruses, bacteria, and fungus.

Honey has and can be used to treat allergies, sensitive skin, sore throats, wound dressing, stomach-aches, dehydration, diarrhea, as a natural anti-septic, ulcers, burns, etc.

Other benefits of ‘honey’ are known to include:
Easily digested: Because sugar molecules in honey can convert into other sugars (e.g. fructose to glucose), honey is easily digested by the most sensitive stomachs, despite its high acid content. It helps kidneys and intestines to function better.

Good source of antioxidants: It plays a big role in the prevention of cancer as well as heart disease.

Has a low calorie level: Another quality of honey is that, when it is compared with the same amount of sugar, it gives 40% less calories to the body. Although it gives great energy to the body, it does not add weight.

Rapidly diffuses through the blood: When accompanied by mild water, honey diffuses into the bloodstream in seven minutes. Its free sugar molecules make the brain function better since the brain is the largest consumer of sugar, thus, reduces fatigue.

Supports blood formation: Honey provides an important part of the energy needed by the body for blood formation. In addition, it helps in cleansing the blood. It has some positive effects in regulating and facilitating blood circulation. It also functions as a protection against capillary problems and arteriosclerosis.

Does not accommodate bacteria: This bactericide (bacteria-killing) property of honey is named "the inhibition effect". Experiments conducted on honey show that its bactericide properties increase twofold when diluted with water.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan