5 Islamic Items That'll Improve Your Physical Wellness

If you've grown up as a practising Muslim or even lived close to a Muslim family, it's highly likely that you'll have heard parents or grandparents raving about the benefits of certain items. But are these items grounded in religion or simply cultural old wives' tales. We're here to prove that five items can have a huge Islamic influence on your health.

1. Miswak (Siwak) 🦷

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said in an authenticated hadith:

"Siwak purifies the mouth and pleases the Lord." (Sahih Al-Bukhari 887)

Miswak is a natural toothbrush made from the Salvadora Persica tree, and it's an amazing tool for oral hygiene. It has antibacterial properties and promotes strong teeth and healthy gums, making it a valuable addition to your daily wellness routine.

2. Hijama (Cupping Therapy) kit 🍵

Hijama, or cupping therapy, is a traditional Islamic healing practice that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended:

"Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping (hijama)…" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5371)

If you haven't seen cupping before, it can look a little shocking initially as it leaves round, red circles that do disappear after a few days. It involves creating suction on different points of the body to promote healing, and quite literally a cup is placed over a certain part of the skin to draw bad blood to the surface and away from the body. It's known to improve blood flow, remove toxins, and alleviate various health conditions, and it's wise to consult a professional before your first cupping session.

3. Black seed oil 🧴

Known as the "blessed seed" Nigella sativa oil was praised by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who said:

"Use this black seed regularly, because it has a cure for every disease except death." (Sahih Al-Bukhari 5688)

It contains a compound called thymoquinone and has been found to help improve immune response, reduce inflammation, and support respiratory health. 

4. Prayer beads (Tasbih) 📿

You'll have seen this all over the world, and sometimes hanging in taxis, but these beads are traditionally used for counting praise for Allah or Dhikr. The mechanical prayer beads serve not only as a counter, but also as a form of exercise for the fingers, maintaining their flexibility and strength. Regular use promotes fine motor skills and can potentially help in preventing conditions like arthritis in the hands.

5. Honey 🍯

This might be seen as a simple addition, but honey is an Islamic superfood. 

“And thy Lord has inspired the bee, saying, ‘Make thou houses in the hills and in the trees and in the trellises which they build. Then eat of every kind of fruit, and follow the ways of thy Lord that have been made easy for thee.’ There comes forth from their bellies a drink of varying hues. Therein is cure for men. Surely, in that is a Sign for a people who reflect.” (Surah al-Nahl, the Chapter of the Bee, verses 69-70)

Honey is mentioned numerous times in the Quran and in various hadith and has been stated as a cure for men. This natural sweetener is packed with antioxidants, medicinal properties and even serves as a meat preservative. You can add it to tea, spread on bread or use it in cooking.