ISLAMABAD, Aug 01 (APP):Talbinah, a simple barley-based porridge rooted in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is witnessing a remarkable surge in sales across Islamabad as growing numbers of residents seek healthier and more natural dietary choices. Once available mainly at herbal stores and a handful of specialty outlets, talbinah is now widely sold in supermarkets, dry fruit shops, organic food stores, Islamic food outlets, home-based businesses and online stores, …
Sunnah-inspired Talbinah sales surge in Capital
ISLAMABAD, Aug 01 (APP):Talbinah, a simple barley-based porridge rooted in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is witnessing a remarkable surge in sales across Islamabad as growing numbers of residents seek healthier and more natural dietary choices.
Once available mainly at herbal stores and a handful of specialty outlets, talbinah is now widely sold in supermarkets, dry fruit shops, organic food stores, Islamic food outlets, home-based businesses and online stores, reflecting growing consumer demand for natural, nutritious and Sunnah-inspired foods.
Vendors say demand for talbinah has increased significantly in recent months as more residents embrace healthier eating habits.
Vendors attribute the trend to rising public awareness of Prophetic nutrition, increasing health consciousness and the influence of social media in promoting Sunnah foods.
Shopkeepers in Aabpara Market, G-9 Markaz, F-6 Markaz, F-7 Markaz and F-10 Markaz said customers from all age groups are purchasing talbinah for breakfast and as a nutritious meal for elderly family members, children and people recovering from illness.
Talking to APP, Adil, who runs a prominent dry fruit shop in Aabpara Market, said barley products, particularly talbinah, are selling faster than before.
“Many customers specifically ask for talbinah after learning about its mention in authentic Hadith. Some also buy it because doctors and nutritionists recommend barley as a healthy whole grain,” he said.
Nutrition experts describe talbinah as a wholesome food prepared by cooking finely ground barley flour with milk or water until it forms a soft porridge. It may be sweetened with honey and topped with dates or nuts.
Dr Alia, a clinical nutritionist at a private hospital in Sector G-8, told APP that barley is naturally rich in dietary fibre, particularly beta-glucan, which helps improve digestion, promotes satiety, supports healthy cholesterol levels and assists in maintaining stable blood sugar levels when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
However, she advised that while talbinah is a nutritious food with well-established health benefits associated with barley, it should not be considered a substitute for medical treatment. She recommended consuming it as part of a balanced diet alongside appropriate medical care whenever required.
Religious scholars say talbinah occupies a special place in Islamic tradition due to the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
In a conversation with APP, Ayesha, a hafiza and religious scholar in Islamabad, cited authentic Hadith and said that according to Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith No. 5417) and Sahih Muslim (Hadith No. 2216), whenever a member of the Prophet’s family became ill or someone passed away, talbinah was prepared to comfort the heart and relieve grief.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Talbinah soothes the heart of the sick and relieves some of the grief.”
Another narration in Sunan Ibn Majah (Hadith No. 3445) also highlights the benefits of talbinah for the sick and those experiencing sorrow.
Ayesha said Islam encourages believers to adopt a balanced and healthy lifestyle while placing their trust in Allah. She noted that talbinah is a Sunnah food whose benefits have also been acknowledged by modern nutritional research on barley.
Residents say talbinah has gradually become a part of their daily breakfast routine as more people embrace healthier eating habits inspired by both Islamic tradition and modern nutrition.
Anam, a resident of Barakahu, told APP that she started taking talbinah every morning after learning about its health benefits and the recommendation of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
“I was looking for a simple and nutritious breakfast option, and talbinah seemed to be the perfect choice. It keeps me full for longer, is easy to digest and gives me sustained energy throughout the morning,” she said.
She added that regular consumption has helped improve her eating habits by reducing unnecessary snacking and encouraging a more balanced diet.
“It has become an essential part of my morning routine. I usually prepare it with milk and add dates, honey or a few nuts for extra nutrition and taste. My family has also started enjoying it regularly,” she said.
Anam said she believes talbinah offers a natural and wholesome alternative to highly processed breakfast cereals, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious families seeking nutritious traditional foods.
