In times of grief

Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) used to recommend Talbina for the sick and for one who is grieving over a dead person. She (may Allaah be pleased with her) used to say, "I heard the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) saying, 'The Talbina gives rest to the heart of the patient and makes it active and relieves some of his sorrow and grief.' " [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree].

Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) said that whenever one of her relatives died, the women assembled and then dispersed (returned to their homes) except her relatives and close friends. She (may Allaah be pleased with her) would order that a pot of Talbina be cooked. Then Tharid (a dish prepared from meat and bread) would be prepared and the Talbina would be poured on it. Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) would say (to the women), "Eat of it, for I heard the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) saying, 'The Talbina soothes the heart of the patient and relieves him from some of his sadness.' " [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree ].

Talbina is made by adding 1-2 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 1 cup daily. This may also be added to soup or any dish for flavour and as a thickener.

Alternatively you may add 1-2 tablespoon of barley flour (must be 100% wholegrain barley flour) to one and a half cups of milk. Place on low heat for 10-15 minutes. You may sweeten with honey. Drink at least 1 cup daily.