Faisal Mandi

Foods of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Mushroom:The Prophet (SAW) said that mushroom is a good cure for the eyes; it also serves as a form of birth control and arrests paralysis.

Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds, and endless blessings be upon our Beloved Messenger, the Last Prophet of Islam(Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam).

It is clear that mushrooms are not haram.

Mushrooms, are an umbrella shaped vegetable that grow in the earth, out of which some are poisonous. Nevertheless the majority of which are perfect for consumption, once they are washed etc. Mushrooms are grown in the earth, and any form of vegetation that grows in the earth, is consumable, as long as it is not haram, is permissible to eat.

Because mushrooms are not normally consumed in the subcontinent or the middle-east, some people seem to think that the vegetable is haram. Yet any vegetable that is not misused in any way, as magic mushrooms, are sometimes used to satisfy the habit of its users, then the mushroom is deemed to be halal, as long as it is used in the proper way.

Mushrooms are usually made in 'English dinners', and can normally be used as a side dish, as well as curries, or used on pizzas. All these methods of consuming mushrooms are perfectly permissible, and can be consumed by the Muslims. Those who do claim that it is haram, will have to provide proof, from the Qur'an al kareem, or the Sunnah, in order to negate the permissibility for the uses of mushrooms, otherwise, it is not in any way correct to claim something is haram, when the Beloved Messenger of Allah the Almighty, or Allah the Almighty himself has not ordained it to be.

May Allah the Almighty open up all the gates of knowledge for us all, so that we may differentiate between what is right and what is wrong in the correct manner. (Amin).


Khumbi Mann Mushroom (Agaricus campesteris)

It is a self growing Fungus, wildly grows during the rainy season. There are several varieties of this plant, but for the eating purpose only Agaricus campesteris is being used, while other varieties like Psalliota campesteris is not for eating purpose, because all most all species of this plant are toxic in nature. Morphologically the plants are of two types, one which has an umbrella on its shaft but other appears like small balls. The latter is the only variety to eat.

Hazrat Sayeed Bin Zaid narrates that Rasool Allah (SAW) said, “Khumbi is from Mann, its water is a cure for eyes”

The same narration is stated too by Jabir (RA), while Abu Naim narrated the same from Hazrat Aisha and Abdullah Bin Abbas.

Hazrat Abi Sayeed narrates that Rasool Allah (SAW) said, “Khumbi is a part of Mann, Mann actually is from paradise, its water is a cure for eyes.”

Hazrat Sayeed Bin Zaid narrates that Nabi-e-Akram (SAW) said, “Kumbi is from that Mann, which was sent to Bani Israel by Allah Taala. Its water is a cure for the eyes.”

Hazrat Suhaib narrates that Rasool Allah (SAW) said, “Kumbi is here for your benefit, it is from Mann, its water is a cure for the eyes.”

Hazrat Abu Hurrairah narrates that one day Ashab of Nabie-Akram (SAW) said that Khumbi was the small pox of the land. Consequently Nabi-e-Akram (SAW) said that Khumbi was from Mann and the water of khumbi was the cure for the ailments of the eyes, while the Ajwa Dates were from Paradise and an antidote for poisons.

Abu Hurrairah states that after this, I took 3/5/7 khumbis, squeezed those and collected the extracted water in a bottle. This water was applied in the eyes of my servant who was suffering from eye trouble and she got cured with that water.

The scholars of Hadith laid down the following conditions and possibilities for the use of Khumbi.

i) The water extracted from Khumbi is itself a drug, it should be used in the same form.
ii) It should not be mixed with other drugs.
iii) According to Allama Al-Ghafqui the Khumbi water fortifies the effect of other drugs.

Example: if it is mixed during the grinding process of surma, this surma strengthens the eye lashes, corrects the refraction defects and sight weakness and relieves any type of inflammation of the eyes.

Chemical composition - According to British Research Council for food, the Khumbi contains the following components: Proteins, Carbohydrates, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Ferrous, Cobalt, Phosphorus, Sulphur and Chlorine.
Other scholars state that it contains 90% water, 30% Proteins, 5% Carbohydrate and 1% Minerals and vitamins. The active principle of Khumbi is Agaric Fungi Acid. It contains less Sodium and more potassium, hence, can be used by the Hypertensive safely.

The white variety is ideal to eat, while black and red coloured are toxic in nature. Abu Sahal Masihi, the teacher of Sheikh Bu Ali Sina, states it is a cure for almost all diseases of the eye. If the balls of Khumbi are dried and ground in the form of powder, it is effective in Diarrhoea. It lessens the temperature of the body and reduces the production of Phlegm. It is also used for weight gain. Locally, if it is applied on protruded umbilicus of small children with saresham mahi and vinegar, the umbilicus becomes retracted. Its local application is also effective in Hernia. It is a Haematinic too. Its paste is a good healing agent for wounds.

Now-a-days, Mushrooms have become popular food in the society. Europeans are very much fond of the dishes prepared from mushrooms, but it is worthwhile to mention here that Nabi-e-Akram (SAW) told us its advantages and directed us to use it as food and drug hundreds years ago. But unfortunately, it is least used by Muslims in their diet in India. Mushrooms belong to the same family of fungi, from which several Antibiotics have been invented like penicillin, Chloromycetin etc. Modern research has also derived some Antibacterials from mushrooms. These are under trial and possibilities might not be ruled out of their therapeutic place in medical science. Trials have proved that the mushroom water has a potential to kill the bacteria. It is given in Typhoid Typhus and other Fevers with honey and shows very good effects. It is a very good Haemostatic, if applied on the haemorrhagic site of leech bite.

