The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time- A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 76)
Black Seed (Al-Habbah As-Sawda’) and Its Miracle
Since ancient times, human beings have sought natural and effective remedies for treating diseases. The Noble Qur’an and the hadiths of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) have referred to medicinal plants and their therapeutic properties. These texts, in addition to their spiritual value, contain noteworthy scientific points that are today confirmed by contemporary medical research. In this section, two important examples black seed (Al-Habbah As-Sawda’) and ginger are discussed, and their scientific and medical miracle is explained.
The Noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in well-known hadith: “عليكم بهذه الحبة السوداء فإن فيها شفاء من كل داء إلا السام، والسام الموت” Translation: “You should use this black seed, for indeed in it there is a cure for every disease except As-Sam; and As-Sam is death.”
This authentic hadith indicates that black seed can provide healing for many diseases, except death. This highlights that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), through divine inspiration and revelation, was aware of the therapeutic properties of black seed.
Scientific and Juristic Interpretation
Scholars of the past analyzed this hadith. In the book Fath Al-Bari, it is stated that the phrase “from every disease” is general in wording but specific in meaning, that is, black seed does not cure all diseases absolutely; rather, it is effective for diseases whose origin is related to moisture. [2]
According to Abu Bakr Ibn Al-‘Arabi (RA), honey is beneficial for most diseases; however, there are certain illnesses in which even consuming honey may be harmful, whereas black seed has a stronger effect in such cases. He states:
“Honey is more deserving and closer than black seed to being a remedy for all diseases; however, there are some diseases in which, if a patient consumes honey, he is harmed. So if the intended meaning of the statement of Allah regarding honey; where He says: ‘In it there is healing for people’ is that this healing applies to most and the majority of people, then interpreting the statement regarding black seed in the same way would be more appropriate. Moreover, this very honey about which Allah said: ‘فِيهِ شِفَاءٌ لِلنَّاسِ’ (In it there is healing for people) does not reach the level of the absolute wording ‘a cure for every disease’ mentioned in the hadith, because Allah did not say: ‘In it there is healing for all people.’” [3]
Contemporary Scientific Findings
Contemporary medical research shows that black seed has immune-boosting properties: consuming one gram of black seed twice daily for four weeks increases the efficiency of lymphatic cells by up to 55%.
These cells are responsible for producing antibodies and combating microbes, and they play a key role in fighting diseases of microbial or immune origin.
Studies have also shown that black seed contains the following substances:
Phosphates, iron, and phosphorus for strengthening the bodily system;
Oils (28%) with antibacterial and antiviral properties;
Anti-cancer substances;
Strengthening hormones;
Bile and urinary diuretics;
Digestive enzymes;
Anti-acid and calming substances.
Practical Uses and Prevention
Black seed is effective for more than 50 types of diseases, including:
Skin diseases;
Digestive and stomach disorders;
Nervous system diseases;
Cardiovascular diseases;
High blood pressure and the prevention of the growth of certain bacteria.
Laboratory research has shown that black seed solution or powder can inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses. It is also effective in treating resistant asthma, while a definitive cure for this disease remains unknown to many physicians.
The View of Traditional Medical Scholars
Ibn Sina (RA) writes in Al-Qanun fi Al-Tibb that black seed is:
Beneficial against colds;
A urinary diuretic;
A dissolver of kidney stones;
A stimulant for breast milk;
A reliever of headaches;
A remover of warts. [4]
All of these explanations indicate the scientific miracle of “black seed” and confirm the recommendation of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Chapters on Medicine from the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him), Chapter: What Has Been Narrated Regarding Black Seed, Hadith no. 2041, vol. 4, p. 385.
“The statement ‘from every disease’ is from the general wording intended as specific, because there is nothing in the nature of any plant that combines all properties required to counter all temperaments in treating diseases by their opposites; rather, what is meant is that it is a cure for every disease arising from moisture.” Ibn Hajar Al-‘Asqalani (773–852 AH), Fath Al-Bari Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari, vol. 10, p. 145, Salafiyyah edition.
“Honey is closer to being a remedy for every disease than black seed; nevertheless, there are diseases in which, if a person drinks honey, he is harmed. If the intended meaning of Allah’s statement regarding honey ‘In it there is healing for people’ is the majority and most common people, then applying this meaning to black seed is more appropriate. Moreover, the honey about which Allah said: ‘فِيهِ شِفَاءٌ لِلنَّاسِ’ (In it there is healing for people) [An-Nahl: 69] does not reach this level, for Allah did not say: ‘In it there is healing for all people.’” Ibn Hajar Al-‘Asqalani, Fath Al-Bari, vol. 10, p. 145.
Ibn Sina, Al-Husayn ibn ‘Abdullah Abu ‘Ali (d. 428 AH), Al-Qanun fi Al-Tibb, vol. 2, p. 644, verified by Muhammad Amin Al-Dinnawi.
