Strengthening the eyesight

Ibn Al Qayyim (Rahimahullah) suggests that then used as a kohl, Ithmid, also helps reduce skin flap growing on the eyelid, mange of the eyelids and it relaxes eyestrain. It helps detoxify eye moisture and eases congestion in tear ducts. It helps natural cleansing of the eyes and helps to protect the eyes from dust particles floating in the air, and brightens one’s sight. When Ithmid is mixed with honey diluted in water and applied on the edge of the eyelid, it can help reduce headaches.

Abdullah Ibn Abbas (radhi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Wear your white garments, for they are among your best garments, and shroud your dead in them. Among the best types of collyrium you use is antimony (ithmid): it clears the vision and makes the hair [eyelashes] sprout.”
[Sunan Abi Dawood Book 28, Hadith 3869] Classed as Saheeh by Al Albaani.

The kohl most widely available is normally produced in India and Pakistan (called ‘Surma’). It is jet black and has a different chemical composition to true Ithmid. It can be made up of many ingredients, some of which include lead sulphide, the soot of sandalwood oil lamps and charcoal (Wiki). Lead sulphide is extremely toxic.

The best Ithmid to buy is from Morocco or from Medinah, Saudia Arabia.

Lowering the Gaze

“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'”

[14:7]

“Tell the believing men to reduce [lower] of their vision and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do…”

[This and the next verse regarding women 24:30-31]

Ruqyah

“And he [Ya’qoob] turned away from them and said; “Alas my grief for Yusuf!” And he lost his sight because of the sorrow he was suppressing.”
[12:84]

Yusuf (alayhisalaam), being divinely inspired by Allah, asked his brothers to take his shirt and cast it over the face of their father.

“Go with this shirt of mine, and cast it over the face of my father, he will become clear sighted, and bring to me all of your family.” And when the caravan departed, their father said; “I do indeed feel the smell of Yusuf, if only you think me not a dotard [a person who suffers weakness of mind due to old age].” They said; “By Allah! Certainly, you are in your old error.” Then, when the bearer of glad tidings arrived, he cast it [the shirt] over his face, and he became clear sighted. He said; “Did not I say to you ‘I know from Allah that which you know not?'”
[12:93 to 96]

The second set of verses can be recited an odd number of times on purified water and used as eye drops or recited on olive oil which is then massaged onto the eyelids.

The spiritual aspect of strengthening the eyesight

Imam Shafi’ (Rahimahullah) said;

• Looking at filth (dirt, excrement etc.)
• Looking at crucified persons.
• Men – looking at their spouse’s private part.
• Sitting while your back is towards the Qiblah (direction of the prayer).

He also said;

Four matters strengthen the sight; Sitting next to the Ka’ba.

• Using Ithmid before going to sleep.
• Looking at green things (trees, grass etc.)
• Cleaning up the sitting area (at home, i.e. because it is where guests are welcomed).

[page 353 from Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet (salahu alayhi wa sallam). Darussalam 2003].