The Holy Quran will always be our source of inspiration, knowledge, and law as we strive to become better Muslims. Surprisingly, the Quran also provides both health benefits and knowledge on the numerous fruits and foods of the world that we can enjoy, suggesting that we can look to the Holy Quran for guidance on what types of fruits may be best for our health.
While some fruits are mentioned as part of Allah’s gift to us on earth, others are known as the fruit of Heaven.
Let’s take a look at the fruits mentioned in the Quran, and find out their benefits.
Olives
Mentioned numerous times within the Quran, olives are enjoyed with all types of foods and desserts – and are most commonly grown in the region of the Middle East. Made into an oil, pickled, or garnishing, the olive is used in almost all parts of the world today.
- Olives possess a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which has been linked to preventing heart disease.
- It contains significant amounts of antioxidants which protect cell membranes against diseases like cancer.
- It helps to reduce inflammation throughout the body after eating them, which includes a reduction in pain and irritation in the joints, muscles, injuries, tendons.
- It is a great source of vitamin E, which is a major factor in protecting our skin. Olives are great protection against anaemia, as they are rich in iron and copper.
“He causes to grow for you thereby the crops, olives, palm trees, grapevines, and from all the fruits. Indeed, that is a sign for people who give thought.” [Surah an-Nahl:11]
Grapes
An ancient fruit, dating back around 8,000 years when it was first cultivated in what is now the broader region of the Middle East, grapes are both a popular and highly nutritious fruit.
- Light and white grape juice supplements the iron content in the body and prevents fatigue.
- Grapes increase the nitric oxide levels in the blood, which prevents blood clots.
- Ripe grape juice is an important home remedy for curing migraines.
- The plentiful amount of iron and sugar contained within each grape also fosters blood production and acts as a natural medicine for liver, kidney, and digestive system diseases.
“Or you have a garden of palm trees and grapes and make rivers gush forth within them in force?” [Surah Israa:91]
Pomegranates
A favourite fruit used in juices, syrups, and savory dishes, the pomegranate is a huge part of many Muslim cultures today. Appearing in the Quran three times, the pomegranate is often mentioned in relation to Heaven and Allah’s gift to humankind.
- Pomegranate peel, bark and leaves are used to calm disorders of the stomach or diarrhea caused by any kind of digestive problems.
- It contains high levels of antioxidants called flavonoids which are known to be effective in counteracting various cancer radials.
- Their juice, along with its antibacterial and antiviral properties, helps to reduce the effects of dental plaque and protects against various oral diseases.
“And it is He who sends down rain from the sky and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the palm trees of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at its fruit when it yields and its ripening. Indeed there are signs for people who believe.” [Surah An’am: 99]
Dates
Known as the fruit of the desert, dates are one of the most commonly known fruits mentioned within the Holy Quran and are a part of the sunnah as well.
- Dates are great energy boosters as they contain natural sugars like glucose, sucrose and fructose.
- It helps regulate a healthy nervous system and studies have shown that it reduces the risk of stroke and other heart-related diseases.
- It has high iron content and is very useful in treating anemia.
- It also helps in improving eyesight and helps in curing night blindness
“And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates.” [Surah Maryam: 25]
Banana
The banana is also considered a fruit of paradise, and although today it is seen as a common fruit, it holds numerous health benefits that can help maintain a balanced body.
- Bananas contain significant amounts of dietary fiber and therefore help in smooth bowel movements and relieve constipation.
- It is used to treat anemia, is instrumental in developing cells and muscles, and maintains the body’s fluid balance.
- Cooked banana flowers help in providing relief from painful and excessive bleeding during the menstrual cycle as well as other menstrual disorders.
- Bananas have polyphenolic, antioxidant compounds that positively impact kidney function and the accumulation of toxins, while also stimulating the proper functioning of kidneys.
“And (banana) tree is layered (with fruit)” [Surah Waqiah:29]
Fig
Figs, often considered a delicacy, are enjoyed both fresh and dried. Because the fruit is pollinated by a tiny wasp where the flowers actually bloom inside the fruit, which produces the tiny seeds inside the fruit that gives it its distinct crunch, fig-trees actually never blossom with flowers.
- Figleaves reduce the amount of insulin needed by diabetic patients who have to regularly take insulin injections.
- The presence of fiber in figs helps to stimulate the elimination of free radicals and other cancer-causing substances, particularly in the colon, since fiber increases the healthy movement of the bowels.
- Fig leaf tea has been popularly prescribed for various respiratory conditions like bronchitis, and it is also used as a way to prevent and lessen the symptoms of asthmatic patients.
“By the fig and the olive” [Surah Teen : 1]