Islam and Mushrooms: Manna from Heaven

Although mushrooms did not hold a central place in the traditional medicine of the Islamic world, they were still used for healing purposes, especially in Arab countries and the Middle East. A key example is the desert truffle (*kam’a* or *faq’a*), which grows in arid regions such as the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa. This desert truffle was valued not only for its flavor but also for its medicinal properties, recognized by Islamic scholars and physicians.

In one of the hadiths, the Prophet Muhammad describes the truffle as “manna from heaven,” stating that its juice can be used to treat eye ailments. This hadith made the truffle an important component in Arab medicine, particularly for treating inflammation and eye infections. Due to this connection, the desert truffle is sometimes associated with the concept of manna — the heavenly food mentioned in the Qur'an, although truffles and manna may have different origins.

Famous physicians of the Islamic world, such as Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and ar-Razi (Rhazes), paid special attention to the healing properties of natural products, including rare plants and substances. Although mushrooms themselves were not central elements of their works, the influence of their scientific schools opened doors to exploring a wide range of natural remedies that could aid in healing. Ibn Sina’s *Canon of Medicine* became a significant work for studying natural medicine in the Islamic world, as well as promoting the exchange of knowledge with India and China. Adopting certain knowledge from these cultures, Islamic medicine gradually incorporated healing mushrooms, such as reishi, which gained popularity in more recent times.

From a religious perspective, mushrooms are considered halal, as they do not fall under prohibited categories like alcohol or pork. However, safety in consumption is important in Islam, so poisonous mushrooms are, of course, not permitted. But any mushrooms safe to eat, such as desert truffles, are welcomed, especially if they have healing properties.

Today, there is a renewed interest in medicinal mushrooms in the Arab world. Modern studies have shown that mushrooms like reishi (ganoderma) and lion's mane have beneficial properties, including strengthening the immune system and enhancing memory. These discoveries contribute to the growing popularity of functional mushroom products among contemporary Islamic practitioners who recognize the value of natural remedies for health improvement.

Thus, while mushrooms did not serve as primary elements of traditional medicine in the Middle East, they found their niche thanks to their unique properties and convenient religious status.