User:Khatijajaffer/sandbox

Khatija- You have done a wonderful job here with your Honey in Islam piece. Because you talk about honey as medicine, your sources will be scrutinized. We do not think that you need to source the Nathaniel Altman book which some might view as "pseudo-science". Why don't you just cite the Koran? Your article seems to be about Islamic BELIEFS around honey and so you can avoid the science and health implications. Just make sure that it is clear that you are talking about beliefs and ideology and not about proven research. Well done!

Article Evaluation Article: Cuisine The article clearly examined the meaning, history and types of cuisine. All the information provided was neutral and relevant to the main subject. However, some sub topics could be looked into more because it feels incomplete such as the history of cuisine and what global cuisine is. The links work and the author pulled from many sources according to the citations. The article is part of a wiki project called food and drink and is rated a start-class. A few changes have taken place according to the talk page like an added archive and link. Additionally little is discussed about the article. I found that the information related back to what we have been learning about in class and i found it interesting to read about since we've been discussing it. For example, the author explains how cuisine is related to the climate of the area and the availability and effects of trade. Khatijajaffer (talk) 03:06, 26 September 2017 (UTC)Khatija

Topic Ideas Honey in Islamic Cuisine or the Medicinal Value it has Make new article or add to wiki article: Honey (under religious significance), Arab Cuisine Sources: Rachel Lauden -Cuisine and Empire Nathaniel Altman- The Honey Prescription: The Amazing Power of Honey as Medicine Timothy G. Roufs and Kathleen Smyth Roufs- Sweet Treats around the World James Walvin- Sugar: The World Corrupted From Slavery to Obesity

Importance of Sugar in Buddhist Monasteries Sources: Sucheta Mazumdar- Sugar and Society in China: Peasants, Technology, and the World Market Rachel Lauden -Cuisine and Empire

Dumplings in many types of cuisine Already a wiki article on this Sources: Christopher Martin Cumo- Foods that Changed History Kristberg Kristbergsson, Jorge Oliveira- Traditional Foods: General and Consumer Aspects

Coffee in Islam and coffee houses Add to article- Coffeehouses Sources: Ralph S. Hattox- Coffee and Coffeehouses The Origins of a Social Beverage How a Drink From Arab Mystics went Global Rachel Lauden- A Thousand Years of Islamic Cuisine Rachel Lauden- Cuisine and Empire

Finalized Topic and sources: Honey in Islam In the current wikipedia article, Honey, I am going to add information about honey in Islam to the religious significance section. There is a little information regarding islam but i believe more can be added to it. I will reorganize the sections to separate the different religions and then focus on honey in Islam. Using the sources i have found i am going to discuss the roles honey played in islam, what dishes used honey, and why honey was important to islam. Additionally, I will discuss the medicinal values of honey in islam and cite where honey is talked about in the Quran and hadiths with more detail.

Bibliography Altman, Nathaniel. "Healing Honey in Islam." The Honey Prescription: The Amazing Power of Honey as Medicine. N.p.: Healing Arts, 2010. 61-62. Print. Goldstein, Darra. "Islam." The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets. N.p.: Oxford UP, 2015. 361. Print. Laudan, Rachel. "4. Islam Transforms the Cuisine of Central and West Asia, 800-1650 C.E." Cuisine and Empire: Cooking in World History. N.p.: U of California, 2015. N. pag. Print. Purbafrani, Abbasali, SeyedAmirhoseinb Ghazizade Hashemi, Saeed Bayyenat, Habibolah Taghizade Mogaddam, and Masumeh Saeidi. "The Benefits of Honey in Holy Quran." International Journal of Pediatrics 2 (n.d.): 67-73. Web. Roufs, Timothy G., and Kathleen Smyth. Roufs. Sweet Treats around the World. N.p.: ABC-CLIO, 2014. Print. Walvin, James. Sugar: The World Corrupted, from Slavery to Obesity. N.p.: Little, Brown Book Group, 2017. Print.

Outline The article is missing information on the role of honey in islam and needs to be more thorough. It gives a little explanation of how its recommended or promotes good health but doesn't show any examples. It also says how the prophets recommended it for healing but not what exactly it can do. It refers to one quote but gives no analysis to it and doesn't explain what the chapter it comes from is about. It also doesn't explain why it is held to such a high regard in Islam. -Organize the religious section into sub sections based on religion i.e. Ancient Greek Religion, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam (other religions don't have much information and should/can be worked on later) -Give an introduction to honey in Islam i.e. how long its existed in the cuisine -Discuss why honey is important in islam i.e when it was used, customs and celebrations and why it was used -Explain how it is connected to purity, heaven and mortality -Show places its cited in the Quran i.e. chapter 16 and specific verses -Refer to hadiths that talk about honey from Sahih Bukhari -Show types of food that honey is used for in Islam, which countries and techniques used with honey i.e baklava from encyclopedia -Explore medicinal value of honey in Islam from honey prescription and benefits of honey -Brief conclusion of honey in Islam

