Quranic and Sunnah foods to eat during Exam season
For the students amongst us, May usually marks the start of the exam season. Between the late-night study sessions and the pressure to perform, it's easy to forget the importance of fuelling your body with nutritious foods.
Both the Quran and the Sunnah offer guidance on what to eat for optimal health – including brain health! In this blog, we'll explore these nutritious foods, to help you ace those exams and feel your best while doing it!
1. Dates
The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
“The 'ajwa' dates of 'Aliya' contain healing effects and these are antidote in the early morning.”
Sahih Muslim
Dates are a fantastic source of fibre. Our brain function relies on sugar, but this sugar needs to be delivered steadily in the correct amounts. Fibre slows down absorption of sugar and regulates its supply leading to enhanced memory function. Animal studies showed that eating dates significantly improved memory and learning ability, as well as less anxiety- related behaviours.
2. Figs
“By the fig and the olive”
Quran (95:1)
Scientific research shows that figs are a form of “brain food,” because they contain vitamins and minerals that are important for proper brain function. Dried figs are an easy way to get two brain-boosting minerals into your diet: copper and manganese. In a recent study of Japanese adults, those who had healthy levels of manganese and copper were three times less likely to suffer from anxiety and depressive symptoms!
3. Honey
The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
“Honey is a remedy for every illness and the Quran is a remedy for all illness of the mind, therefore I recommend to you both remedies, the Quran and honey.”
Bukhari
Research shows that honey has many antiseptic, antioxidant and immune-boosting properties that work against cell damage, including memory loss. Food sources are not available during our sleep, therefore, we tend to experience what is called nocturnal fasting. Honey, when taken before sleep, is especially beneficial as it acts as a fuel for the brain and helps in preventing nocturnal fasting which aids in memory retention!
4. Milk
The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
“I do not know of any food or drink that suffices, apart from milk.”
Sunan Ibn Majah
Milk, when consumed in moderation, has been found to improve brain function and vision, and drive away forgetfulness. It also removes stresses and strains from the body. Researchers conducted a series of brain tests that found that those who drank at least one glass of milk per day had an advantage over those whose intake was less and scored higher in categories including visual-spatial, verbal and working memory tests!
5. Water
The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:
“Water is a means of purification”
Tirmidhi
What the science says: Brain functions begin to dip when dehydration occurs. This is why neuroscientists and brain health experts have recommended increasing your intake of water to support and enhance your learning, thinking, focus and more.
Remember, the knowledge you've gained and the healthy habits you've cultivated will serve you well. Don't be discouraged by setbacks – view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Keep a positive mindset, trust in your abilities, and remember that success is a journey, not a destination. May this exam season be a stepping stone towards achieving all your goals. May Allah SWT put barakah in your time and make you successful in both worlds, Aameen.
Now go forth and conquer those exams, in shaa Allah!
