There are different foods, fruits, and spices mentioned in the Quran, such as dates, pomegranates, olives, figs, and honey, all of which are highlighted for their nutritional and medicinal benefits. In this post, we will focus on two fruits—fig and olive—which are mentioned together in one of the shortest verses in the Quran.
Allah swears by the fig and olive in the Quran
In the Quran, there is an entire Surah named after the fig; Surah At-Tin. Within this Surah, there is a verse (ayah) where Allah swears by both the fig and the olive. Both fruits hold immense importance; one being so significant that it is honoured with an entire Surah named after it, while the other is mentioned multiple times throughout the Quran, emphasising its great value. In this article, we will explore the Quranic verses, Islamic hadith, and narrations about the fig and olive, while also connecting them to modern scientific evidence that affirms the remarkable benefits of these fruits.
How many times are the fig and olive mentioned in the Quran?
The fig and olive are both mentioned multiple times throughout the Quran. The fig is mentioned in the name of Surah At-Tin and also in the verse about the fig and olive, which we will take a closer look at. The olive is mentioned in various verses, including Surah Al-Mu’minun, Surah ‘Abasa, Surah An-Nahl, Surah Al-An'am, and Surah An-Nur. These repeated mentions underscore their high importance in Islam.
Surah At-Tin: the verse and translation
Surah At-Tin (95:1-4)
وَٱلتِّينِ وَٱلزَّيْتُونِ ١
وَطُورِ سِينِينَ ٢
وَهَـٰذَا ٱلْبَلَدِ ٱلْأَمِينِ ٣
لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ فِىٓ أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيمٍۢ ٤
By the fig and the olive, and [by] Mount Sinai, and [by] this secure city (Makkah), Indeed, We created humans in the best form.
The context of Surah At-Tin relates to the creation of humanity, with the fig and the olive representing purity and health. These fruits, along with Mount Sinai and Makkah, are symbols of divine blessings. The fig, with its natural sweetness and health benefits, represents nourishment and goodness, while the olive is often seen as a symbol of health and purity.
Other Quranic mentions of the olive
The olive appears in several other verses, emphasizing its divine blessings. Here are some additional important mentions:
Surah Al-An’am (6:99)
“...and from palm trees come clusters of dates hanging within reach. There are also gardens of grapevines, olives, and pomegranates, similar in shape but dissimilar in taste..."
Surah Al-An’am (6:141)
“He is the One Who produces gardens—both cultivated and wild—and palm trees, crops of different flavours, olives, and pomegranates..."
Surah An-Nahl (16:11)
“With it He produces for you various crops, olives, palm trees, grapevines, and every type of fruit. Surely in this is a sign for those who reflect.”
Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:20)
“as well as olive trees which grow at Mount Sinai, providing oil and a condiment to eat."
Surah An-Nur (24:35)
“...His light is like a niche in which there is a lamp, the lamp is in a crystal, the crystal is like a shining star, lit from the oil of a blessed olive tree, located neither to the east nor the west, whose oil would almost glow, even without being touched by fire. Light upon light! Allah guides whoever He wills to His light...”
Surah ‘Abasa (80:29)
“and olives and palm trees,"
These verses all mention the olive as a symbol of divine blessing, nourishment, and purity. They highlight its essential role in sustaining life and symbolizing divine guidance and wisdom.
Hadith and narrations on the fig
Figs are also highly praised in Islamic traditions, particularly for their healing properties.
- The Prophet Muhammad (s) once said about figs: “If I want to say that there is a fruit that has been sent down from heaven, I will say that it is this fruit. Because this fig is a seedless fruit, so eat this fruit that stops hemorrhoids and is good for gout.”
– Mustadrak al-Wasa’il, Vol 16, p.403, Tibb al-Nabawi by Ibn Qayyim - Imam Rida (AS) recommended figs for digestive health: “It is very useful for colic, so eat it.”
– Bihar al-Anwar, Vol 63, p.185
Figs are often mentioned for their ability to cure diseases related to digestion, constipation, and other internal ailments.
Health benefits of figs: From Quranic teachings to modern health insights
Figs are not only praised in Islamic traditions but also valued worldwide for their numerous health benefits. They are known to:
- Aid digestion and relieve constipation
- Improve heart health by lowering cholesterol
- Help manage blood sugar levels
- Provide a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Assist in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness
For more detailed information on the health benefits of figs, you can read this article on Healthline.
Hadith and narrations on the olive
There are numerous narrations and Hadiths in Islamic books that highlight the exceptional benefits of olives. Olives are considered a blessed fruit with the ability to cure many ailments and are deeply appreciated in Islamic teachings.
- The Prophet Muhammad (s) praised olives for their numerous health benefits, including their use in food, medicine, and skincare:
- “Consume olive oil and apply it as an ointment, for it comes from a blessed tree.”
– Sunan Abu Dawood, 3787 - "Olive glows the face, strengthens the nerves, removes diseases, and extinguishes anger."
– Makrim Al Akhlaq, p.190 - "Olives are a cure for 70 diseases."
– Kanz-ul-Umma, Vol. 10, p.48
- “Consume olive oil and apply it as an ointment, for it comes from a blessed tree.”
- Imam Ali (as) also advised the use of olive oil for its health benefits:
- “I advise you to take olive and rub it on your hair.”
– Uyun Akhbar-ar-ridha, Ch.31, h142
- “I advise you to take olive and rub it on your hair.”
Health benefits of olives: From the Quran to modern science
Olives, as mentioned in the Quran and praised in Islamic teachings, have long been known for their numerous health benefits. In recent years, science has increasingly validated these benefits, further confirming what has been understood in Islamic tradition for centuries. Olives, particularly olive oil, are revered for their positive impact on various aspects of health, including:
- Improving skin health and preventing wrinkles
- Reducing inflammation and promoting heart health
- Strengthening the immune system
- Reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes
- Boosting brain health and improving cognitive function
- Nourishing the hair, improving digestive health, and reducing stress
For a deeper look into the scientific health benefits of olives, read Olives 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.
The Combined Health Benefits of Figs and Olives
There’s been a lot of discussion about the health benefits of figs and olives, especially since both fruits are mentioned together in the Quran. Some believe that the fact these two fruits are mentioned together in one verse might indicate they have an extra significance, especially when it comes to their combined health benefits.
There are claims that the compounds found in figs and olives work best together in a specific ratio, which might be connected to how they are mentioned in the Quran. For example, some research suggests that a ratio of one fig to seven olives could have powerful health effects. While this idea is still under investigation and not fully proven, it’s an exciting possibility that modern science might eventually confirm.
At Deenista, we believe that as research continues to grow, the link between science and the wisdom of the Quran will become even clearer. These ancient texts could have been pointing us toward powerful natural remedies all along, and we’re excited to see what science uncovers in the future.
A delicious way to enjoy figs and olives this Ramadan
For a delightful and nutritious treat this Ramadan, why not enjoy a fig and olive platter after Iftar? You can serve dried figs (if fresh figs are unavailable) with olive paste, crackers, and perhaps a nice fresh mocktail on the side.
This simple yet nutritious platter combines the blessings of both the fig and the olive, offering you the divine benefits mentioned in the Quran and Hadith. A healthy and spiritual way to nourish your body and soul during Ramadan.
The divine and healing power of the Fig and Olive in Islam
The fig and the olive are not only essential fruits in Islam but also offer various health benefits praised in both the Quran and Hadith. These fruits are a reminder of divine blessings and the importance of maintaining health through natural and wholesome foods. Whether fresh or dried, figs and olives continue to serve as a symbol of nourishment and healing in our daily lives.