• Organize the religious section into sub sections based on religion i.e. Ancient Greek Religion, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam (other religions don't have much information and should/can be worked on later)

• Give an introduction to honey in Islam i.e. how long its existed in the cuisine o Sweets have always been highly praised in Islam. One important sweet that is valued, is honey. It’s used for all different pastries, eaten during celebrations and ceremonies and admired for its medicinal value. It is referred to in verses form the Holy Quran and respected by the Holy prophet. o The honey prescription • Muslims revered bees for their intelligence, industry and creativity o Sweet treats • Sweets are the most important part of the Islamic heritage • The prophet recommended two basic remedies for the body and soul, the Quran and Islam. He favored honey so from early on honey and sweets in general took on a religious and medicinal and well as culinary importance in the Muslim world • How as the Arab Muslims spread they spread their faith, language and their cultural importance on honey based sweet treats like in Africa Maghreb region and Egypt o Sugar the world corrupt • As Islam spread so too did the cultivations and consumption of sugar cane including honey • Wherever Islam took toot we find widespread and ritualized consumption of sweet foods • The taste and the culture of Islamic cuisine and food travelled on the back of Islam as it expanded throughout what is now the Middle east, the gulf, north Africa, sub Saharan Africa and southern Europe. They carried with them a taste fore honey

• Discuss why honey is important in Islam i.e when it was used, customs and celebrations and why it was used o (Oxford Companion page 361) During a ritual called Tahnik in some countries that practice Islam, Honey is given to newborns. o The honey prescription • Honey are considered the best of gifts a person can receive of give o Sweet treats • How as the Arab Muslims spread they spread their faith, language and their cultural importance on honey based sweet treats like in Africa Maghreb region and Egypt o Sugar the world corrupt • Honeys importance is confirmed by a simple glace and the variety and richness of sweet foods in the Islamic diet to this day • On religious high days and holidays like the prophets birthday or at weddings birthdays, holy days, circumcision and family celebrations

• Explain how it is connected to purity, heaven and mortality o Benefits of honey in the Quran • Chapter 47 verse 15- honey as one of the foods of paradise o Oxford Companion page 361 • The Quran says that believers will be promised rivers of purified honey o The honey prescription • Page 46- honey is described as existing in heaven in surah 47 for those who fear allah and follow his guidance (surah 47 verses 15-18) o Sweet treats • A land flowing with milk and honey is a metaphor for all good things o Alim.org tafisr- Surah 47 verse 15- • Allah gives a description of paradise which is promised for those who have taqwa- pray for the highest of paradises al firduas where these rivers gush • Along with milk and wine are rivers of refined honey-which means that the honey is of utmost purity and pleasant color, taste, and smell. • People who are in these rivers in paradise are closest to allahs mercy and forgiveness and opposite of those who are in the fires of hell

• Show places its cited in the Quran i.e. chapter 16 and specific verses o Alim.org tafsir- Chapter 16 verses 68 and 69 • the bee follows the ways in which allah has made easy for him by making homes in the mountains and trees, eating from all the plants and flowers allah has decreed it to, goes out to fly where it wants but returns to its home • And follow the routes of your lord made easy for you- to be obedient allah guided us a specific way we should follow what he has guided us to do such as the bee symbolizes • Leaning in the fact that Allah inspires this weak little creature to travel through the vast fields and feed from every kind of fruit, then gather it for wax and honey, which are some of the best things, in this is a sign for people who think about the might and power of the bee's Creator Who causes all of this to happen. From this they learn that He is the Initiator, the All-Powerful, the All-Wise, the All-Knowing, the Most Generous, the Most Merciful • In which there is a cure for man- allah is telling us that there is a cure for disease in honey. o Alim.org tafsir- chapter 47 verse 15 • Allah gives a description of paradise which is promised for those who have taqwa- pray for the highest of paradises al firduas where these rivers gush • Along with milk and wine are rivers of refined honey-which means that the honey is of utmost purity and pleasant color, taste, and smell. • People who are in these rivers in paradise are closest to allahs mercy and forgiveness and opposite of those who are in the fires of hell where they will be given only boiling water that will not quench their thirst and cuts their insides. They will be given every kind of fruit in peace and security o Oxford Companion page 361 • The Quran says that believers will be promised rivers of purified honey • A verse in the Quran says honey is a healer for mankind o Benefits of Honey in Islam • Chapter 16 verses 68 and 69- Allah is showing us that honey is a healing medicine • Chapter 47 verse 15- honey as one of the foods of paradise o The honey prescription • A whole surah is devotes to bees(Chapter 16 al nahl- the bee specifically verses 68-70) • Page 46- honey is described as existing in heaven in surah 47 for those who fear allah and follow his guidance (surah 47 verses 15-18) o Sugar the world corrupt • The Quran makes regular comments on sweetness- to enjoy sweets is a sign of faith, honey was thought to be gods medicine, with a heavenly future promised in the form of rivers and honey

