What are the prophetic benefits of honey?

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

In Surah An-Nahl (16:69) of the Quran, Allah reveals that honey contains healing for mankind. This divine proclamation, along with the detailed guidance from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), establishes honey not merely as a food but as a powerful medicinal substance in Islamic tradition.

Quick Summary

The prophetic benefits of honey encompass physical and spiritual healing, as documented in the Quran and Hadith. It includes potent cleansing effects for the digestive system, antimicrobial properties for infections and wounds, and overall nourishment for general health.

Key Points

Divine Healing: The Quran explicitly mentions that honey contains healing for mankind, establishing its spiritual and medicinal significance.
Digestive Remedy: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) repeatedly recommended honey for stomach and digestive issues, affirming its cleansing properties.
Two Cures: The Hadith highlights honey as one of "the two cures," alongside the Quran, signifying its role in holistic physical and spiritual healing.
Antimicrobial Action: Honey possesses powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, effective for both internal infections and topical wound care.
Natural Cough Suppressant: Prophetic and modern medical traditions recognize honey's effectiveness in soothing sore throats and relieving coughs.
Energy and Nutrition: As a nutritious, easily digestible food, honey provides a steady source of energy without the negative effects of processed sugars.
Immunity Booster: Rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, honey helps strengthen the immune system and protect against disease.

The Quranic Command and Promise

The Holy Quran serves as the primary source establishing the medicinal and spiritual value of honey within Islam. In Surah An-Nahl, verses 68-69, Allah reveals a direct command to the bee and the resulting gift for humanity. The verses describe the bee's process and the resulting drink of varying colors containing healing for people, serving as a sign for those who reflect. This passage highlights honey as a divinely guided process and a source of healing for both physical and spiritual ailments. This Quranic mention is the cornerstone of its esteemed status in prophetic medicine, or Tibb an-Nabawi.

Hadith: The Prophetic Practice and Endorsement

The teachings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further elaborate on the benefits of honey.

Honey for Abdominal Ailments

One significant narration involves a man whose brother suffered from stomach trouble. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) repeatedly instructed the man to give his brother honey until he was cured, stating, “Allah has spoken the truth, but your brother’s stomach has told a lie.”. Scholars explain this indicated a need for repeated cleansing due to the presence of harmful substances.

The Two Cures: Honey and the Quran

A hadith narrated by Ibn Majah and Hakim al-Nisaburi states, “There are two cures for you: honey and the Qur'an”. This emphasizes the holistic healing approach of prophetic medicine, combining a physical remedy (honey) with a spiritual one (the Quran).

Consuming Honey on an Empty Stomach

Scholars like Ibn al-Qayyim documented the prophetic practice of drinking honey mixed with water on an empty stomach. This practice was associated with cleansing and maintaining health.

Physical Benefits in Prophetic Medicine

Drawing from the Quran and Hadith, scholars identified numerous practical uses for honey, many supported by modern science.

Cleansing and Digestive Health

Honey is seen as a natural cleanser that helps remove harmful substances and supports digestion.

Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Properties

For external use, honey is recognized for its natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral qualities.

Infection Control: Honey can combat various harmful bacteria.
Wound and Burn Treatment: Applying honey topically can protect wounds, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Respiratory Relief

Honey is a traditional remedy for coughs and sore throats. Its effectiveness has been supported by studies.

Boosting General Wellness

Beyond treating specific issues, honey is a nourishing food that supports overall well-being with its vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is believed to strengthen organs, improve circulation, and enhance memory.

Comparison: Honey vs. Processed Sugar in Islam

Islamic teachings favor Tayyib (wholesome) foods, drawing a clear distinction between natural honey and processed sugar.


Feature	Honey (Prophetic Remedy)	Processed Sugar (Refined)
Source	Natural product from bees, divinely inspired.	Industrially processed from sugar cane or beets.
Composition	Contains beneficial vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants.	Contains empty calories with no nutritional value beyond sucrose.
Islamic View	Highly recommended as a source of healing and nourishment.	No specific mention of benefit; associated with negative health impacts in modern context.
Health Impact	Can support health in multiple ways, including blood sugar regulation and energy.	Can lead to health issues like blood sugar spikes and contributes to modern diseases.
Digestion	Easily digested; supports gut health.	Difficult to process in large amounts; can negatively impact gut flora.

Spiritual and Holistic Implications

Using honey in Islamic tradition holds spiritual value. It is seen as a blessed food and its consumption is an act of following the Prophet's Sunnah. This practice encourages a connection to divine guidance and the natural world.

Conclusion

The prophetic benefits of honey are extensive, encompassing physical and spiritual health, as established in the Quran and Hadith. Its status as a divinely mentioned healing substance is affirmed by prophetic practices. Modern research continues to validate many of its therapeutic properties. Incorporating honey aligns with prophetic tradition and offers nutritional and medicinal advantages. The guidance on honey highlights the holistic approach to health within Islamic teachings, connecting ancient wisdom with modern understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Quran states in Surah An-Nahl (16:69) that a drink of varying colors, honey, emerges from the bellies of bees, in which there is healing for people.

Yes, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) frequently recommended honey as a remedy. A famous hadith recounts him instructing a man to give his brother honey for a stomach ailment until he was cured.

Yes, honey was used topically in prophetic medicine. Its natural antibacterial properties make it effective for cleansing wounds, preventing infection, and promoting tissue regeneration.

The Prophet (PBUH) described honey and the Quran as "the two cures," suggesting that honey, like the Quran, offers profound healing. For many, consuming it is an act of Sunnah, fostering a spiritual connection.

According to the hadith, honey was successful in treating a stomach issue. Scholars explain that its cleansing and antimicrobial effects address the root cause of digestive troubles.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reportedly used to drink honey mixed with water on an empty stomach, which was believed to have significant cleansing and health-maintaining benefits.

Honey is a natural, divinely-guided product mentioned as a source of healing, whereas processed sugar lacks these qualities. Honey contains beneficial nutrients, while refined sugar offers empty calories.

Yes, modern scientific research confirms many of honey's properties highlighted in prophetic tradition, including its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects.