The Black Seed (Habbah Sawdaa)

Dr. Sabheen Khan enumerates the benefits of Kalonji - the black seed. Commonly sighted, stored in jars, sitting in our pantry as any other herb or spice to be added to our recipes. I am referring to the black seed, black cumin or Indian cumin, which is more commonly known as Kalonji in Urdu - an important remedy waiting to be taken advantage of from the medicine of the Prophet (sa). Abu Hurairah (rta) related that the Prophet (saw) said: “Use the black seed, because it contains a cure for every type of ailment, except death.” (Tirmidhi, Ahmad and Ibn Hibban) What impact does this Hadeeth have on our belief with regards to the true benefits of the black seed? It is a fact that many people do not benefit from prophetic medicine. We must remember that although the Quran is a cure for the diseases of the heart, the effects of the Quran will not be felt, unless it is accepted with unwavering faith. Likewise, the benefits of the prophetic medicine are only for the good and pure bodies and souls. Therefore, if no improvement is experienced after its use, it is not because the prophetic medicine does not work; rather, the negativity within the body and soul are not suitable for the prophetic medicine. The following are some of the benefits of the black seed from the medicine of the Prophet (sa): ·         It clears up and relieves cold symptoms, when ground in a cloth and later inhaled through the nose on a regular basis until the ailment is cured. ·         It will help against cold symptoms accompanied by intensive sneezing, when fried and finely ground, soaked in oil and then administered as drops in the nose. ·         Toothache resulting from sensitivity to cold is relieved by rinsing ones mouth with black seeds that are soaked in vinegar. ·         Such skin ailments as leprosy, black pigmentation and dandruff are relieved by applying black seed crushed in vinegar on the affected area. ·         Stones in the kidney and prostate are dissolved upon taking ground black seed with honey and drunk with some warm water. ·         When it is heated with vinegar and placed on the stomach, it will eliminate helminthes (worms). ·         It also acts as a diuretic increasing the flow during menstruation and the production of milk during lactation. ·         Black seed oil helps against the toxins of snake and spider bites. ·         Black seed oil also helps against facial paralysis and tetanus by eliminating their causes.   It must be stated that the black seed or black seed oil should only be taken in small quantities as larger amounts can irritate the mucosal linings of the digestive tract. Sample research conducted by modern science reveals recent benefits of the black seed: ·         Its potential for the treatment of bronchial asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory ailments. ·         Its capacity to lower excess blood pressure and improve heart function. ·         Its anti-microbial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli, Pseudomonas aerugenosa, Candida albicans, in addition to a host of other disease causing organisms. ·         One of the most promising findings is the observation by doctors that the black seed alone or in combination with garlic is a potent anti-cancer agent. Although the above mentioned scientific research may help many of us to re-confirm our belief, it is interesting to note that the companions of the Prophet (sa) never had access to any of this research, and yet they were the ones, who most adamantly adhered to his medicinal Sunnah. When the Prophet (sa) spoke, their attitude was simply “we hear and we obey.”  In the same way our attitude should not be that we accept the Prophet’s (sa) advice because science confirms it; rather, we accept his advice, because he is the Messenger of the All-Knowing and the All-Wise. If this will be our attitude then the next time science confirms another Sunnah of the Rasool (sa), there should be no amazement or surprises. It should be no more surprising than science confirming that the sky is blue or that birds fly.