THE NUTRITIONAL CONTENT AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF MANNA AND SALWA IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF QUR’ANIC MEDICAL I‘JĀZ: A STUDY OF SAYYID AL-JUMAILĪ’S WORK

Abstract

The Qur’an immortalizes the story of manna and salwa as divine sustenance from the heavens granted to the Children of Israel, carrying both spiritual value and health benefits. This study aims to examine the nutritional content and medicinal properties of these two types of food from the perspective of i‘jāz ṭibbī (Qur’anic medical inimitability), referring to the thoughts of Dr. Sayyid Jumaili in his scientific Qur’anic exegesis. The study is conducted using a descriptive-qualitative method through a thematic tafsir approach and a review of medical literature. The findings indicate that manna, a sweet resin from certain plants, contains mannitol and other compounds with calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Meanwhile, salwa, identified as quail, is rich in animal protein, easily absorbed by the body, and supports physical endurance. According to Dr. Jumaili, the mention of these foods in the Qur’an reflects the perfection of divine provision aligned with human biological needs. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating divine revelation with health sciences and reinforces the relevance of i‘jāz ṭibbī in interpreting the scientific dimension of Qur’anic verses.