Barley — known in Arabic as Sha’eer (شَعِير) — is one of the most important healing foods in Prophetic medicine.
It was the grain most used in the home of the Prophet ﷺ, recommended for the sick, and served as nourishing bread, soup, and porridge.

Barley is:

• healing

• cooling

• gentle

• grounding

• excellent for digestion

• comforting for illness and grief

From Talbeena to barley bread, this grain carries immense Sunnah value.

📜 Barley in the Sunnah

⭐ 1. Barley porridge (Talbeena) recommended by the Prophet ﷺ

Aisha (RA) said:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
‘Talbeena comforts the heart of the sick and removes some sorrow.’”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, 5689

Barley was used:

• for emotional comfort

• for illness recovery

• for weak digestion

• for sadness and grief

⭐ 2. Barley bread was the Prophet’s ﷺ regular bread

Anas (RA) described the Prophet’s bread:

“The Prophet ﷺ never ate fine wheat bread; he ate barley bread.”
— Riyad as-Salihin, 490

This shows the simplicity, purity and healthiness of barley over refined wheat.

⭐ 3. Barley soup was served to the sick

When someone was ill, barley soup (Hisa’ or Sawiq Sha’eer) was prepared for them.

It was the Sunnah healing soup, gentle and comforting.

🌿 Why Barley Is Special in Tibb-e-Nabawi

Barley is:

• cooling (reduces heat in the body)

• moistening (balances dryness)

• easy to digest

• high in fiber

• naturally calming

In Prophetic medicine, barley is used to heal:

• the stomach

• the heart

• the emotions

• grief

• the digestive system

• inflammation

It is a grain of healing and comfort.

🌱 Health Benefits of Barley 

⭐ 1. Excellent for Digestion & Gut Health

Barley is rich in:

• soluble fiber (beta-glucan)

• digestive enzymes

• gut-friendly nutrients

It:

• softens stool

• relieves constipation

• reduces acidity

• feeds beneficial gut bacteria

• helps food move smoothly

⭐ 2. Calms the Heart & Mind (Emotional Healing)

As mentioned in Sahih Hadith:

• Barley comforts the heart

• Reduces sorrow

• Stabilizes mood

• Soothes emotional stress

Ideal for:

• grief

• anxiety

• emotional instability

⭐ 3. Supports Weight Balance

Barley:

• increases fullness

• reduces cravings

• stabilizes blood sugar

• improves metabolism

Supporting both weight loss and healthy weight gain (depending on how it’s eaten).

⭐ 4. Controls Blood Sugar & Improves Insulin Sensitivity

The fiber in barley slows digestion, which helps:

• reduce sugar spikes

• support diabetics

• balance hormones

⭐ 5. Heart-Protective & Anti-Inflammatory

Barley:

• reduces cholesterol

• improves circulation

• lowers blood pressure

• supports long-term heart health

One of the best grains for cardiovascular wellness.

⭐ 6. Strengthens the Stomach & Liver

Classical Islamic medicine widely used barley for:

• weak stomach

• liver heat

• indigestion

• post-illness weakness

Its cooling nature makes it gentle during fevers.

⭐ 7. Boosts Immunity

Barley supports immune function through:

• vitamins

• minerals

• antioxidants

• gut strengthening

🥣 Sunnah Ways to Use Barley

⭐ 1. Talbeena (Barley Porridge)

The most famous Sunnah recipe.
Made with:

• barley flour

• milk or water

• honey

Used for:

• emotional comfort

• illness recovery

• digestion

• stress relief

⭐ 2. Barley Soup

A gentle, soothing soup for:

• fever

• weakness

• stomach issues

Traditionally made with barley + water + milk or broth.

⭐ 3. Barley Bread

The Prophet ﷺ mostly ate barley bread — thick, simple, rustic, and healthy.

⭐ 4. Barley Water

Barley boiled in water → a Sunnah drink used for:

• kidney health

• hydration

• fever

• digestion

• urinary irritation

⭐ 5. Barley with Dates or Honey

A nourishing combination that:

• boosts energy

• strengthens digestion

• balances body warmth

⭐ 6. Barley Flour in Desserts

Used in traditional Hijazi and Arabian sweets.
Healthier than refined wheat.

⚠️ Precautions

• People with very cold digestion should add warming ingredients (like cinnamon).

• Avoid overconsumption if you feel bloated easily.

• For diabetics, avoid sweetened barley dishes.

💛 Spiritual Reminder

Barley is a Sunnah grain of comfort, linked to the emotional healing and compassion of the Prophet ﷺ.

It nourishes not only the stomach —
but the heart, the mind, and the soul.

When you eat barley with Sunnah intention, you:

• follow the example of Rasulullah ﷺ

• receive healing through a blessed food

• embrace simplicity and purity

Say:
“O Allah, place barakah and shifaa in this provision.”