Author: Dr. Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time- A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 79)
Olive Oil: A Blessed Food and a Divine Miracle
The Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) have attributed unique qualities to the olive and its oil. In a noble Hadith it is stated: «كُلُوا الزَّيْتَ وَادَّهِنُوا بِهِ، فَإِنَّهُ مِنْ شَجَرَةٍ مُبَارَكَةٍ» Translation: Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it comes from a blessed tree. [1]
Such Hadiths indicate the natural miracle of this tree and its oil, which is not merely nourishment for the body, but also a medicine, a protector of health, and a source of energy.
Scientific Discovery of the Benefits of Olive Oil
In 1986, the first scientific studies on the effect of olive oil in reducing blood cholesterol were published. The findings showed that on the island of Crete—where people consume large amounts of olive oil—heart disease and heart attacks are extremely rare. [2]
Cardiovascular Effects
Reduction of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and increase of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol); prevention of atherosclerosis and arterial blockage; mild anticoagulant effects and regulation of blood pressure.
Metabolic and Anti-Diabetic Effects
Reduction of blood sugar levels and prevention of diseases related to insulin resistance, facilitation of nutrient absorption and provision of rapid energy for the body.
Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value
Detailed analysis shows that 100 grams of olive oil contain:
1 gram of protein and 11 grams of beneficial (unsaturated) fats;
potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, and sulfur;
dietary fiber and essential vitamins vital for cellular activity, bone health, and brain function.
Key Benefits
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Brain and memory nourishment: phosphorus and vitamin B
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Cardiovascular health: unsaturated fats, potassium, anticoagulant effects
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Skin and hair health: moisturizing, anti-inflammatory properties, reduction of aging and dandruff
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Anti-cancer effects: recent studies indicate that olive oil has protective effects on the digestive system and is associated with the prevention of colon cancer
Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) states regarding the olive: It is beneficial against poisons, softens the stomach, expels worms, and all its varieties soften the skin and slow down the graying of hair. [3]
Olive Oil and Bodily Energy
The Holy Qur’an introduces the olive as a source of energy for humankind: «يُوقَدُ مِنْ شَجَرَةٍ مُبَارَكَةٍ زَيْتُونَةٍ لَا شَرْقِيَّةٍ وَلَا غَرْبِيَّةٍ يَكَادُ زَيْتُهَا يُضِيءُ وَلَوْ لَمْ تَمْسَسْهُ نَارٌ نُورٌ» Translation: Lit from a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west; its oil almost glows even if untouched by fire.
Each gram of olive oil provides approximately 8 calories of energy. One hundred grams supply more than half of the average daily energy requirement of a human being. The unsaturated fats it contains absorb harmful blood fats and prevent their accumulation in the arteries.
Miraculous Effects of Olive Oil
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Prevention of heart disease and atherosclerosis
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Laxative effect and softening of the digestive system, reducing constipation and intestinal inflammation
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Anti-cancer properties and strengthening of the immune system
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Nourishment of the brain and nervous system, preservation of skin vitality, and prevention of premature aging
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Strengthening of memory, bones, muscles, and the reproductive system
All these properties are confirmed by scientific literature and medical research and are fully consistent with the Sunnah and Hadiths of the Prophet (PBUH).
Olive Oil in Contemporary Medical Perspective
Global studies conducted since 1990 have shown that daily consumption of olive oil:
reduces blood pressure and cholesterol;
controls blood sugar levels;
reduces the risk of intestinal diseases and cancer;
plays a vital role in maintaining arterial flexibility and health.[4]
Conclusion: Divine Miracle and Guidance
Olive oil is a clear manifestation of divine wisdom and miracle—nourishment, medicine, and health protection combined in a single substance—fully consistent with the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and the natural laws governing the human body.
The Qur’anic emphasis on its blessing highlights divine wisdom and disease prevention: «كُلُوا الزَّيْتَ وَادَّهِنُوا بِهِ، فَإِنَّهُ مِنْ شَجَرَةٍ مُبَارَكَةٍ» Translation: Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it comes from a blessed tree. [5]
With the advancement of science, the benefits and secrets of this food have become increasingly evident, demonstrating the harmony between scientific truth and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH), and pointing to a divine miracle.
The Prophet (PBUH) repeatedly encouraged the use of olive oil for consumption, treatment, and external application, reflecting the integration of scientific insight and divine wisdom.
Continues…
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References:
- Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Book of Foods from the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), Chapter: What Has Been Reported Regarding Eating Olive Oil, Hadith no. 1956, vol. 3, p. 608.
- Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, Al-Tibb al-Nabawi (from Zad al-Ma‘ad), p. 238, Dar al-Hilal, Beirut.
- The Holy Qur’an, Surah al-Nur (24:35).
- Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Book of Foods, Hadith no. 1956, vol. 3, p. 608.
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Summarized from: Encyclopedia of Scientific Miracles in the Qur’an and Sunnah, vol. 2, pp. 138–145.
