AYESHA (may Allah be pleased with her) used to recommend Talbina for the sick and for those grieving over a dead person. Whenever one of her relatives died, women would assemble and then return back to their homes except for her relatives and close friends. She would then order for a pot of Talbina to be cooked. Then Tharid (a dish prepared from meat and bread) would be prepared and the Talbina would be poured on it. Ayesha would say (to the women), “Eat, for I heard the Messenger (peace be upon him) saying, ‘The Talbina soothes the heart of the patient and relieves him from some of his sadness.'” (Al-Bukhari, no. 5690) Hisham's father said, “Ayesha would recommend Talbina and used to say, ‘It is disliked (by the patient) although it is beneficial.'” (Al-Bukhari, no. 5690) The Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “I encourage you to use (Talbina) which is disliked, but is beneficial. By the One in whose Hand Muhammad's soul is, it cleans your stomach just as water cleans dirt from the face.” (Mustadrak of Hakim, no. 7455, Adh-Dhahabi declared it Sahih) Recipe for Talbina Talbina is made by adding one or two tablespoon of barley flour (must be 100% wholegrain barley flour) to one-and-a-half cups of water. Place on low heat for 10-15 minutes (optional: add milk or yoghurt and sweeten with honey). Drink at least one cup daily. This may also be added to soup or any dish for flavor and as a thickener. Alternatively you may use milk instead of water and sweeten it with honey.