• Refer to hadiths that talk about honey from Sahih Bukhari o Volume 7 book 65- Allahs apostles used to love sweet edible things and honey o Volume 7 book 69- The prophet used to love sweet edible things and honey o Volume 7 book 71- The Prophet said, "Healing is in three things: A gulp of honey, cupping, and branding with fire (cauterizing)." But I forbid my followers to use (cauterization) branding with fire." o Volume 7 book 71- A man came to the Prophet and said, "My brother has some abdominal trouble." The Prophet said to him "Let him drink honey." The man came for the second time and the Prophet said to him, 'Let him drink honey." He came for the third time and the Prophet said, "Let him drink honey." He returned again and said, "I have done that ' The Prophet then said, "Allah has said the truth, but your brother's abdomen has told a lie. Let him drink honey." So he made him drink honey and he was cured.

• Show types of food that honey is used for in Islam, which countries and techniques used with honey i.e baklava from encyclopedia o Oxford Companion 361 • Faludhaj- luxurious condensed pudding made of wheat starch, butter and honey • Valued even after sugar cane replaced it and still used for electuaries, pastes and jams • Used to help preserve the curative properties of the spices and herbs they used and made the food taste palatable • Baklava used during rights of passage like circumcision or weddings o The honey prescription • It not only used as a traditional medicine but honey is also a major ingredient of many candies and pastries • Bint al sahn- honey cake • Baklava • Rare and expensive honey are considered the best of gifts a person can receive of give o Sweet treats • Sweets are central in the observance of the month long fasting of Ramadan. Especially during eid ul fitr known also as the sweet festival when they offer sweets and gifts to friends and relatives and marks the end of ramdhan. Many of the sweets incorporate honey for example some pastries are drizzled in honey like warbat a triangle-baked phyllo. • Jordan sweets with honey- kanefeh: a soft cheese honey soaked pastry and hareesh a moist cake made with semolina, yogurt, honey and topped with almond • Baklava- a rich buttery dense ultra sweet honey or sugar drenched diamond shaped phyllo with chopped nuts • Pastries dowsed in honey, coated in honey, and included honey mostly phyllo pastry’s • Halvas- Arabic word for sweet refers to many dense sweet confections traditionally made with honey • Iran- desserts with syrup came from desserts with honey and if you couldn’t afford sugar used honey • Morocco- Rose bil halib- rice pudding with honey, seffa- sweet version of couscous pasta with honey and sfenj- fried doughnut soaked in honey o Sugar in the social life • After sugar production honey still continued to play an important role in the everyday life of Muslim societies. It was superior for its exquisite taste, ease of transport and medicinal effects • Honey was seen as a better additive than raw sugar for making sweets

• Explore medicinal value of honey in Islam from honey prescription and benefits of honey o Oxford companion 361 • In a verse in the Quran says that honey is a healer for mankind • Praised as gods sweet medicine • Prophet recommended it as a medicine rather than food especially for stomach and chest ailment o Benefits of Honey in Islam • Honey helps support blood formation, does not accommodate bacteria, is an antioxidant and helps to heal wounds. • The prophet glorified the healing powers of honey • The Quran praises honeys healing ability • Chapter 16 verses 68 and 69- Allah is showing us that honey is a healing medicine • There are precautions to take when using honey medicinally o The honey prescription • Prophet Mohamed often spoke about the healing power of honey- honey is a remedy for illness and the Quran is a remedy for the mind • Story of a man who’s brother is sick and he went to the prophet to ask him for advice • Passage by the Muslim physician Ibn el- Beithar- relaxes bowels, is helpful in treating dropsy, preserves flesh and prevents putrefaction, stimulates the appetite, is good against facial tic. Treating stomach chills, swelling of intestines, and stomach disorders. • Early Muslim physicians fed to patients as a laxative, to improve blood circulation, and to relieve stomach pain. Also fed to children to prevent scurvy and rickets o Sugar in the world corrupt • Throughout the world of Islam honey was prescribed as medicine for a host of maladies. Honey when mixed with other ingredients produced medicines prescribed by Islamic and medieval doctors • The prophet liked honey and recommended it as a medicine for a number of ailments • Islamic physicains saw sugar and honey as ideal antidotes to the bitterness of certain medicines and spread through pharmacology

• Brief conclusion of honey in Islam- tie together all the points and emphasize how they all illustrate that Honey was important in Islam

Draft

Introduction In Islam, there has been a long history and importance of sweets. Honey is one of the more significant sweet flavors that are highly praised and valued. It is incorporated in many dishes, eaten during joyous occasions and revered for its medicinal value. In fact, the bee is admired for its ingenuity and devoted to in an entire chapter of the Holy Quran. Honey was known to be praised by the Prophet and was linked to purity and paradise. As a result, Honey was given much importance to within the Islamic culture and diet. As Islam spread across the globe, its value and consumption of sweets and honey did as well.

