Sweet Basil in the Quran and Prophetic Traditions (Hadiths)

By Dr. M.I.H. Farooqi, New Age Islam 15 July 2025 Quranic Name: Ar-Raihan Common Names: Rehan-Sulemani, Hook, Shahasfaram, Rehan, Habaq (Arabic), Shahasparam, Nazbo, Raihane Shirin (Persian), Basilic (French), Basilica (Latin), Babui Tulsi, Ban Tulsi (Hindi), Basilico (Italian), Basilien (German), Munjariki, Vishva-Tulsi (Sanskrit), Sabja (Bengali, Marathi), Sabza (Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati), Tukmaria (Marathi), Babui Tulsi (Bengali), Tirunitrupachai (Tamil), Rudrajida (Telugu), Niazbu (Kashmiri), Tirunitnu (Malayalam), Basilik (Russian), Albahaca (Spanish), Silasih (Indonesian), Luo le (Chinese), Bosiljak (Croatian, Serbian), Baziel (Dutch), Vasiliko (Greek), Rehan (Hebrew), Bajiru (Japanese), Daun Kemangi (Indonesian, Malay), Basilikum (Norwegian), Alfavaca (Portuguese), Basilica (Swedish), Feslien (Turkish). Botanical Name: Ocimum Basilicum Linn. Family: Lamiaceae Quranic References 1. Surah Ar-Rahman (55:12): "Also corn, with its leaves and stalk for fodder, and sweet-smelling plants (Ar-Reihan)." 2. Surah Al-Waqi'ah (56:89): "Then (for him is) rest and satisfaction, and a Garden of Delight (with Reihan)." The term Raihan is mentioned in these verses, often interpreted as a symbol of divine grace. While some scholars understand it as "food" or "livelihood," others, including Maulana Majid, highlight its meaning as a "fragrant flower." Though major commentators like Maulana Majid, Haqqani, and Usmani recognize Rehan as a sweet-smelling plant, none explicitly specify its genus or species. Translators vary in interpretation: Arberry refers to it as "fragrant herb," while Pickthall and Yusuf Ali use "scented herb." Imam Qurtubi writes that this word is used in both meanings: "sustenance" (rizq) and "fragrance." Ibn Kathir states that "Raihan" refers to every fragrant plant. Some exegetes have interpreted "Raihan" as the freshness of the soul and the fragrance of Paradise. Most Islamic scholars have interpreted Ar-Rehan variably as "fragrance," "scented plant," or "livelihood." Several Hadiths further confirm the identification of Rehan as a fragrant plant. For instance, Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated: "He who is presented with a Rehan (a flower of sweet basil) should not reject it, for it is light in weight and pleasant in odour." (Sahih Muslim) And Abdur-Rahman bin Abu Nu'm and several others narrated: "Indeed, Al-Hasan and Al-Husain – they are my two Raihan (sweet basils) in this world." (Tirmidhi) In this Hadith, the use of Rehan serves as a metaphor, implying that Hasan and Husain (may Allah be pleased with them both) were a source of joy, love, and comfort for the Prophet Muhammad's heart, just as fragrant plants bring freshness to a person. Prophet (SAW) also described Rehan as "a pleasant fragrance but its taste as bitter." (Sunan an-Nasa’i). In another Hadith narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas‘ūd (RA), Paradise is described as: "Paradise is a shining light, a fragrant basil (Reḥān) swaying gently, a lofty palace, a flowing river, ripe fruits,..." (Ibn Mājah) In this Hadith, the mention of "Reḥān" (fragrant basil) symbolizes not only physical beauty and scent but also spiritual joy and purity, fitting into Quranic descriptions of Jannah where Rehan is mentioned (e.g., Surah al-Waqi‘ah 56:89). As already stated, Ar-Rehan in the Quran and Ahadith Nabvi carries deep symbolic and literal meanings, often linked with beauty, fragrance, and divine grace. While its exact botanical identity was historically ambiguous, modern scholars and traditional healers largely associate it with Ocimum Basilicum—Sweet Basil—a plant celebrated across cultures for its aromatic, culinary, and medicinal qualities. In Flora Arabica, Raihan is identified as Ocimum Basilicum (Sweet Basil), which is found both wild and cultivated across Arabia, especially in Yemen. In India, it's known as Babui Tulsi, while in Iran, it's referred to as Shahasparam (King of Herbs) or Nazbu (delicately fragrant). The plant is considered indigenous to Iran's Kirman region, where it is sometimes called Habaz-Kirman. Sweet Basil is a highly aromatic herb used globally as a culinary ingredient and in traditional medicine. The essential oil, extracted via steam distillation from its leaves and flowers, is widely used in food for flavouring soups, sauces, pizzas, egg and cheese dishes, salads, desserts, tomato juice, pickles, and meat products. Medicinal Uses: It's recognized for its antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and carminative properties. Traditionally, it's used to treat nausea, flatulence, dysentery, insomnia, colds, mental fatigue, skin diseases, and urinary disorders. It's also used in perfumes, oral care products, and skincare due to its refreshing scent and therapeutic properties. The leaves are often used fresh but can also be dried. Seeds, known as Tukhmaria, become mucilaginous when soaked and are used in cooling drinks like sherbet. These seeds are exported from India under the name of Tukhmaria. Chemical Constituents: Caffeic Acid, Cineole, Coumaric acid, Cymene, Limonene, Linalool, and Methyl Chavicol. Leaves: Used in tea to relieve nausea, flatulence, and digestive issues. Applied externally for acne, stings, and skin infections. Seeds: Astringent and used in bowel flux and urinary disorders (Gonorrhea, painful urination). Whole Plant: Helps treat colds, spasms, mental fatigue, insomnia, sinus problems, muscle aches, and hysteria. Sweet Basil is widely accepted in folk medicine and is even recognized in formal pharmacopoeias in several countries. It's important to understand the difference between Sweet Basil of Arabian Peninsula and Western World and Holy Basil of India. While both belong to the same mint family (Lamiaceae) and share some similarities in appearance, they are distinct species with different characteristics, culinary uses, and traditional applications. After all both these basils are well known plants in Plant Kingdom. Sweet Basil: Ocimum Basilicum is the common annual basil used in Western cuisine. It has a slightly peppery and often anise-like flavour, with a fresh and sweet aroma. Important in Islamic Culture. Sweet Basil (for Leaves) is widely cultivated throughout Europe, especially in Mediterranean regions (Italy, France, Greece) for cuisines. In Eastern Orthodox Church it is sometimes referred to as "Holy Basil", and used in Church rituals. Muslim world in general, Arabs and Iran in particular, use Rehan in cuisines. It is most popular in North African countries. Holy Basil (Tulsi): Ocimum Tenuiflorum (also known as Ocimum Sanctum) is a perennial plant with a pungent, peppery, and often clove-like flavour with notes of lemon and peppermint. It holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in Hinduism, where it is considered a sacred plant. It's a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine and is revered for its adaptogenic properties. Ocimum sanctum L. is a well-known synonym, still widely used in literature and traditional texts. Tulsi is also widely cultivated in Thailand, and is commonly used in cooking.. ----- Dr. Muhammad Iqtedar Hussain Farooqi, Deputy Director/Scientist -in -Charge (Retired) Plant Chemistry Division, National Botanical Research Institute, Govt. of India, Lucknow, India URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-environment/basil-quran-prophetic-traditions-hadiths/d/136182 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism