The healing seeds
By: Dr Aftab Jan
Seeds are among the most beautiful gifts of Allah to mankind, hidden treasures inside small shells that carry within them the power to heal, nourish, and strengthen both body and soul.
The Qur’an reminds us again and again about the miracle of growth, how a tiny seed placed in the earth sprouts into life-giving food, and how this cycle is a sign for those who reflect. Allah says in the Qur’an, “Indeed, Allah is the cleaver of grain and date seed. He brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living. That is Allah; so how are you deluded?” (Surah Al-An’am 6:95).
In these words lies the essence of understanding how something as small as a seed holds immense blessings for human beings. From the earliest years of life until old age, seeds provide strength, energy, and healing, and they stand as witnesses to Allah’s wisdom that nothing in His creation is without purpose.
In today’s world, where people are running after expensive supplements and artificial health products, often forgetting the natural treasures already present in their kitchen, reflecting on these seeds brings us back to simplicity, faith, and health.
Chia seeds are among the most powerful examples of this hidden nourishment. These tiny black and white grains were known in ancient times for giving energy to travellers and warriors, but modern science has confirmed their unmatched richness. They are packed with omega-3 fatty acids that nourish the brain, reduce inflammation in the body, and keep the heart strong.
They are loaded with fiber that aids digestion, cleanses the stomach, and prevents constipation, making them a natural solution for those who suffer from gut problems in a world where fast food has disturbed our digestive health. They balance blood sugar, making them beneficial for people struggling with diabetes, and they provide slow-releasing energy that keeps a person active throughout the day without sudden crashes.
Chia seeds are also rich in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, strengthening bones and teeth, which is essential from childhood till old age. They keep cholesterol under control, improve skin glow, and keep hair healthy.
Eating chia seeds soaked in water or milk in the morning is like beginning the day with a secret medicine gifted by Allah. Spiritually, they remind us that even something so small and unnoticed by the eyes can hold endless blessings, just like small acts of worship we sometimes underestimate but that weigh heavily on the scale in the Hereafter.
Flax seeds, also known as Alsi in our culture, are another marvel. They are full of lignans, compounds with antioxidant properties that protect the body against harmful free radicals and reduce the risk of cancer. Flax seeds are among the richest sources of plant-based omega-3, making them essential for brain development and protection against heart diseases. They help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and support weight management because their fiber makes a person feel full and reduces unnecessary cravings.
For women, flax seeds regulate hormones and ease symptoms of menopause, providing natural balance in a stage where many suffer silently. They also improve skin elasticity, prevent wrinkles, and keep the skin hydrated. The Qur’an tells us that Allah created everything with balance, and flax seeds are a living reminder of that balance inside the human body.
When people chase beauty in artificial products, Allah has already placed natural beauty medicine in these tiny brown seeds. Socially, teaching our children and youth to add flax seeds to their diet instead of packaged junk food is a way of reviving sunnah-like simplicity in eating, choosing nature over artificiality.
Pumpkin seeds are another jewel, often thrown away when people cut pumpkins, not realizing they are more valuable than the flesh itself. Rich in zinc, they strengthen the immune system, speed up wound healing, and improve fertility, especially in men where zinc plays a critical role in reproductive health.
Pumpkin seeds are also loaded with magnesium which relaxes the nerves, improves sleep, and reduces stress, something desperately needed in today’s anxious and restless society. They are a good source of healthy fats and antioxidants, protecting the heart and lowering the risk of chronic diseases. For those who suffer from kidney or bladder issues, pumpkin seeds support urinary health and protect against infections.
They even improve hair growth, making them a natural remedy for baldness and thinning hair. Pumpkin seeds can be eaten roasted, sprinkled on salads, or blended into smoothies, making them versatile and easy to consume. Spiritually, they remind us that what people discard as useless often turns out to be the most valuable, just as in society many humble and unnoticed people are treasures of goodness in the eyes of Allah.
