Kohl, a mineral powder applied in the eye, is full of benefits.
Ibn al-Qayyim tells us that it preserves the health of the eye, strengthens the light of the gaze, improves vision, thins harmful matter and expels it, all while being an adornment for some.
The Prophet ﷺ used to apply it three times in each eye before sleeping, which makes it even more beneficial.
Furthermore, kohl is:
antibacterial
antiseptic
strengthens and improves vision
It can be used to treat styes or conjunctivitis.
Moreover, this mineral powder is widely used in cosmetics.
It is recommended to apply kohl in an odd number, following the example of the Prophet ﷺ, that is, three times in each eye.
What the science says about kohl
Kohl (ithmid, stibnite) is an authentic prophetic remedy. Modern research has looked into it from two angles: the composition of the products sold today, and the safety of their use.
A thousand-year-old use with varied compositions
- A study published in Scientific Reports analyzed kohls from ancient Egypt: the traditional recipes were more diverse than previously thought, based on minerals and organic compounds (Sci Rep, 2022). Authentic kohl is an antimony sulfide (stibnite).
Beware of lead in commercial kohls
- This is the most important point: many kohls sold today are made from lead sulfide (galena) rather than antimony. Spectroscopic analyses have measured very high lead levels in stone kohls (Appl Spectrosc, 2012).
- A study on different brands of asmad (antimony kohl) showed that the actual composition varies greatly from one brand to another (Pak J Pharm Sci, 2018).
Documented poisonings, especially in children
- Cases of lead poisoning (plumbism) linked to lead-based kohl were reported as early as 1979 in The Lancet (Lancet, 1979), then in children (Am J Public Health, 1996), and more recently in Afghanistan (Eur J Pediatr, 2018).
- French ophthalmologists described poisoning from prolonged kohl use (J Fr Ophtalmol, 2009). The issue is never the prophetic kohl itself, but the lead-based counterfeits.
Genuine ithmid or lead kohl?
| Criterion | Genuine ithmid (stibnite) | Lead kohl (galena) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Antimony sulfide (Sb₂S₃) | Lead sulfide (PbS) |
| Appearance | Gray stone with metallic sheen, fine gray-black powder | Very similar — indistinguishable to the naked eye |
| Safety | Traditional use, well tolerated | Toxic, accumulates, documented poisonings |
| Where to find it | Vendor guaranteeing the composition (analysis) | Cheap kohls, unlabeled, travel souvenirs |
| For children | Only if the composition is certified | Never |
In practice: choosing and applying it properly
Choosing
Insist on genuine ithmid from a reliable source, ideally with a composition analysis; be wary of cheap, unlabeled kohls, which are often lead-based. The professor describes it as "this glittering black powder": a gray stone with a metallic sheen that is ground into a fine powder.
Applying it the prophetic way
Three times in each eye, in the evening before sleep, with a clean applicator (mirwad) — this is when the eye is at rest and benefits most from it. Use a personal applicator, never shared, to avoid transmitting eye infections.
Contraindications and precautions
Never use a kohl whose composition you don't know, especially with children, pregnant or breastfeeding women — lead is toxic even in small amounts and accumulates in the body. If redness, pain, or blurred vision persists, see an ophthalmologist; kohl can accompany treatment for a stye or conjunctivitis, but it doesn't replace medical advice if the infection sets in.
Our recommendation
Follow the sunnah of kohl, yes — but only with ithmid you can trust. When in doubt about the composition, it's better to abstain than risk poisoning, especially for children.
Frequently asked questions
How can I know if my kohl contains lead?
Without a laboratory analysis, you can't be certain: lead kohl looks just like ithmid. The only safeguard is buying from a vendor who guarantees an antimony sulfide and provides its composition. When in doubt, abstain.
Can kohl be applied to children?
Traditionally yes, but it's precisely in children that lead poisonings have been documented. Only with an ithmid whose composition is certified, and without excess.
Why an odd number of applications?
The Prophet ﷺ favored odd numbers in several acts (purification, dhikr…); applying it three times in each eye follows his sunnah, as the professor points out.
Can kohl replace eye drops?
No. For a stye or early conjunctivitis, it can be used alongside treatment; if the infection sets in or the eye becomes painful, medical advice is needed.
Can a pregnant woman use it?
Only with a certified lead-free ithmid, since lead crosses the placenta. When in doubt, it's better to suspend use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