Significance The importance of Honey within Islam can be revealed by its uses in many celebrations and rituals. In some Islamic countries, Honey is used as one of the ways to welcome a newborn among other rituals. During the ceremony called Tahnik, a newborn is given a taste of something sweet preferably honey or dates. This ceremony is Sunnah of the Prophet and it is told that during his time, parents would bring their newborns to him to complete it. Honey is also eaten on many sweet dishes during religious holidays such as the Prophets birthday and family celebrations like wedding ceremonies. Baklava, a honey drenched phylo pastry topped with nuts, were often served during events that celebrated the rights of passage such as circumcision. The month of Ramadan was a time full of sweets especially during Eid ul Fitr, a festive day that marks the end of the month. It is a big celebration also known as the sweet festival where families and friends exchanged many gifts and feed each other sweets. Many of the sweet dishes that are eaten during Ramadan incorporate Honey in them. Honey is even considered one of the best gifts that is given and received.

Honey in the Holy Quran The Qur'an promotes honey as a nutritious and healthy food. An entire chapter (surah) in the Qur'an is dedicated to the Bee, chapter 16 called an-Nahl (the Bees). Specifically verses (ayaats) 68 and 69 refer to the bee and explain why it is so valued. Below is the English translation of these specific verses: 68. And your Lord inspired the bee, saying: "Take you habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they (humans) erect. 69. "Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the routes that your Lord made easy (for you). There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colors, in which there is a cure for men. There is indeed a sign in that for people who reflect. These verses are explaining how the bee obeys God’s (Allah’s) commands. The bee follows what Allah tells it to do because it knows that it is the best way to do so. Allah tells the bee to build its hive, collect nectar from flowers, and create honey and that is what it does. The bee does as Allah wills, illustrating the power of Allah for he is the reason this all happens. Through the verse Allah is telling us that he is the All-Powerful, the All-Wise, the All-Knowing, the Most Generous, the Most Merciful. If we are obedient to Allah as the bee is and follow what he has guided us to do than we too will get the best things we can. Allah is then telling us through this verse that honey is a healing medicine.

Honey is also referred to in chapter 47 of the Quran, called Muhammad. Verse 15 specifically uses the term honey to describe paradise (jannah). Below is the English translation of this specific verse: 15. The description of Paradise which is promised to those who have Taqwa, (is that) in it are rivers of water that are not Asin, rivers of milk the taste of which never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink it, and rivers of refined honey; and therein for them are all kinds of fruits, and forgiveness from their Lord. Can this be likened to those who abide eternally in the Fire and are given to drink boiling water that severs their intestines. Here Allah gives us an account of paradise and the rivers that will flow thorough it. Only those who have taqwa or god-conciseness will be granted a place in paradise amongst these flowing rivers. Those who are the purist, the best of the believers, and have followed Allah’s guidance are promised a place in paradise with all the greatest things and all of their wishes. The river of refined honey signifies that it is the honey in paradise is the highest purity, color, taste and smell. This verse emphasizes that those who are in paradise are closest to Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. It also talks about hell as a way to illustrate the opposite of paradise and emphasize Allah’s wrath. Since honey is food of paradise, it is clearly a food that is the most honorable and respected. Paradise is the land of all of the best things, honey being one of them in the eyes of Allah.

Hadiths referring to Honey There are many Hadiths that talk about honey and its importance. Sahih Bukhari refers to many of these hadiths in Volume 7 and tells us how the Prophet and Allah’s apostles admired honey amongst many other sweet things. The Prophet used to say that, "Healing is in three things: A gulp of honey, cupping, and branding with fire (cauterizing)." But I forbid my followers to use (cauterization) branding with fire."

There is also a story about a man coming to the Prophet and asking him for help of his sick brother.

A man came to the Prophet and said, "My brother has some abdominal trouble." The Prophet said to him "Let him drink honey." The man came for the second time and the Prophet said to him, 'Let him drink honey." He came for the third time and the Prophet said, "Let him drink honey." He returned again and said, "I have done that ' The Prophet then said, "Allah has said the truth, but your brother's abdomen has told a lie. Let him drink honey." So he made him drink honey and he was cured.

These hadiths illustrate that honey was revered by the Prophet and believed to have medicinal properties.

