In classical Islamic medicine (Tibb-e-Nabawi), natural remedies are often deeply intertwined with divine history. One of the most fascinating examples of this is the Kam’ah (Truffle), a unique, self-growing fungus that holds a profound status in both prophetic tradition and classical medical science.
Letās explore how the truffle is medically classified, its miraculous benefits for the eyes, and its historical connection to the Israelites!
What is Kam’ah (Truffle)?
Truffles are a unique type of fungus that grow completely underground without any stem, leaves, seeds, or human cultivation. Classical scholars referred to them as the “smallpox of the earth” because they swell up and emerge from the ground, usually after heavy spring rains and thunderstorms. In fact, ancient Arabs affectionately called them the “product of thunder.”
The Prophetic Status: A Pure Blessing (Mann)
The Prophet Muhammad (ļ·ŗ) granted the truffle a very high status, stating:
“Truffle is included in ‘Mann’ (Manna) and its water is a cure for the eye.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
What does it mean that truffle is from “Mann”? Classical scholars explain that Mann refers to the pure, unearned blessings (Manna and Salwa) that Allah Almighty miraculously provided to the Bani Israel (Israelites) while they were wandering in the desert.
Because truffles grow entirely on their ownārequiring no sowing, no irrigation, and no human laborāthey are considered a pure, direct gift from Allah, similar to the miraculous food given to the Israelites.
The Medical Profile of Truffles
In humoral medicine, the temperament of the truffle is considered cold and wet in the third degree.
While they are highly prized delicacies, classical physicians provided a strong caution regarding eating them:
- Digestion: Truffles are generally slow to digest and heavy on the stomach.
- Preparation: Eating them raw is discouraged. Classical texts advise burying them in wet mud first, boiling them with water, salt, and thyme (Sa’atar), and then eating them with olive oil and hot spices to balance their cold temperament.
- Poisonous vs. Beneficial: Classical scholars noted that while many truffles are incredibly nutritious (like the oyster or button varieties), some are poisonous. Beneficial truffles are milky white, crisp, fragrant, and grow in clean climates. Poisonous ones are often shiny, sour, and grow in dirty environments.
The Miracle Cure: Truffles and Eye Health
While eating truffles requires culinary caution, their liquid extract is universally praised as a miraculous cure for the eyes!
Classical medical experts, including famous physicians like Avicenna (Maseehi), confirmed the Prophetic saying that “its water is a cure for the eye.”
How was it used?
- The purest liquid essence of the truffle was extracted (sometimes by gently heating it to evaporate unnecessary moisture).
- This highly refined “truffle water” was then used as a collyrium (Surma) or applied as eye drops.
- Benefits: Applying this water strengthens the eyelashes, dramatically improves eyesight, clears blurred vision, and soothes eyes that are aching due to excessive heat.
A Theological Reflection on Calamities
In a profound theological tangent, the classical text addresses a fascinating question: If the truffle is a divine blessing from heaven, why can it sometimes be poisonous or hard to digest?
Scholars explain that when Allah first created the world, everything was in a state of absolute purity and benefit. Defects, diseases, and calamities in agriculture (like poisonous fungi or failing crops) were introduced into the natural world as a direct consequence of human sins, oppression, and the violation of divine laws.
As the Quran states: “Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned.” (Al-Rum: 41).
Therefore, while the original essence of the truffle remains a pure blessing, the physical world’s degradation requires us to use wisdom and medical knowledge when consuming it.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and historical purposes based on classical Islamic texts (Tibb-e-Nabawi). It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or ophthalmological advice.