In his book, Ibn al-Qayyim cites a hadith from Ibn Abbas who said: "I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ eating grapes while picking them."
Allah mentioned grapes six times in His sacred book. This fruit is among the most beneficial; it is eaten fresh, dried, green, and ripe.
Grapes are divided into several parts:
We have the fruit itself, which can be of several colors, the best being black, as it contains the most vitamins.
We have grapes in the form of juice, which also has its own medicinal properties.
We have raisins.
We also find grape seeds, leaves, and skin.
Ibn al-Qayyim says of grapes that they are a fruit, a food, an accompaniment, a remedy, and a drink—they are sufficient in themselves. They are hot and moist by nature; the best are large and juicy, and white grapes are more praiseworthy than black ones. Grapes left for a few days after picking are more praiseworthy than those picked the same day, as the latter cause bloating and loosen the bowels.
Grapes hung up to dry are good as food; they strengthen the body and are nourishing like figs. If the seeds are removed, they become gentler on the bowels, but consuming too many causes headaches. Their harm is countered by eating tart pomegranates. Among the benefits of grapes is that they ease natural needs. Furthermore, Ibn al-Qayyim says that grapes cause weight gain, but this depends on the type of grape.
Moreover, they are one of the three king fruits, along with dates and figs.
It should also be noted that grapes contain polyphenols, which are good for cardiovascular health, cholesterol, and even cancer.
Grapes in the Qur'an and the Sunnah
Allah mentions grapes six times, often together with dates: "and gardens of palm trees and grapevines" (2:266), "from the fruits of palm trees and grapevines you get intoxicating drink and good provision" (16:67), a verse revealed before wine was forbidden, where "good" refers to grapes, raisins, and vinegar. Ibn Abbas reports having seen the Prophet ﷺ eat grapes, picking them one by one (narrated by al-Bazzar, with a disputed chain). Raisins (zabib) were part of Medina's everyday provisions: they were used to make nabidh, water made from raisins soaked overnight and drunk before it began to ferment, a drink the Prophet ﷺ enjoyed (Muslim). Al-Qadi Iyad reports that this nabidh was prepared for him in a waterskin.
Fresh, dried, juice, seeds: four different uses
| Form | What Ibn al-Qayyim says about it | What we know about it | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh grapes | Warm and moist; picked the same day, they cause bloating; left two or three days, they are better; ease bowel movements | 80% water, fast-acting sugars, potassium, polyphenols in the skin; black and red grapes contain more than white ones | A bunch in season, before the meal; quenches thirst during fasting |
| Raisins (zabib) | Nourish and strengthen like figs; seeded, they soothe the stomach; in excess, they cause headaches | Four times more concentrated: sugar, iron, potassium, fiber, antioxidants; moderate glycemic index (around 50 to 65) | A handful (30 g) in the morning or as a snack; nabidh: a handful soaked overnight in a glass of water, drunk in the morning |
| Grape juice | A drink in its own right | Polyphenols but no fiber: fast-acting sugar; to be limited, especially in children and diabetics | A small glass, diluted, only occasionally |
| Seeds and skin | The seed is astringent | Concentrated in proanthocyanidins; seed extracts studied for blood pressure and blood vessels | Eat the whole grape with the skin and chew the seeds; extract in capsules on medical advice |
What the meta-analyses have measured
- Cholesterol. A meta-analysis of randomized trials on grape products found a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL, with the clearest effect for whole grapes and their extracts (J Clin Med, 2020).
- Blood pressure and blood vessels. A 2023 meta-analysis shows that whole grapes and their products lower systolic blood pressure and improve arterial function (Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis, 2023). This is what the professor sums up as "polyphenols, good for the cardiovascular system."
- Blood sugar. 29 trials combined: grape products do not worsen blood sugar levels and slightly improve insulin resistance (Phytother Res, 2021). Raisins, despite their sugar content, produce a moderate glycemic response thanks to their fiber and polyphenols, in both healthy subjects and type 2 diabetics (Plant Foods Hum Nutr, 2013).
Regarding the cancer aspect mentioned by the professor, grape polyphenols (resveratrol, proanthocyanidins) are widely studied in the laboratory; there is no trial showing that a fruit prevents or treats cancer, and we hold to the general benefit of a diet rich in fruit.
Ibn al-Qayyim's measure, still true today
Three of his pieces of advice still hold up. Wait two days after picking: grapes that are too fresh are acidic and cause fermentation in the stomach. Don't overindulge: raisins in excess cause headaches (the sugar) and fresh grapes are warming; one "counters their harm" with a tart pomegranate, which amounts to balancing sweetness with acidity. And grapes cause weight gain, he notes: this is true of raisins, which are very calorie-dense (300 kcal per 100 g). A 30 g handful of raisins provides as much sugar as a fresh bunch: that's the right measure.
Contraindications and precautions
Diabetics should count grapes as a sugary fruit: a small bunch or one tablespoon of raisins, no more, and never as juice. Raisins stick to the teeth: rinse your mouth or brush afterward, especially for children. Whole grapes are a choking hazard before age 4: cut them into quarters. High-dose grape seed extracts should be avoided when taking anticoagulants. Finally, grapes are among the most heavily treated fruits: wash them thoroughly, or choose organic.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of raisins in Islam?
Zabib was part of the Prophet's ﷺ provisions, and he enjoyed nabidh, water made from raisins soaked overnight. Ibn al-Qayyim says they nourish and strengthen like figs and soothe the stomach. Today we can add: iron, potassium, fiber, antioxidants, as a handful-sized snack.
How do you prepare raisin nabidh?
A handful of raisins in a glass of water, kept cool overnight, drunk in the morning with the raisins or strained. It should be drunk during the day, never after two days: it would start to ferment, which is precisely the limit set by the Sunnah.
Are grapes good for the heart?
Meta-analyses of trials show a decrease in cholesterol and blood pressure with whole grapes and their products. It's a good fruit for the heart, as part of a diet that is too.
Can a diabetic eat raisins?
Yes, in small amounts, one tablespoon, with nuts or yogurt: their glycemic response is moderate. No grape juice.
Which grapes to choose: black or white?
The professor prefers black grapes, richer in polyphenols, which the analyses confirm; Ibn al-Qayyim praised white grapes for their sweetness. Both are good: what matters is eating the skin and choosing them in season.