Medicinal Value of Honey All through the Islam world, honey was a trusted medicine. It was mixed with other ingredients to help cure different sicknesses. Honey as seen by the previous section was praised by Allah in the Quran as well as recommended by the Prophet for its healing ability. Honey was not only eaten as a sweet treat, but it was also believed to have many powers. The Holy Prophet recommended two solutions for the body and soul, the Quran for the soul and honey for the body. The Prophet specifically recommended honey for illness of the stomach and chest. Many Arab physicaians also believed that honey was a remedy for sicknesses. Ibn el- Beithar, a Muslim physician said that honey could be taken to help relax bowels, stimulate appetite, stomachaches, and swelling intestines. Other physicians used to give honey to patients as a laxative, as a way to improve blood circulation and to kids to prevent scurvy and rickets. According to an Egyptian historian Al Marqazi, when the weather would get cold honey was dissolved into water and was rubbed into one body to prevent and kill lice. From Islam, the medicinal power of honey spread through pharmacology.

Honey in food and treats Honey was a key ingredient in many pastries in the Islamic world. Even as sugar production began to replace honey, it was still used to prepare many dishes and valued within Islamic societies. Some common desserts eaten in the Islamic world that have honey in them are Faludhaj, a creamy pudding, Bint al Sahn, a honey cake, and many types of phyllo pastries that are coated in honey like warbat or baklava. Each place where Islam took hold had its own variations of desserts that included honey. In Jordan, a treat known as Kanefeh, a soft cheese honey soaked pastry is popular. Hareesh, a moist cake with semolina, yogurt honey and topped with almonds, is another dessert that many Jordanians eat. In Moroco, Rose bil Halib is a rice pudding with honey that is enjoyed as a dessert along with sfenj, a fried doughnut soaked in honey. In Iran many traditional desserts soaked in sugar originally came from desserts soaked in honey. Halvas, the Arabic term for sweet referred to different traditional deserts that usually originated from Turkey and were made of honey and ground sesame seeds. Honey wasn’t only used for sweet treats, but it was also incorporated into many savory foods as well. Honey was even used as a way to preserve food and prevent rotting meat. It was also used as a way to preserve spices and herbs and help make food taste more palatable. Honey was seen all over the Islamic world and the taste of honey was glorified.

Conclusion The taste of honey is a major ingredient and flavor that is honored in the Muslim world. Justified by the Quran and the Holy Prophet honey was given high importance. It is a symbol of purity and whether it was eaten as a sweet treat, mixed into savory dishes, or used for its medicinal properties honey played a big role in the daily lives of Muslims around the globe.

"Draft Edit"

Introduction In Islam, there is a long history and importance on sweets. Of the many sweeteners, Honey is one of the more significant flavors that are highly praised. It is incorporated in many dishes, eaten during joyous occasions and revered for its medicinal value. The producer of Honey, scientifically known as Apis or more commonly, Honey Bee, is admired for its ingenuity and devoted to in an entire chapter of the Holy Quran. . Honey was known to be praised by Prophet Muhammad and was linked to purity and paradise. As a result, Honey was given much importance to within the Islamic culture and diet. As Islam spread across the globe, so did there the consumption and value of honey and other sweets.

Significance It is evident that Honey is important in Islam as it is the focus of many celebrations as well as rituals. In some Islamic countries, one of the rituals to welcome a newborn into the world is through Honey. During the ceremony called Tahnik, a newborn is given a taste of something sweet, usually honey or dates. . This ceremony is a Sunnah of the Prophet and it is told that during his time, parents would bring their newborns to him to complete it. This practice is still used today in many Muslim families. Honey is also the key ingredient in many sweet dishes served during religious holidays such as the Prophet’s birthday and family celebrations. Other examples of Honey being used is to celebrate the Rite of Passage, such as circumcision. OFten times Baklava, a honey drenched phylo pastry topped with nuts, is served during such events. The month of Ramadan, one of the most joyous months in the Islamic calendar , is a time full of food and sweets. During Eid ul Fitr, a festive day that marks the end of the month. It is a big celebration also known as “the sweet festival”, where families and friends exchange many gifts and feed each other sweets. . Many of the sweet dishes that are eaten during Ramadan incorporate Honey in them. Honey is considered one of the best gifts that is given and received.

Honey in the Holy Quran One of the main reasons that Honey is so highly praised in Islam is because of the great significance it has within the Holy Quran, the islamic text. The Qur'an promotes honey as a nutritious and healthy food. In fact, there is an entire chapter (surah) in the Qur'an that is dedicated to the Bee, chapter 16 called an-Nahl (the Bees), specifically verses (ayaats) 68 and 69 refer to the bee and explain why it is so valued. Below is the English translation of these specific verses: 68. And your Lord inspired the bee, saying: "Take you habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they (humans) erect. 69. "Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the routes that your Lord made easy (for you). There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colors, in which there is a cure for men. There is indeed a sign in that for people who reflect. These verses explain that the Bee obeys Allah’s, or the Arabic term for God, commands. According to the these verses in the Quran, the Bee follows as Allah's commands. Whatever Allah tells it to do, it does because it knows that it is the best way to do so. Allah tells the Bee to build its hive, collect nectar from flowers, and create honey and that is what it does. The Bee does as Allah wills, illustrating the power Allah has, for he is the reason for everything that exists. Through the verses Allah is telling the reader that he is the All-Powerful, the All-Wise, the All-Knowing, the Most Generous, and the Most Merciful. If a person is obedient to Allah, as the Bee is and follows what Allah has guided him or her to do than he or she too will get the best things. Allah is then telling the reader that honey is a healing medicine. .

