Honey.

3. Honey✦

The Arabic word for honey is ‘ asal ( ). The word is mentioned once in the Quran, while it is described in another verse where God talks about honeybees.

1- And your Lord inspired the bee, saying: "Take you habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you)." There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think.[16:68-69]

2. The description of Paradise which the Muttaqûn (pious -- see V.2:2) have been promised is that in it are rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine delicious to those who drink; and rivers of clarified honey (clear and pure) therein for them is every kind of fruit; and forgiveness from their Lord. (Are these) like those who shall dwell for ever in the Fire, and be given, to drink, boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels? [47:15]


Benefits:►

Honey, along with its vitamins and minerals, is a great benefit for human health. It consists of sugar (glucose and fructose), minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium chlorine, sulfur, iron and phosphorus), and vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and C).8 In addition, it contains small amounts of several kinds of hormones, copper, iodine, and zinc – in other words, almost everything that the human body needs.

The following information was released during the World Apiculture Conference held in 1993:

During the conference, a special session was held on the treatments associated with honey derivatives. American scientists stated that honey, royal jelly, pollen and propolis (bee resin) cure many diseases. A doctor from Romania said he tried honey on cataract patients, and 2002 out of his 2094 patients had full (95%) recovery. Polish doctors also informed that honeybee resin cure many diseases such as haemorrhoids, skin problems, gynaecological diseases and several other disorders.

Another feature of honey is that, compared with the same amount of sugar, it contains 40% less calories. Thus although it is a great energy provider, it does not add weight.

This low-calorie and tasty juice is easily digestable. Since honey's fructose molecules can convert into glucose, honey, despite its high acid content, is digested easily even by those suffering from stomach disorders.

Honey helps the kidneys and intestines to function better. Due to its free sugar molecules, it has a similar effect upon the brain. Meanwhile, it cleanses blood and the bloodstream and is instrumental in blood production. With the vast amount of energy it releases, it has the capacity needed to produce the energy that produces blood.

Honey protects the body against capillary problems and arteriosclerosis, and also kills bacteria. When accompanied with mild water, it mixes into the bloodstream within only 7 minutes, and thus is a good and fast curative for the body. When diluted with water, it acquires an antiseptic quality. Apart from this, honey contains such antibacterial chemicals as benzyl alcohol and many others.

The contribution of honeybees to human health is not limited to honey, for they also produce another product: royal jelly. Royal jelly, a strong-smelling substance secreted by worker bees to feed the queen bee, is another blessing for people, for it includes such minerals as phosphorus, calcium, iron, sodium, potassium and magnesium, vitamins B2, B3, and B6, as well as proteins and carbohydrates.

Royal jelly is used to treat disorders caused by tissue deficiency, arteriosclerosis, or bodily frailty.

Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you everything in the heavens and earth, and has showered His blessings upon you, both outwardly and inwardly? … (Surah Luqman: 20)