اللَّهُمَّ إلَيْكَ أشْكُو ضَعْفَ قُوَّتِي وقِلَّةَ حِيلَتِي وهَوَانِي علَى النَّاسِ يا أرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمينَ، إلَى مَن تَكِلُنِي، إلَى عَدُوٍّ يَتَجَهَّمُنِي أمْ إلى قَرِيبٍ مَلَّكْتَهُ أمْرِي، إن لَّمْ تَكُن سَاخِطاً عِلَّي فلا أُبالِي غَيْرَ أنَّ عَافِيتَكَ أوْسَعُ لِي، اعُوذُ بِنُورِ وَجْهِكَ الكَرِيمِ الذي أضَاءَتْ لَهُ السَّمواتُ وأشْرَقَتْ لَهُ الظُّلُماتُ وصَلُحَ عَلَيْهِ أمْرُ الدُّنْيَا والآخِرَةِ أن تُحِلَّ عَلَيَّ غضَبَكَ وَ تُنـزِلَ عَلَىَّ سَخَطَكَ ولَكَ العٌتْبَى حَتَّى تَرْضَى، ولا حَوْلَ ولا قُوَّةَ إلاَّ بِكَ

Anbar (Ambergris; Whale)

عَنبَر: تقدَّم فى "الصحيحين" من حديث جابر، فى قصة أبى عُبيدةَ، وأكلِهم من العنبر شهراً، وأنهم تزوَّدُّوا من لحمه وشَائِقَ إلى المدينة، وأرسلوا منه إلى النبىِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم

In Arabic, there are two meanings of Anbar:

1. A whale (fish) is called Anbar
2. An expensive perfume (explained below) is also called Anbar (Ambergris)

Ibn al-Qayyim wrote : In the Sahihain collections, the Qissah-story of Abu Ubaydah Ibn Al Jarrah Radi Allaho Anh and his companions (Muslim army) mentions their consumption of a huge WHALE fish for a month, during which they even brought pieces of it back to Madinah and sent some to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. This narration supports the permissibility of eating marine life beyond fish and indicates that the carrion of the sea is lawful (and if the fish meat is fresh & has not spoiled). Some objected, suggesting the ambergris was initially alive and then stranded and died due to lack of water, making it permissible. However, this claim is refuted as the whale fish was found dead on the shore without being seen alive. Moreover, the sea typically washes ashore its dead creatures, not the living ones.

As for ambergris used as a fragrance, it is among the finest perfumes after musk. However, it is incorrect to place ambergris above musk or to claim it as the best of all perfumes. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم explicitly stated about musk: "It is the best of perfumes." The unique qualities and benefits of musk, including its heavenly aroma and its use as the scent of paradise, far outweigh ambergris.

Ambergris comes in many types and colors, such as white, grey, red, yellow, green, blue, black, and mixed colors. The best varieties are grey, followed by blue and yellow, while the black variety is considered inferior.

Regarding its origin, opinions vary: Some say it is a plant that grows on the seabed and is consumed by certain marine animals, which then excrete it, after which it washes ashore. Others claim it is dew falling on sea islands, carried by waves to the shore. Another theory suggests it is the excrement of a sea creature resembling a cow. Some consider it a type of sea foam or scum.

Ibn Sina (Avicenna) in The Canon of Medicine theorized that ambergris likely originates from a spring in the sea, rejecting the notions of it being sea foam or excrement.

Ambergris is hot and dry in temperament. It strengthens the heart, brain, senses, and body, and is beneficial for paralysis, facial palsy, phlegmatic conditions, cold stomach aches, and thick winds. It helps clear blockages when ingested or applied externally. When inhaled as incense, it alleviates colds, headaches, and migraines caused by cold conditions.

Ibn al-Baytaar wrote : Ibn Hassan described ambergris as the excrement of a marine animal or as a substance that grows at the bottom of the sea, consumed by certain sea creatures. When they are full, they regurgitate it (bring swallowed food up again to the mouth). Ambergris appears in the form of woody, bone-like material, greasy and oily, floating on water. Some varieties are black, commonly found, and dry with little moisture. It is aromatic, strengthening the heart and brain, and beneficial for paralysis, facial palsy (Laqwah), and phlegmatic conditions. It is considered the finest of perfumes, and its authenticity can be tested by fire.

Ibn Sina (Avicenna) believed ambergris likely originates from a marine spring and rejected the idea that it is sea foam or excrement. The best type is ash-grey and strong in quality, followed by blue and yellow varieties. The black variety is inferior and often adulterated with gypsum, wax, labdanum, or other substances. The black ambergris found in the stomachs of certain fish, which consume it and die, is particularly undesirable. Ambergris is moderately hot (likely in the second degree) and slightly dry (in the first degree). It is gentle in warming and benefits older individuals, enhancing brain function, senses, and heart health.

Ambergris also has adhesive properties, making it useful in binding and following dyes. It benefits the brain and senses, strengthens the heart, and is slightly more balanced than musk. Its unique qualities include aromatic potency, mild warmth, and adhesiveness, which collectively strengthen the essence of the vital spirit in key organs.

Ibn Ridwan noted ambergris's benefits for cold stomach pain, intestinal gas, and blockages when consumed or applied externally. It is effective for migraines and headaches caused by cold humors when used as incense or ointment. It strengthens organs, counters harmful cold air, and protects against paralysis and decay when smelled or inhaled as incense.

Al-Tamimi explained that ambergris could be used to treat joints affected by dampness or phlegmatic winds. It strengthens ligaments, dissolves moisture, and relieves blockages when mixed with warming oils like marjoram or chamomile oil. Ambergris can be inhaled to treat major brain conditions caused by thick phlegm and winds, clearing blockages and improving its function. Apple-shaped ambergris inhalers are used for paralysis, facial palsy, and lockjaw (Tetanus).

Experiments have shown that burning ambergris benefits cold nasal conditions and strengthens the brain. When dissolved in sweet almond oil and applied to the spine, it alleviates nerve pain and numbness. Consuming it strengthens the stomach and treats diarrhea caused by cold or weak digestion. In summary, ambergris is a powerful remedy for all nervous system-related ailments.

Ibn-e-Sina wrote : Ambergris is believed to originate from a spring in the sea, while the claims that it is sea foam or the excrement of a marine animal are considered unlikely. However, a trustworthy source recounted that during his youth, while traveling by sea, he visited a coastal area called Bakhakh. He observed that as the sea waves surged onto the shore in the morning, ambergris of various sizes and colors would appear. Anyone who reached it first could claim it. When he inquired with the locals about the phenomenon, they explained that this was a regular occurrence in that region and happened frequently. 

The finest ambergris is ash-grey and strong, followed by blue and yellow varieties. The black variety is the least desirable. Black ambergris is often adulterated with substances like gypsum, wax, labdanum, or other materials. The inferior black type is commonly found in the stomachs of fish that consume it and subsequently die.