Honey is also referred to in chapter 47 of the Quran, called Muhammad. In Verse 15 of this chapter, the reader will find that honey is associated with Paradise/ Below is the English translation of this specific verse: 15. The description of Paradise which is promised to those who have Taqwa, (is that) in it are rivers of water that are not Asin, rivers of milk the taste of which never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink it, and rivers of refined honey; and therein for them are all kinds of fruits, and forgiveness from their Lord. Can this be likened to those who abide eternally in the Fire and are given to drink boiling water that severs their intestines. Here Allah gives an account of Jannah, the arabic term for paradise, and the rivers that will flow thorough it. According to the Islamic belief, only those who have taqwa or are god-conciseness will be granted a place in paradise amongst these flowing rivers. Those who are the purist, the best of the believers, and have followed Allah’s guidance are promised a place in paradise with all the greatest things and all of their wishes. The river of refined honey signifies that the honey in paradise is the highest purity, color, taste and smell. The verse emphasizes that those who are in paradise are closest to Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. Allah also includes a description of Jahannam, the arabic term for hell, as a way to illustrate the opposite of paradise and emphasize Allah’s wrath. Since honey is food of paradise, it is clearly a food that is the most honorable and respected. Paradise is the land of all of the best things, honey being one of them in the eyes of Allah.

Hadiths referring to Honey There are many Hadiths, stories and traditions that date back to Prophet Muhammad’s time, that show the importance of honey. In volume 7 of the book Sahih al-Bukhari, a collection of Hadiths by the Muslim scholar Muhammad al-Bukhari, there are many hadiths that mention to honey. It states that The Holy Prophet and Allah’s apostles admired honey amongst many other sweet things. For example, the Prophet used to say that, "Healing is in three things: A gulp of honey, cupping, and branding with fire (cauterizing)." But I forbid my followers to use (cauterization) branding with fire." " There is also a story about a man coming to the Prophet and asking him for help for his sick brother. A man came to the Prophet and said, "My brother has some abdominal trouble." The Prophet said to him "Let him drink honey." The man came back for the second time and the Prophet said to him, 'Let him drink honey." He came back for the third time and the Prophet said, "Let him drink honey." He returned again and said, "I have done that ' The Prophet then said, "Allah has said the truth, but your brother's abdomen has told a lie. Let him drink honey." So he made him drink honey and he was cured.

These hadiths illustrate that honey was revered by the Prophet and believed to have medicinal properties.

Medicinal Value of Honey All through the Islamic world, honey has been a trusted source of medicine. It was mixed with other ingredients to help cure different sicknesses. Honey as seen by the previous section was praised by Allah in the Quran as well as recommended by the Prophet for its healing ability. Honey was not only eaten as a sweet treat, but it was also believed to have many medicinal powers. The Holy Prophet recommended two solutions for the body and soul, the Quran for the soul and honey for the body. The Prophet specifically recommended honey for illness of the stomach and chest. Many Arab physicians also believed that honey was a remedy for sicknesses. Ibn al-Baitar, a Muslim physician said that honey could be taken to help relax bowels, stimulate appetite, stomachaches, and swelling intestines. Other physicians used to give honey to patients as a laxative, as a way to improve blood circulation and to kids to prevent scurvy and rickets. According to an Egyptian historian Al Marqazi, when the weather would get cold honey was dissolved into water and was rubbed into one body to prevent and kill lice. From Islam, the medicinal power of honey spread through pharmacology.

Honey in food and treats Honey was a key ingredient in many pastries in the Islamic world. Even as sugar production began to replace honey, it was still used to prepare many dishes and valued within Islamic societies. According to many Muslims, honey was believed to be a better additive than sugar. Some common desserts eaten in the Islamic world that have honey in them are Faludhaj, a creamy pudding, Bint al Sahn, a honey cake, and many types of phyllo pastries that are coated in honey like warbat or baklava. Each place where Islam took hold had its own variations of desserts that included honey. In Jordan, a treat known as Kanefeh, a soft cheese honey soaked pastry is popular. Hareesh, a moist cake with semolina, yogurt honey and topped with almonds, is another dessert that many Jordanians eat. In Moroco, Rose bil Halib is a rice pudding with honey that is enjoyed as a dessert along with sfenj, a fried doughnut soaked in honey. In Iran many traditional desserts soaked in sugar originally came from desserts soaked in honey. Halvas, the Arabic term for sweet referred to different traditional deserts that usually originated from Turkey and were made of honey and ground sesame seeds. These sweet dishes that incorporate honey in them are still a major part of these cultures and eaten today. Honey wasn’t only used for sweet treats, but it was also incorporated into many savory foods as well. Honey was even used as a way to preserve food and prevent rotting meat. It was also used as a way to preserve spices and herbs and help make food taste more palatable by enhancing the flavor. Honey was seen all over the Islamic world and was a major contribution to the Islamic cuisine.

