Good Deed: #184 Make Talbina
12:84 (Y. Ali) And he turned away from them, and said: “How great is my grief for Joseph!” And his eyes became white with sorrow, and he fell into silent melancholy.
33:51 (Y. Ali) Thou mayest defer (the turn of) any of them that thou pleasest, and thou mayest receive any thou pleasest: and there is no blame on thee if thou invite one whose (turn) thou hadst set aside. This were nigher to the cooling of their eyes, the prevention of their grief , and their satisfaction – that of all of them – with that which thou hast to give them: and Allah knows (all) that is in your hearts: and Allah is All- Knowing, Most Forbearing.
Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) used to recommend Talbina for the sick and for one who is grieving over a dead person. She (may Allaah be pleased with her) used to say, “I heard the Messenger (Sallallaahu ءlayhi Wasallam) saying, ‘The Talbina gives rest to the heart of the patient and makes it active and relieves some of his sorrow and grief.’ ” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5689)].
Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) said that whenever one of her relatives died, the women assembled and then dispersed (returned to their homes) except her relatives and close friends. She (may Allaah be pleased with her) would order that a pot of Talbina be cooked. Then Tharid (a dish prepared from meat and bread) would be prepared and the Talbina would be poured on it. Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) would say (to the women), “Eat of it, for I heard the Messenger (Sallallaahu ءlayhi Wasallam) saying, ‘The Talbina soothes the heart of the patient and relieves him from some of his sadness.’ ” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5690)].
Hisham’s father (may Allaah be pleased with them) said, “Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) used to recommend Talbina and used to say, ‘It is disliked (by the patient) although it is beneficial.’ ‘ [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5690)].
The Messenger (Sallallaahu ءlayhi Wasallam) said, “I encourage you to use that which is disliked but beneficial (Talbina) for by the One whose hand Muhammad’s soul is in, it cleans the stomach of one of you just as dirt is cleaned from the face with water.” [Mustadrak of Haakim (7455), Saheeh as Dhahabi mentioned in ‘Talkhees’ taken from Maktaba Shaamilah, See also Mustadrak (8245) whose chain is upon the condition of Bukhaaree as Dhahabi mentioned].
Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) narrated, “If any of the Messenger’s (Sallallaahu ءlayhi Wasallam) family became ill, the Messenger (Sallallaahu ءlayhi Wasallam) would say, ‘It soothes the grieving heart and cleanses the ailing heart just as one of you cleans dirt off his face with water.’ ” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3445), hadeeth hasan].
Aishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger (Sallallaahu ءlayhi Wasallam) said, “You should eat the beneficial thing that is unpleasant to eat (Talbina), meaning broth. If any member of the Messenger of Allaah’s family was sick, the cooking pot would remain on the fire until one of two things happened, either the person recovered or died.” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3446) hadeeth hasan].
Action Plan
Talbina is a soothing broth made from ground barley that has many healing properties. It is mentioned by Ibn al-Qayyim in his great work on “The Prophetic Medicine” and there are many Ahadith on the merits of talbina for the sick and grieving person. Ibn al-Qayyim described talbina as a thin soup with the consistency of yoghurt (laban), from where it’s name is derived. He said that it was a broth made from barley flour together with the husks, and it is similar to barley water but the difference is that barley water is cooked with whole barley but talbina is cooked with ground barley. Therefore it is more beneficial because it can be digested easier and the nutrients are penetrated into the system quicker. He also said that “it has relaxation for the heart of the sick person”, it is nutritious and filling, and it warms and soothes the stomach, helping to lessens sorrows and to regain health. It can also be effective in maintaining bowel regularity.
Benefits of Barley
Barley is a good source of insoluble and soluble fiber. The soluble fiber portion contains the richest source of beta-glucans compared to any other grain; these can aid immune function. Barley also contains B vitamins, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, copper, and is one of the richest sources of chromium, which is important in maintaining blood glucose levels. Barley is also rich in antioxidants and contains a high concentration of tocols and tocotrienols, oils that help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. Numerous studies have been conducted in modern research that demonstrates the effectiveness of barley in treating health problems like heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer and constipation. These studies are referenced below.
The Recipe
Talbina is made by adding 1-2 tablespoon of barley flour (must be 100% wholegrain barley flour) to one and a half cups of water. Place on low heat for 10-15 minutes (optional: add milk or yoghurt and sweeten with honey). Drink at least 1 cup daily. This may also be added to soup or any dish for flavour and as a thickener.
Alternatively you may add 1-2 tablespoon of barley flour (must be 100% wholegrain barley flour) to one and a half cups of milk. Place on low heat for 10-15 minutes. You may sweeten with honey. Drink at least 1 cup daily.
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