Quince (known in Arabic as Safarjal or Safarjal) is a fragrant fruit that has been highly regarded in classical Islamic medicine, Unani texts, and traditional diets of the Muslim world. Though firm and sour when raw, quince becomes deeply nourishing and healing when prepared correctly.
In Tibb-e-Nabawi, quince is valued especially for its beneficial effects on the heart, mind, digestion, and emotional balance.
Quince in Islamic Tradition & Classical Medicine
While quince is not mentioned directly in the Qurāan, it is frequently discussed by classical Muslim physicians, including scholars influenced by Prophetic principles of balance and moderation.
It is reported in traditional Islamic literature that quince was praised for:
Strengthening the heart
Improving mood and emotional stability
Supporting digestion
Because of these qualities, quince was often recommended for people experiencing weakness, sadness, or digestive imbalance.
Temperament (Mizaj) of Quince
According to Unani and Islamic medicine:
Temperament: Cold & Dry
Cooked quince: More balanced and easier to digest
Raw quince: Very astringent and harder on digestion
This is why Islamic physicians strongly advised cooking quince before consumption.
Health Benefits of Quince
ā¤ļø 1. Strengthens the Heart
Quince is traditionally known as a heart-strengthening fruit. It helps:
Support emotional stability
Reduce palpitations caused by weakness
Strengthen the heartās temperament
Classical scholars often recommended quince for people with heart weakness or anxiety.
š§ 2. Supports Mental Calm & Emotional Balance
Quince was widely used for:
Sadness and grief
Nervous weakness
Emotional restlessness
It is considered beneficial for uplifting the spirit and calming the mind.
š½ļø 3. Improves Digestion
Cooked quince helps:
Strengthen the stomach
Reduce acidity
Control diarrhea
Improve appetite
Its astringent nature makes it especially useful for loose digestion.
š©ø 4. Supports Strength & Recovery
Quince provides:
Gentle nourishment
Energy without heaviness
Support during weakness or recovery
This makes it suitable for the sick and elderly when prepared properly.
Best Way to Eat Quince
ā Always cook quince (boiled, stewed, or baked)
ā Quince jam or quince syrup is preferable
ā Can be cooked with honey for added benefit
ā Avoid eating raw quince in excess
Cooking transforms quince from a harsh fruit into a gentle healer.
Quince Seeds: A Traditional Remedy
Quince seeds were traditionally soaked in water to form a gel, which was used for:
Throat irritation
Cough relief
Soothing internal dryness
ā ļø Seeds were used soaked, not crushed, and always with caution.
Who Should Be Careful?
People with severe constipation (raw quince may worsen it)
Those with very cold temperament should consume in moderation
Best avoided raw by individuals with weak digestion
Again, moderation and preparation are key principles in Tibb-e-Nabawi.
Spiritual & Lifestyle Reflection
Quince teaches us an important Sunnah lesson:
Not every food is beneficial in its raw form ā wisdom lies in preparation.
Islamic medicine emphasizes understanding food, not just consuming it.
Conclusion
Quince is a powerful yet gentle fruit when used correctly. In Tibb-e-Nabawi and classical Islamic medicine, it is cherished for strengthening the heart, calming the mind, and supporting digestion. When cooked and consumed in moderation, quince becomes a source of physical nourishment and emotional balance.