Conclusion The taste of honey is honored highly in the Muslim world. Honey itself was a major ingredient in Islamic dishes and continues to be an important cuisine in the Islamic cuisine today. Justified by the Quran and the Holy Prophet honey was given high importance. According to Islam, honey is a symbol of purity and whether it was eaten as a sweet treat, mixed into savory dishes, or used for its medicinal properties honey played a big role in the daily lives of Muslims around the globe and continues to do so today.

Final Draft

I will be adding this to under the religious section of the already existing article honey.

Introduction Honey in Islam, is one of the most praised sweeteners as it has a long standing history in the Islamic religion and culture. It is incorporated in many dishes, eaten during joyous occasions and revered for its medicinal value. The producer of Honey, scientifically known as Apis or more commonly, Honey Bee, is admired for its ingenuity and devoted to in an entire chapter of the Holy Quran. According to beliefs, Honey was known to be praised by Prophet Muhammad and was linked to purity and paradise. As a result, Honey was given much importance to within the Islamic culture and diet. As Islam spread across the globe, so did the consumption and value of Honey and other sweets.

Significance It is evident that Honey is important in Islam as it is the focus of many celebrations as well as rituals. In some Islamic countries, one of the rituals to welcome a newborn into the world is through Honey. During the ceremony called Tahnik, a newborn is given a taste of something sweet, usually Honey or dates. . This ceremony is a Sunnah of the Prophet and it is told that during his time, parents would bring their newborns to him to complete it. This practice is still used today in many Muslim families. Honey is also the key ingredient in many sweet dishes served during religious holidays such as the Prophet’s birthday and family celebrations. Other examples of Honey being used is to celebrate the Rite of Passage, such as circumcision. Often times Baklava, a Honey drenched phylo pastry topped with nuts, is served during such events. The month of Ramadan, one of the most joyous months in the Islamic calendar , is a time full of food and sweets. During Eid ul Fitr, a festive day that marks the end of the month, there is a big celebration also known as “the sweet festival”, where families and friends exchange many gifts and feed each other sweets. . Many of the sweet dishes that are eaten during Ramadan incorporate Honey in them and it is also considered one of the best gifts that is given and received.

Honey in the Holy Quran One of the main reasons that Honey is so highly praised in Islam is because of the great significance it has within the Holy Quran, the islamic text. The Qur'an promotes Honey as a nutritious and healthy food. In fact, there is an entire chapter (surah) in the Qur'an that is dedicated to the Bee, chapter 16 called an-Nahl (the Bees), specifically verses (ayaats) 68 and 69 refer to the bee and explain why it is so valued.

Below is the English translation of these specific verses:

68. And your Lord inspired the bee, saying: "Take you habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they (humans) erect.''

69. "Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the routes that your Lord made easy (for you). There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colors, in which there is a cure for men. There is indeed a sign in that for people who reflect.

These verses explain that the Bee obeys Allah’s, or the Arabic term for God, commands. According to the these verses in the Quran, the Bee follows as Allah's commands. Whatever Allah tells it to do, it does because it knows that it is the best way to do so. Allah tells the Bee to build its hive, collect nectar from flowers, and create Honey and that is what it does. The Bee does as Allah wills, illustrating the power Allah has, for he is the reason for everything that exists. Through the verses Allah is telling the reader that he is the All-Powerful, the All-Wise, the All-Knowing, the Most Generous, and the Most Merciful. If a person is obedient to Allah, as the Bee is and follows what Allah has guided him or her to do than he or she too will get the best things. Allah is then telling the reader that Honey is a healing medicine.

Honey is also referred to in chapter 47 of the Quran, called Muhammad. In Verse 15 of this chapter, the reader will find that Honey is associated with Paradise.

Below is the English translation of this specific verse:

15. The description of Paradise which is promised to those who have Taqwa, (is that) in it are rivers of water that are not Asin, rivers of milk the taste of which never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink it, and rivers of refined Honey; and therein for them are all kinds of fruits, and forgiveness from their Lord. Can this be likened to those who abide eternally in the Fire and are given to drink boiling water that severs their intestines.

