يا ولِيَّ الإسلامِ وأهلِهِ ، ثَبِّتْنِي بهِ حتى أَلْقَاكَ

Nabiq / Unaab

نَبِقٌ‏ : ذكر أبو نعيم في كتابه ‏(‏الطب النبوى‏)‏ مرفوعاً‏:‏ ‏(‏إنَّ آدمَ لَمَّا أُهْبِطَ إلى الأرض كان أولَ شىء أكل مِن ثمارها النَّبِقُ‏)‏‏.‏ وقد ذكر النبىُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم النَّبِقَ في الحديث المتفق على صحته‏:‏ أنه رأى سِدْرَة المُنتهى ليلةَ أُسْرِىَ به، وإذا نَبِقُها مِثْلُ قِلالِ هَجَرٍ‏.‏ والنَبِق‏:‏ ثمر شجر السدر يعقِل الطبيعة، وينفع من الإسهال، ويدبُغ المَعِدَة، ويُسَكِّن الصفراء، ويَغذو البدنَ، ويُشهِّى الطَّعام، ويُولِّد بلغماً، وينفع الذَّرَب الصفراوىَّ، وهو بطىء الهضم، وسَويقُه يُقوِّى الحشا، وهو يُصْلِحُ الأمزجة الصفراوية، وتُدفع مضرتُه بالشهد‏.‏ واختُلِفَ فيه، هل هو رطب أو يابس ‏؟‏ على قولين‏.‏ والصحيح‏:‏ أنَّ رطبه بارد رطب، ويابسه بارد يابس‏.‏

It has several names: Nabiq, Christ's thorn, lotus jujube, or rhamnus. 

Ibn al-Qayyim wrote : Nabiq (Lote fruit): Abu Nu'aym mentioned in his book "Prophetic Medicine" that a Hadith says, "When Adam was sent down to earth, the first fruit he ate was Nabiq (lote fruit)." Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم also mentioned Nabiq in a Hadith agreed upon for its authenticity, where he described seeing Sidrat al-Muntaha (the Lote Tree) on the night of his Ascension, with fruits as large as the jars of Hajar (a town in Arabian peninsula).

Nabiq is the fruit of the lote tree (Sidr). It is known to aid digestion by firming the stomach and relieving diarrhea. It soothes bile, nourishes the body, increases appetite, and produces phlegm, while also benefiting yellow bile disorders. Nabiq is slow to digest, but its ground form (Saweeq) strengthens the stomach lining and is particularly beneficial for hot-tempered individuals. Any negative effects of Nabiq can be mitigated with honey. There is a difference of opinion on whether Nabiq is moist or dry. The correct view is that fresh Nabiq is cold and moist, while dried Nabiq is cold and dry.

Ibn al-Bytaar wrote : According to Abu Hanifah, the Sidr tree has two main types: (1) Ghubri (River Jujube): This variety grows by rivers, has broad, rounded leaves, and lacks thorns except for some small, flyaway shoots. (2) Dhal (Wild Jujube): This variety has thorny branches with small, round, sharp thorns and grows primarily in deserts or wilderness. The fruit (known as Nabiq or Jujube berry) varies by type, with the Ghubri growing larger fruits and Dhal producing smaller, harsher fruit. 

According to Ibn Masawayh, the jujube fruit has a mild cooling and drying effect, with a mild degree of dryness and is beneficial for digestion. Ishaq bin Imran noted that jujube increases appetite, similar to hawthorn, but with a slightly stronger drying effect.

Digestive Benefits: Its properties help in strengthening the stomach lining and regulating bowel movements, particularly when consumed dried and before meals. For those with moist stomach or intestinal linings, dried Nabiq can act as a mild laxative, helping to release impurities. The taste and effect vary, with dried jujube being more astringent and beneficial for controlling bowel movement, while the ripe, fresh fruit has a gentler effect and is quicker to digest. The dried fruit helps in binding the intestines and reducing diarrhea, while the unripe, green fruit is slightly more astringent. Sidr provides mild, thick nourishment beneficial for cases of severe diarrhea. According to Al-Tabari, fresh jujube aids digestion, stimulates appetite, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Ibn Sarayun noted that the juice of sweet jujube can ease yellow bile accumulated in the stomach and intestines and help in reducing excess heat.

Dawood Antaaki wrote: Sidr is a well-known tree that grows in mountains and sandy areas, and when cultivated, it produces larger leaves and fruits with fewer thorns. Its leaves do not fall off easily, and it can live for about a hundred years. It has different parts with varying properties: its leaves are hot in nature, its fruit is cold, and its wood is hot, with all parts being dry when boiled. Drinking a decoction of Sidr kills intestinal worms, clears blockages, removes heavy gases, and alleviates digestive disorders. Sawdust from the tree can treat spleen issues, ascites, internal ulcers, and other abdominal problems. The thorny variety of Sidr has a stronger effect. The powdered leaves of Sidr can be used to heal wounds, remove impurities, cleanse the skin, and smoothen it. It also strengthens the hair. 

Sidr repels insects, strengthens the nerves, and protects the body from harm, which is why it is used to wash the deceased. The fruit of Sidr, known as "Nabiq," when pressed, relieves thirst, reduces fever, and alleviates jaundice. The unripe fruit also helps with diarrhea, and its seeds, when ground and applied to fractures, speed up healing. It is also effective for general bruises. If boiled until thickened and applied to the body, it helps with muscle weakness, especially in children with delayed development, making them recover quickly. It is harmful to those with cold conditions but can be balanced with mastic and ginger. In excess, it may cause discomfort in hot conditions but can be remedied with Sakanjabeen.

Ibn-e-Sina wrote: Sidr (Ziziphus) is a large, thorny tree with fruit resembling hazelnuts in size and shape, but red in color and of a pleasant taste. It is mostly found in hot countries. Both fresh and dry Sidr have drying and soothing properties. The smoke of the Sidr tree has a strong constricting effect. It is astringent, especially its branches.

Cosmetic Use: Sidr prevents hair loss, promotes hair growth, strengthens, and softens hair. The tree produces a gum that cures prickly heat and makes the hair shinier.

For Swellings and Blisters: The leaves of Sidr soften and dissolve hot swellings.

Head: Sidr gum is used to relieve heat when applied as a wash, cleanses the scalp, and tightens the hair.

Chest: The leaves are beneficial for asthma and lung diseases.

Digestive System: Sidr is strengthening for the stomach.

Excretory System: Sidr stabilizes the body's natural balance and is useful for excessive menstrual bleeding, ulcers, and diarrhea caused by stomach weakness. Its branches are particularly beneficial. Sidr’s decoction is also used to treat uterine discharge. The fresh Sidr is considered to have properties similar to quince, hawthorn, apples, and pears. The moderate amount of Sidr helps to stabilize, but too much causes indigestion and may trigger a bowel movement.