Among all seeds, black seed, known as Nigella Sativa or Kalonji, holds the most special place in Islamic tradition. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “In the black seed there is healing for every disease except death” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim). This alone is enough to show its divine importance. Modern science has confirmed its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
It strengthens the immune system, helps fight respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis, supports liver health, and protects against diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. It reduces joint pain, boosts memory, and even fights against certain cancers. Black seed oil is also beneficial for skin conditions like eczema and acne, while its consumption strengthens hair and prevents premature greying. The Prophet’s guidance on black seed is a timeless prescription, reminding us that true healing comes not just from laboratories but from the wisdom of revelation. In a time where people often put full trust in man-made medicine and forget natural remedies, reflecting on black seed brings us back to reliance on Allah’s creation, balanced with medical knowledge. Socially, spreading awareness of black seed’s use can bring natural healing to communities suffering from chronic diseases.
Sunflower seeds are another blessing, often eaten casually but rarely reflected upon. They are high in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects the heart, improves skin glow, and strengthens immunity. They contain selenium which helps detoxify the body and reduce cancer risk. Their magnesium supports muscle function and reduces fatigue, while their healthy fats promote brain health and memory.
Sunflower seeds also help regulate mood, as they increase serotonin production, fighting depression and anxiety. They are light, crunchy, and easy to carry, making them a better choice than chips and fried snacks. Spiritually, the sunflower always turns toward the sun, and its seeds remind us to keep turning towards the light of Allah’s guidance no matter how many distractions surround us. Socially, replacing harmful snacks with sunflower seeds in children’s lunchboxes can improve their health and build better habits for the future.
Basil seeds, known as Tukmalanga or Sabja, are a hidden treasure of the Muslim world, often used in drinks during Ramadan. They are cooling, soothing, and full of fiber, making them excellent for digestion and weight control. They help manage acidity, reduce constipation, and balance blood sugar.
Rich in iron, they prevent anemia, and their calming effect reduces stress and improves sleep. They also hydrate the body and prevent heatstroke, which is why they are especially beneficial in summer. Basil seeds are rich in antioxidants that improve skin health, reduce acne, and slow down ageing. Eating them soaked in water or milk reminds us of Ramadan evenings, where families would break their fast with drinks containing these seeds, showing how culture and faith intertwine with health. Spiritually, their hidden strength when soaked and swollen is a lesson that hidden patience inside a believer blooms when tested, just as tiny basil seeds expand with water.
Watermelon seeds, often discarded, are surprisingly full of health. They contain proteins, magnesium, zinc, and good fats that support heart health, muscle strength, and energy. They improve male fertility, boost immunity, and aid in managing diabetes. They also cleanse the kidneys and prevent stones, supporting overall urinary health. Roasted watermelon seeds make a healthy snack, and their oil is even used for skin and hair nourishment. Spiritually, their lesson is clear: never ignore what looks small or useless, for inside it lies strength that can benefit generations. Just as society sometimes overlooks the poor and humble, yet they carry values and strength more powerful than the rich.
Looking at all these seeds together, one realizes that Allah has spread health and healing in the smallest of creations. From the child who needs growth, to the student who needs focus, to the adult who fights stress, and the elderly who struggles with weak bones and illness, seeds provide silent healing at every stage of life. In a world drowning in chemical medicines, expensive supplements, and fast food, returning to seeds is like returning to fitrah — the pure natural way Allah created us. Seeds do not just heal the body, they heal the heart by reminding us of simplicity, humility, and gratitude.
The Qur’an says, “Then let mankind look at his food. How We poured down water in torrents, then We broke open the earth, splitting [it with sprouts], and caused to grow within it grain and grapes and herbs and olives and palm trees and gardens of dense shrubbery and fruit and grass — as enjoyment for you and your grazing livestock” (Surah Abasa 80:24-32). This verse is not only about food, but about reflection: every bite we take should make us remember Allah and His mercy.
Seeds are not just nutrition, they are a trust, a cure, and a reminder that in every small thing Allah has placed both worldly benefit and spiritual lesson. If people learn to replace harmful food habits with these seeds, families would be healthier, hospitals would be less crowded, and society would be closer to gratitude. The tiny seed becomes a reminder of how small good deeds, small words of kindness, and small acts of worship can change the world and our akhirah, just as a seed changes into a tree and provides fruit for generations.