Here Allah gives an account of Jannah, the arabic term for paradise, and the rivers that will flow thorough it. According to the Islamic belief, only those who have taqwa or are god-conciseness will be granted a place in paradise amongst these flowing rivers. Those who are the purist, the best of the believers, and have followed Allah’s guidance are promised a place in paradise with all the greatest things and all of their wishes. The river of refined Honey signifies that the Honey in paradise is the highest purity, color, taste and smell. The verse emphasizes that those who are in paradise are closest to Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. Allah also includes a description of Jahannam, the arabic term for hell, as a way to illustrate the opposite of paradise and emphasize Allah’s wrath. Since Honey is food of paradise, it is clearly a food that is the most honorable and respected. Paradise is the land of all of the best things, Honey being one of them in the eyes of Allah.

Hadiths referring to Honey There are many Hadiths, stories and traditions that date back to Prophet Muhammad’s time, that show the importance of Honey. In volume 7 of the book Sahih al-Bukhari, a collection of Hadiths by the Muslim scholar Muhammad al-Bukhari, there are many hadiths that mention to Honey. It states that the Holy Prophet and Allah’s apostles admired Honey amongst many other sweet things. For example, the Prophet used to say that, "Healing is in three things: A gulp of Honey, cupping, and branding with fire (cauterizing)." But I forbid my followers to use (cauterization) branding with fire." " There is also a story about a man coming to the Prophet and asking him for help for his sick brother. A man came to the Prophet and said, "My brother has some abdominal trouble." The Prophet said to him "Let him drink Honey." The man came back for the second time and the Prophet said to him, 'Let him drink Honey." He came back for the third time and the Prophet said, "Let him drink Honey." He returned again and said, "I have done that" The Prophet then said, "Allah has said the truth, but your brother's abdomen has told a lie. Let him drink Honey." So he made him drink Honey and he was cured.

These hadiths illustrate that Honey was revered by the Prophet and believed to have medicinal properties.

Medicinal Value of Honey In reference to Islamic ideology, throughout the Islamic world, Honey was believed to be a trusted source of medicine. It was mixed with other ingredients to help cure different sicknesses. According to beliefs, Honey as seen by the previous section was praised by Allah in the Quran as well as recommended by the Prophet for its healing ability. Honey was not only eaten as a sweet treat, but it was also believed to have many medicinal powers. The Holy Prophet recommended two solutions for the body and soul, the Quran for the soul and Honey for the body. The Prophet specifically recommended Honey for illness of the stomach and chest. Many Arab physicians also believed that Honey was a remedy for sicknesses. Ibn al-Baitar, a Muslim physician said that Honey could be taken to help relax bowels, stimulate appetite, stomach aches, and swelling intestines. Other physicians used to give Honey to patients as a laxative, a way to improve blood circulation and to kids to prevent scurvy and rickets. According to an Egyptian historian Al Marqazi, when the weather would get cold Honey was dissolved into water and was rubbed into ones body to prevent and kill lice. From Islam, the medicinal power of Honey spread through pharmacology.

Honey in food and treats Honey was a key ingredient in many pastries in the Islamic world. Even as sugar production began to replace Honey, it was still used to prepare many dishes and valued within Islamic societies. According to many Muslims, Honey was believed to be a better additive than sugar. Some common desserts eaten in the Islamic world that have Honey in them are Faludhaj, a creamy pudding, Bint al Sahn, a Honey cake, and many types of phyllo pastries that are coated in Honey like warbat or baklava. As Islam spread and took hold in different countries, they each adapted to their own variations of desserts and many of them incorporated honey in them. In Jordan, a treat known as Kanefeh, a soft cheese Honey soaked pastry is popular. Hareesh, a moist cake with semolina, yogurt, Honey and topped with almonds, is another dessert that many Jordanians eat. In Moroco, Rose bil Halib is a rice pudding with Honey that is enjoyed as a dessert along with sfenj, a fried doughnut soaked in Honey. In Iran many traditional desserts soaked in sugar originally came from desserts soaked in Honey. Halvas, the Arabic term for sweets, referred to different traditional deserts that usually originated from Turkey and were made of Honey and ground sesame seeds. These sweet dishes that incorporate Honey in them are still a major part of these cultures and eaten today. Honey wasn’t only used for sweet treats, but it was also incorporated into many savory foods as well. Honey was even used as a way to preserve food and prevent rotting meat. It was also used as a way to preserve spices and herbs and help make food taste more palatable by enhancing the flavor. Honey was seen all over the Islamic world and was a major contribution to the Islamic cuisine.

Conclusion The taste of Honey is honored highly in the Muslim world. Honey itself was a major ingredient in Islamic dishes and continues to be an important ingredient in the Islamic cuisine today. Justified by the Quran and the Holy Prophet, Honey was given high importance. According to Islam, Honey is a symbol of purity and whether it was eaten as a sweet treat, mixed into savory dishes, or used for its medicinal properties Honey played a big role in the daily lives of Muslims around the globe and continues to do so today.