Ithmid
In Islamic traditional medicine (Tibb an-Nabawi), Black Kohl—specifically referred to in the Arabic tradition as Ithmid (إِثْمِد)—holds a prominent place as an essential eye remedy and protective cosmetic.
Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya (Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet) and other classical scholars dedicate specific sections to its therapeutic virtues, preparation, and Sunnah practices.
1. What is Ithmid?
In traditional Islamic terminology, true Kohl is not merely carbon black, charred coal, or modern eye cosmetics. It is finely ground powder made from the Ithmid ore (traditionally mined natural ore/galena stone, historically brought from places like Isfahan in Persia or Morocco). It is reddish-black or deep dark grey in color and crumbles easily into an ultra-fine powder.
Benefits According to Tibb an-Nabawi (Ibn Qayyim)
In Zad al-Ma’ad, Ibn Qayyim details several physical and health benefits of using natural Ithmid Kohl:
Preserving Eye Health & Vision: Strengthens the optic nerve and clears cloudy humors or debris from the surface of the eye.
Promoting Eyelash Growth: Stimulates the hair follicles of the eyelids, encouraging fuller eyelashes that act as natural shields against dust and wind.
Soothes the Eye During Sleep: Applying it at night allows the powder to settle and act quietly while the eyes are rested, protected from movement or light glare.
Drawing Out Foreign Particles: Assists in cleansing tear ducts and discharging harmful environmental matter.
📖 Hadith Reference
The authentic Hadith references regarding Ithmid Kohl (Al-Ithmid / antimony stone) provide clear guidance on its benefits, the specific type recommended, and the exact manner of application.
- Primary Hadith on Benefits & Specific Type
A. Clearing Vision and Growing Eyelashes
> Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
> "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'Apply Ithmid (antimony) for kohl, for it clears/brightens the vision (Yajlu al-basar) and grows the eyelashes (Yumbitu ash-sha'r).'"
>
- Primary Sources:
- Jami` at-Tirmidhi (Hadith #1757)
- Ash-Shama'il al-Muhammadiyya by At-Tirmidhi (Hadith #50)
- Sunan an-Nasa'i (Hadith #5113)
- Grading: Sahih (Authentic)
B. Declaration of Ithmid as the Best Kohl
> Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
> "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'The best of your kohl is Ithmid; it brightens the eyesight and causes the hair (eyelashes) to grow.'"
>
- Primary Sources:
- Sunan Abu Dawud (Hadith #3878)
- Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith #3497)
- Musnad Ahmad (Hadith #3331)
- Grading: Sahih (Authentic)
- Hadith on Application Method & Nightly Practice
A. Nighttime Application Routine
> Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
> "The Prophet (ﷺ) had a small container for keeping kohl (Kuhluma), from which he applied kohl into each eye three times every night before going to sleep."
>
- Primary Sources:
- Ash-Shama'il al-Muhammadiyya by At-Tirmidhi (Hadith #48 & #49)
- Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith #3496)
- Grading: Hasan (Good)
B. Numerical Method (Odd Count / Witr)
> Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
> "Whoever applies kohl should do so an odd number of times (Witr); whoever does so has done well, and whoever does not, there is no harm."
>
- Primary Sources:
- Sunan Abu Dawud (Hadith #35)
- Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith #3370)
- Grading: Hasan (Good)
Summary of Application Methods in the Sunnah
Classical scholars and Hadith commentators summarize two main ways to apply Ithmid Kohl based on these narrations:
- Equal Method (3 & 3): Applying 3 times in the right eye and 3 times in the left eye (total = 6 strokes, but each eye gets an odd count of 3). This is the most widely cited practice in At-Tirmidhi.
- Alternating Odd Method (3 & 2): Applying starting with the right eye 3 times and the left eye 2 times (total = 5 strokes across both eyes to fulfill an odd grand total).
⚗️ Preparation Method
Method & Sunnah Procedure of Application
Timing: Best applied at night right before sleeping.
Applicator: Uses a small, smooth applicator rod (Mil'aq / Kuhl stick).
Technique:
Dip the applicator stick lightly into the finely milled Ithmid powder.
Apply to the inner eyelid border (waterline) starting from the right eye.
Count: Apply an odd number of times (e.g., 3 times in the right eye, 3 times in the left eye).
🔬 Modern Scientific Notes
Modern Health & Safety Considerations
Beware of Heavy Metal / Lead Contamination: Modern commercial black "kohl", "surma", or cheap eye pencils often contain dangerous concentrations of lead sulfide or industrial chemicals, which can lead to lead toxicity.
Authenticity: For therapeutic or Sunnah practice, ensure any product used is verified as 100% pure, lead-free, finely ground natural Ithmid or safe medical-grade eye preparations.