Citron (Turunj / Utruj) in Tibb-e-Nabawi

A Fragrant Fruit of Faith, Knowledge & Healing

Citron, known in Arabic as Turunj (ترنج) or Utruj (أترج), is a large citrus fruit admired in Islamic tradition for its beautiful fragrance, beneficial properties, and symbolic meaning. Unlike many fruits, citron is directly mentioned in authentic Hadith, making it one of the most spiritually symbolic fruits in Islam.

In Tibb-e-Nabawi, citron is valued for its digestive, uplifting, and aromatic qualities, while also serving as a metaphor for the believer’s character.

🍋 Citron in the Sunnah

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The example of a believer who recites the Qur’an is like that of a citron (utrujjah): its smell is pleasant and its taste is good.
The example of a believer who does not recite the Qur’an is like a date: it has a good taste but no smell…”
(Mishkat al-Masabih, 2114)

What This Hadith Teaches Us

• Citron symbolizes beauty inside and outside

• A true believer benefits others with knowledge and character

• Fragrance represents good influence, and taste represents inner goodness

This makes citron one of the most spiritually symbolic fruits in Islam.

Citron in Classical Islamic Medicine

Classical Muslim physicians described citron as:

• Fragrant and uplifting

• Beneficial for digestion

• Helpful for the heart and mood

It was used in:

• Syrups and preserves

• Digestive remedies

• Aromatic preparations

Temperament of Citron

According to Unani principles:

• Temperament: Cold & Dry (peel), Balanced to mildly cold (pulp)

• Effect: Refreshing, uplifting, digestive

• Best for: Excess heat, nausea, heaviness

Because citrus fruits can be sharp, moderation is essential.

Health Benefits of Citron

🍋 1. Supports Digestion

Citron helps:

• Stimulate digestion

• Reduce nausea

• Refresh the stomach

It is especially helpful after heavy meals.

🧠 2. Uplifts Mood & Heart

The fragrance of citron:

• Refreshes the mind

• Reduces sadness

• Comforts the heart

Classical medicine considered aromatic citrus fruits heart-strengthening.

🩸 3. Supports Vitality & Immunity

Citron is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting:

• Body strength

• Resistance to illness

• General vitality

🌬️ 4. Refreshes Breath & Environment

Citron peel was traditionally used to:

• Perfume rooms

• Freshen breath

• Remove unpleasant odors

Best Way to Use Citron

✔ Eat in moderate amounts
✔ Use peel in infusions or preserves
✔ Smell or keep in rooms for fragrance
✔ Avoid excess on an empty stomach

Balance preserves benefit.

Who Should Be Careful?

Citron should be limited by:

• People with very sensitive stomachs

• Those prone to acidity

• Individuals with excessive cold temperament

Again, moderation is the Sunnah principle.

Spiritual & Lifestyle Reflection

Citron teaches a powerful lesson:

• A believer should be beneficial inside and out

• Knowledge and character must both be present

• Fragrance without taste, or taste without fragrance, is incomplete

This fruit is a living metaphor of the ideal Muslim character.

Conclusion

Citron (Turunj / Utruj) is a Sunnah-mentioned fruit with deep spiritual symbolism and real health benefits. In Tibb-e-Nabawi, it is valued for digestion, mood, fragrance, and vitality. More importantly, it reminds us to be like the citron—beneficial in character, knowledge, and presence.