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Medicinal & Environmental uses of Bukhur --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By: Qazi Shaikh Abbas Borhany Religious Scholar & Attorney At Law qazishkborhany..
Bukhoor is the smoke of fragrance created by the burning chips of Agarwood or pieces of mix fragrant ingredients bind by sugar-syrup. When burnt slowly it produces a more concentrated smell. These chips are burnt in Bukhur burners to perfume the surrounding and clothing specifically on occasions of all seasons.
Not only Prophets of Bani Israel, but Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.), and his companions used Bukhur regularly and more specifically, on the day of Jumma.
Through the powerful Prophethood institution this Sunnat was largely promoted firstly in Arabia and afterward in the vast territory of the Muslim world. It is a tradition in the Arabian Peninsula to pass Bukhoor around to guests.
Bukhur preparation originated exclusively from the beautiful region of Yemen. It comes from the highest peak of Yemen, Shibaam, where the famous shrine of the celebrated Sirat-biographer and historian, Syedna Idris Imaduddin is located. According to the valuable source of “Qaratees al Yamaniyah”, during the period of Suleyhi Power, first from Sanaa and later Zeejiblah, a large quantity of costly Bukhur along with other fragrances were regularly presented to the Al Haramyn al Sharefyin, Kabah and Rauzat al Nabawi.
It was the illustrious Queen of Yemen, Arwa Suleyhi, who sent large wooden boxes of Bukhur to Najaf, Karbala and Misar in Ramazan, Muharram and Milaad occasions. When it was burnt the atmosphere of the sacred cities became very pleasant and people knew that the Gift of Yemen reached its destination.
Similarly, while educated Suleyhi Queen Arwa conducted a series of lectures on the Sciences of Islam, behind the curtain, among the erudite scholars of Arabia as well as Indian Subcontinent, the Agarwood burner spread the fragrance, which created a pious atmosphere. Learned students achieved both the benefits simultaneously and spiritual knowledge with precious fragrances.
Recently scholars of the West reported that Bukhur provided the right mood for a person, enabling them to concentrate for long periods at a time. Regular Bukhur users burn it in the morning to set the mood and freshen the atmosphere. It also relaxes and allows people to loosen-up & lighten-up after a meal.
Some 225 years ago, distinguished Intellectual of Yemen, Syedi Abdulqadir bin Qazi Habibullah revealed in his book several benefits of Bukhur:
• Bukhur alters moods to bring peaceful, tranquil, refreshing, uplifting & inspiring feelings
• Bukhur opens the mind to spirituality & diverts from worldly impurities
• Bukhur keeps the mind allert & encourages it in solitude
• Bukhur gives the mind leisure when it is busy
• Age does not affect the efficacy of Bukhur & its habitual use causes no harm
• Burning Bukhur is a soothing & uplifting activity.
• It is a good haemostatic, antiseptic and a good healing agent
• Applied on wounds internally subsidies the inflammation of UTI & respiratory tract infections
• It dispels malicious & distressing psychic forces
• Improves memory
(“Al Risalatil Nadirah Fil Attur al Fakhirah”, Syedi Abdulqadir bin Qazi Habibullah, manuscript, Hiraaz, Yemen).
Romans and Greeks used it in religious rituals. Once transported over a thousand of miles up to the Mediterranean, before it could be traded on to Europe. Bukhur was also used in vast quantities by the ancient Egyptians. History is rich with accounts of the uses of Bukhur in Biblical literature. It was one of the fragrances presented to the infant Nabi Essa and is always used during religious ceremonies; amongst the People of the Books. After the fall of the Roman Empire the newly established Christian Church adopted several ceremonies -including the ritual burning of Bukhur. It is well recorded that it was the practice of all kings of England once a year to offer Bukhur and Myrrh on the Feast of Epiphany (Jan. 6th). In addition, Bukhur was widely used for important ceremonies, such as the consecration of churches and bishops. The Crusades brought a wide range of Arab and Barber traditions adopted as beneficial. Then of course Spain was ruled for centuries under Muslims, again giving a most magnificent opportunity to spread the Muslim customs. Later on the Ottomans promoted the cultural heritage of Islam in the west through their military expeditions, which signs are still visible today. Each Bukhur formula has a different cleansing, healing or purifying effect. Using Bukhur is a powerful science or art of cultivating positive states of mind. Bukhur is not just a way of masking unpleasant smells, but a way to refresh your heart and mind. Scent has a deep subconscious impact, bringing back positive memories, or cultivating good thoughts and feelings. The Bukhur recipes are hundreds and even centuries old created from natural plant ingredients. Agarwood is prized as one of the finest aromatic woods burned for Bukhur purposes. There is nothing like Agarwood chips. It grows and is harvested in the wild in Southeast Asia. It is also known as Oud, Eaglewood, Jinko, or Kyara. One ounce of wood chips, chunks or larger pieces lasts a long time.
Loban is a resin from a tree, Styrax benzoin and is an excellent repellent of insects and mosquitoes. Rasulullah(S.A.W.A.) advised fumigation of houses with Loban. Abdullah bin Jafar narrates that Rasulullah (S.A.W.A.) said: “fumigate your houses with Loban.” (Baihaqui). It is extracted by making an incision on the stem of the tree; the secreting liquid is collected, dried and sold for usage. Though the trees of Loban are found in India, maximum Loban is imported from Thailand, Malaysia and the Islands of the East Indies. According to the Hadith scholars it has several medicinal benefits. Eminent scholar Dr. M. Laiq Ali Khan discussed the benefits of the uses of Loban in his research. Some are as follow:
• It relieves constipation, stomach pains & tones up the stomach
• It is useful in diarrhea & is a good digestive
• It heals the wounds & ulcers of the eyes
• It is a good expectorant & decreases the production of phlegm
• It enhances the memory if taken internally
• It heals long standing, bad & putrefied wounds speadily
• The fumigation of Loban is a good insect repellent & can be used as an insecticide
• It tones up the heart, stomach & increases libido
• It is a good appetizer & is carminative
• It relieves colds , cough, antiseptic & fights epidemics
• Its local application relieves the toothache
• Relieves the inflammations of urinary tract & is useful in pulmonary tuberculosis
(“Loban, incense, multiple benefits as a medicine”, by: Dr. M. Laiq Ali Khan, Director: Shah Faisal Institute of Hadith & Medical Science, Kasganj-U.P.207123).
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