Honey in the Treatment of Diarrhoea from the Perspectives of Hadith science and Medical Science

Honey has long been regarded as both a therapeutic agent and a symbolic entity in religious and mythological contexts across diverse cultures. Consequently, medical, religious, and mythological sources have extensively discussed its properties. This study explores the use of honey, particularly in the treatment of abdominal pain and diarrhoea, from the perspectives of hadith studies and medical science. Both the Quran and Sunnah emphasize honey’s healing properties, with numerous hadiths mentioning its use, either as a standalone remedy or in combination with other substances. The study critically examines issues related to the isnād (chain of transmission) and textual authenticity of certain hadiths through the methodological lens of hadith studies. While the medical application of honey for diarrhoea has occasionally been debated, there is a consensus regarding its efficacy. The research also considers whether Prophet Muhammad’s recommendations on honey were based on empirical knowledge rooted in pre-Islamic practices, rather than divine revelation. Furthermore, the study evaluates the practice of boiling honey and its diluted use considering contemporary medical findings. An interdisciplinary approach was employed to investigate honey’s effects on diarrhoea alongside related hadiths. Despite some discrepancies, significant compatibility between the hadith literature and modern medical findings has been observed. The study also highlights the variability in honey’s composition, influenced by geography and bee diets, as an important consideration for future research. Additionally, the biological characteristics and dietary habits of patients may impact treatment outcomes. The inductive method (istiqra) was utilized to analyze these connections comprehensively.