Talbina
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) used to recommend talbina for the sick and for one who was grieving over a dead person. She (may Allah be pleased with her) said, "I heard the Messenger (SWS) 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-Bukhari (5325)].
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said that whenever one of her relatives died, the women assembled and then dispersed (returned to their houses) except her relatives and close friends. She (may Allah 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 over it. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) would say (to the women), "Eat of it, for I heard the Messenger (SWS) saying, 'The talbina soothes the heart of the patient and relieves him from some of his sadness'. " [Saheeh al-Bukhari (5058)].
Hisham's father said, "Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) used to recommend talbina and used to say, 'It is disliked (by the patient) although it is beneficial'. '' [Saheeh al-Bukhari (5326)].
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated, "If any of the Messenger's (SWS) family became ill, the Messenger (SWS) would say, 'It (talbina) 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 Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger (SWS) said, "You should eat the beneficial thing that is unpleasant to eat (Talbina), meaning broth. If any member of the Messenger of Allah's (SWS) 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].
Whenever Prophet Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam was informed that a certain person was suffering with pain & would not eat the food, he said "You have the Talbinah (with husk & milk), give it to the sick person". And then he said " For by the One in Whose Hand Muhammad's soul is , it cleans the stomach of one of you just as dirt is cleaned from the face with water." [Mustadrak ].
Recipe
Talbina is made by adding 1-2 tablespoons 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 coconut/milk or yoghurt and sweeten with honey). This may also be used as a food thickener for gravy, soups, dishes etc.
Alternatively you may add 1-2 tablespoons of barley flour (must be 100% wholegrain barley flour) to one and a half cups of coconut/milk. Place on low heat for 10-15 minutes (optional: add water or yoghurt and sweeten with honey).
The Talbina mixture may then be put in the blender with fresh or frozen fruits and/or ground flax seeds. etc It may be blended together to make a tasty talbina 'smoothie'.
Drink at least one cup daily.
TALBINAH means the kind of soup that is similar to milk in consistency. This is a beneficial food suitable for the sick, especially when well cooked until acquiring a soft consistency. The milk like soups, are as beneficial as barley soup, even better. Barley soup is made of whole barley grains, while the milk like soup is made of ground barley flour with its bran.
Whole grain barley soup digests quickly, provides good nutrition, and cleanses the stomach, especially when taken while it is still hot. In this case, its cleansing and digestive qualities are stronger and the soup will develop its instinctive heat quicker and will soften the outer layers of the stomach.
Our beloved Prophet’s statement that TALBINAH takes away some of the sadness refers to the effect of sadness on the mood and in weakening the instinctive well being, which in turn affects the soul and the heart. Talbinah brings strength to one’s inner energy and thus the body will be able to rid itself of the sadness and grief that took it over.
We could say that some foods bring relief to the heart, such as the type of soup mentioned above, because they posses a special quality that effect people’s mood and brings them relief and comfort. Allah knows best.
We might in addition say that the sick person's strength becomes weaker because of his grief and sadness that will translate to dryness in the body and the stomach due to the scarcity of food. Talbinah brings wetness and strength to the stomach, which will bring relief to the heart. Furthermore, the sick person may complain from an accumulation of harmful flatulence or phlegm in his stomach. Talbinah will dissolve these harmful substances or dilute them, so that the pain and harm they cause are diminished, especially for those accustomed to eating barley bread, such as the people of Madinah Munawwarah. During that time, barley bread was the staple diet for the people of Madinah as wheat was scarce at that time.
Disclaimer,
Note: We are not medically trained and strongly suggest that a professional doctor or hospital be consulted for medical advice and diagnosis. This is especially important for pregnant women and people with allergies. We do not take any responsibility for any type of mishap or accident which may occur as a result of the information provided on our site.
