Wholesome Drinks for Healing and Relief

📖Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5365
Aisha reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Verily, talbina rests the heart of a sick person and takes away some grief.”

This hadith highlights the spiritual and physical benefits of talbina, a simple food made from barley flour and water or milk. It is known to soothe the heart, calm anxiety, and provide comfort to those experiencing illness or emotional distress.

What is Talbina
Talbina is a porridge-like preparation made primarily from finely ground barley. It is often mixed with water or milk and sometimes sweetened with honey. Barley has long been recognized in prophetic medicine for its nutritional and healing properties.

Scientific Evidence
Modern research confirms that barley is rich in soluble fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. These components can help reduce cholesterol, improve digestion, stabilize blood sugar, and promote heart health. The calming effect on the heart mentioned in the hadith may relate to its nutritional value, particularly its fiber and magnesium content, which are known to support cardiovascular health and reduce stress. Additionally, warm foods like talbina can have soothing effects on the nervous system, which may explain its role in alleviating grief and emotional distress.

Quranic Context

📖Surah An-Nahl (16:11)
With it He causes crops to grow for you, and the olive tree, the date palm, the vine, and all kinds of fruits. Surely in that is a sign for a people who reflect.

• This verse emphasizes the blessings of various crops, including barley, which are provided by Allah for sustenance and nourishment.

📖Surah An-Nahl (16:66)
And indeed, in the cattle there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of what is in their bellies, from between excretions and blood—pure milk, palatable to the drinkers.

• Allah highlights the purity and nourishment of milk, a key component in talbina, as a blessing provided for the benefit of humankind.

📖Surah An-Nahl (16:69)
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.

• This verse refers to honey, another ingredient in talbina, noting its healing properties and the blessings it provides.

📖Surah Al-Furqan (25:48)
And it is He who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy; and We send down from the sky pure water.

• Allah speaks of the pure water He sends down, which is essential for life and sustenance, paralleling the nourishing qualities of talbina.

Connecting to Talbina:

Talbina, a simple porridge made from barley, water, milk, and sometimes honey, combines these blessed ingredients. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described it as soothing for the heart and alleviating grief, highlighting its spiritual and physical benefits, Incorporating these Quranic references underscores the holistic nourishment—both physical and emotional—that talbina offers, aligning with the blessings Allah has provided through these natural elements.

📖Quran 16:114
So eat of what Allah has provided for you [which is] lawful and good. And be grateful for the favor of Allah, if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.

Talbina, being lawful and beneficial, exemplifies gratitude through consuming what Allah has provided to maintain health and comfort during illness.