A mushroom is the fleshy fruiting body of a fungus that typically grows above ground level on soil or on its food source. The White Button Mushroom is the most popularly and widely grown mushroom for edible uses. Mushrooms are commonly used in soups, salads, sandwiches, stews and appetizers. In the US, mushroom extracts are increasingly being used in nutraceutical products and sports drinks.

Mushrooms help heal ulcers and ulcerous wounds and protect them from infections.

Mushrooms contain about 80 to 90 percent water, and are very low in calories. Hence, they are an ideal food for persons following a weight management program or a diet for hypertension.

A good combination of vitamins A, B-Complex and C, found in mushrooms also strengthens immune system.

Mushrooms help boost the immune system.

They are good for cardiovascular health

The help in checking cholesterol levels because of the fiber, certain enzymes and high lean protein content.

They lower the risk of cancer and help in the treatment of cancer.

Mushrooms are probiotic, they help restore our bodies balance and natural resistance to disease.

Mushroom has analgesic, anti-inflammatory properties.

They are effective in preventing cancer due to presence of certain anti-cancer properties.

It helps lower blood pressure.

Mushrooms contain natural insulin and enzymes which help in breaking down certain compounds which help proper functioning of liver, pancreas and the other endocrinal glands, thereby promoting formation of insulin and its proper flow.

Mushroom is rich in several anti-oxidants (Selenium, Uric acid & Vitamin A, E, & C) as well as Vitamin D.

They are rich in calcium, iron, potassium, copper, and selenium which are very good for health of bones, teeth, nails, hair and as an anti oxidant.

Varieties:

There are over 38,000 mushroom varieties today. Some are edible and some are highly toxic. Here's a small sample of the most popular edible mushrooms you'll see in the market:

Agaricus (White or Button): These mushrooms are the most common variety prepackaged in supermarkets; available fresh, canned, or frozen. White mushrooms are mildly flavored, are tasty when eaten raw but even more flavorful when cooked.

Chanterelles, or Girolle: These trumpet shaped fungi are highly regarded mushrooms favored for their gold to yellow color, and rich flavor, ranging from apricot to earthier tasting. Chanterelles are best eaten fresh, although they are also available dried or canned.

Crimini, or Italian Brown:These mushrooms are similar to the button variety, yet they are darker in color, have a richer flavor, and have a more dense texture. Criminis were once an imported mushroom but are now grown domestically.

Enoki, or Enokitake: This fungi takes on a sproutlike appearance with small caps and thin, long, stems. Native to Japan, white in color, with a light fruity taste, these mushrooms are excellent when served raw in soups and salads.

Morel: These mushrooms are highly priced and highly prized for their intense earthly flavor. They are usually found in the wild, although can now be grown commercially. This conical shaped, honey combed surface fungi is small, with dark brown hues, is suitable for stuffing and is ideal for sauces and stews.

Oyster, or Pleurotus: These mushrooms grow in clusters, and range in color from off-white to shades of brown. Subtly tasting like an oyster, its chewy texture is more suited to cooked dishes.

Porcini: Porcini mushrooms are well valued for their meaty texture, interesting flavor, and distinguishing shape. These mushrooms vary in size and is domestically grown or imported from Europe depending on the season. This variety is usually expensive, but is considered one of the finest-tasting mushrooms.

Portobello: These are large cremini-like mushrooms that are sometimes the size of a regular hamburger! These fungi are circular, flat, and long, with a dense, chewy texture. Portobellos are excellent for grilling or roasting.

Shiitake: Shiitake mushrooms were originally cultivated on natural oak logs and only grown in Japan, but are now available domestically. These mushrooms are large, black-brown, and have an earthy rich flavor. This fungi is enjoyed in stir-fries, soups, or even a meat substitute. Dried Shiitakes have more intense flavors and are sometimes preferable to fresh.

Cleaning:-

Clean mushrooms only when you are ready to use them. Remove any bits of the debris on the surface, rinse with cold running water or gently wipe the mushrooms with a damp cloth, paper towel, or soft brush.

Preparation:-

How do I use dried mushrooms? Dried mushrooms are intensely concentrated in flavor and should be treated more like a seasoning than a vegetable. You'll need to soak the dried mushrooms in hot water for 20-30 minutes, rinse, then chop, and use. Saving the soaking water and adding it to your sauces or soups will intensify the mushroom flavor.

Mushrooms are available all year long and although there are many different varieties, selecting any kind of mushrooms are easy. You should look for firm, moisture-free (not dry), unblemished caps, and free of mold. Place purchased loose mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator. Airtight plastic bags tend to retain moisture and will accelerate spoilage. Properly stored mushrooms will last for approximate five days.

Mushrooms can be frozen but they must be cleaned, cooked, and placed in a ½ cup or 1 cup container to freeze. Don't forget to mark the date on the container, frozen mushrooms will last several months.

Mushrooms are versatile and may be eaten raw or cooked whole, sliced or chopped. Certain varieties like shiitake and portabella, must have their stems discarded or used as a flavoring agent, as they are often tough.

Preparation Hint: Squeeze a small amount of lemon juice on the mushrooms to retain the color.