Olive oil is one of the oldest natural oils used by humans. It is extracted from the olive fruit (Olea europaea) and has been used for thousands of years as a food, medicine, cosmetic and even lamp fuel.
وَٱلتِّينِ وَٱلزَّيْتُونِ
“For the sake of figs and olives”
Today, olive oil is recognized by nutritionists and scientists as one of the healthiest foods in the world. In Islam, the olive tree is specifically mentioned in the Quran and its oil was recommended by the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
Islam gives a very special position to the fruit and olive oil.
Olives in the Quran
1. Surah At-Tin Verse 1
“By the fruit of the Fig and the Olive.”
Allah SWT swears by the olive, showing its glory and specialness.
2. Surah An-Nur Verse 35
“…which is lit with oil from a blessed tree, the olive tree…”
This verse describes the olive tree as:
“Syajarah Mubarakah” (The blessed tree)
3. Surah Al-Mu’minun Verse 20
“And (We caused) a tree to grow out of Mount Sinai, producing oil and being food for those who eat.”
This verse directly mentions olive oil as food.
Hadith 1
From Umar RA, the Messenger of Allah SAW said:
“Eat olive oil and apply it to your body because it comes from a blessed tree.”
(Narrated by Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
Hadith 2
The Messenger of Allah SAW said:
“Use olive oil as food and as a lubricant because it comes from a blessed tree.”
(Narrated by Tirmidhi)
Hadith 3
From Abu Hurairah RA:
“Eat olive oil and apply it to your body because it comes from a blessed tree.”
(Narrated by Ibn Majah)
Olive Oil in Traditional Islamic Medicine
Islamic scholars such as:
✅ Ibn Sina
✅ Al-Razi
✅ Ibn Qayyim Al-Jauziyyah
have recorded the use of olive oil for:
✅ Digestive health
✅ Skin care
✅ Hair
✅ Relieve joint pain
✅ Help with body recovery
Olive Oil in Modern Medicine
Today, olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean Diet, often considered one of the healthiest diets in the world.
Olive oil contains:
Monounsaturated Fats (MUFA)
Most notably:
Oleic Acid
Helps:
✅ Supports heart health
✅ Controls cholesterol
✅ Reduces inflammation
Polyphenols
Natural antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
Some of the most notable ones are:
✅ Oleuropein
✅ Hydroxytyrosol
✅ Oleocanthal
Vitamin E
Helps:
✅ Skin health
✅ Cell protection
✅ Anti-aging
1. Supports Heart Health
Olive oil helps:
✅ Lowers LDL (bad cholesterol)
✅ Supports HDL (good cholesterol)
✅ Supports blood vessel health
2. Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants help:
✅ Protect cells from oxidative damage
✅ Support healthy aging
✅ Reduce oxidative stress
3. Supports Brain Function
Studies show that consistent olive oil consumption is associated with:
✅ Better cognitive function
✅ Memory health
✅ Healthier brain aging
4. Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Olive oil may help with:
✅ Insulin sensitivity
✅ Blood sugar control when taken as part of a balanced diet
5. Supports Digestive Health
Traditional and modern studies show that olive oil can help:
✅ Promotes digestive health
✅ Supports gut health
6. Supports Skin Health
Used internally and externally to:
✅ Moisturize skin
✅ Reduce dry skin
✅ Support natural skin repair