BOOK REVIEW

PLANTS OF THE QUR’AN

By

Dr. M.I.H. FAROOQI

Reviewed by Dr. Ibrahim B. Syed

Plants of the Qur’an authored by Dr. M.I.H. Farooqi. Published by Sidrah Publishers,  C-3/2 Shahid Apartments, Chakarvarti Road, Golaganj, Lucknow-226018, INDIA. Pp.224, 2003.

Reviewed by Ibrahim B. Syed, Ph.D., President, Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc., 7102 W. Shefford Lane, Louisville, KY 40242-6462. Website: WWW.IRFI.ORG

Dr. Mohammed Iqtedar Husain Farooqi is a renowned Plant Chemist who retired as Deputy Director of National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India.

“Plants of the Qur’an” provides unique information as it deals with different scientific aspects of plants and plant products that have been mentioned in the Noble Qur’an.  This book contains descriptions of Qur’anic plants in the light of the existing scientific knowledge of botany, chemistry, medicinal properties and uses.

There are 33 chapters in this book; each chapter is devoted to one item of the fruits or plants mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an. The reader gets a deep understanding and insight into such Qur’anic words as, Zaqqum, Manna, Sidrah and many others. Knowledge of these plants is indispensable to comprehend numerous Qur’anic verses. One can actually see the photographs in this book of the fruits and plants mentioned in the Qur’an.

Each Chapter starts with the Qur’anic word (for fruit, vegetable, flower or plant). The author gives common names in other languages (Arabic, Persian, German, English, Russian, French, Hebrew, Latin, Italian and many native Indian languages) and also the Botanical names.  Detailed descriptions are given with references in the Qur’an and Bible.  He has given a complete coverage of the subject item in the chapter, its medicinal value and usefulness or dietary value. Each Chapter ends with important traditions (Hadiths). 

 This book is an excellent source to introduce the readers to some of the properties and uses of plants mentioned in the Qur’an and stir up interest in young readers to do further research.  The narration in the book is very easy to understand.  This book enriches with one’s understanding of the plants and fruits mentioned in the Qur’an not only because of their properties and uses but also on account of their relevance to the events and happenings associated with them.

At the end of the book one finds extensive Bibliography.  It has Index I that gives Qur’anic and Arabic names of plants with pertinent page numbers.  Index II gives English names of plants and plant products with appropriate page numbers.

I highly recommend this book for those who want to understand the Glorious Qur’an in the light of modern knowledge and for those who evince keen interest in seeking medical cures using the plants and plant products mentioned in the Qur’an. The author is a pioneer in filling the void that was never explored to enlighten the readers of the Noble Qur’an   in the light of the existing scientific knowledge of botany, chemistry, medicinal properties and uses.

My only recommendation is for the author to identify the Qur’anic plants and plant products that contain Flavonoids and   antioxidants and describe their disease-preventing, health-promoting, and anti-ageing characteristics.