Tibb-e-Nabawi diet, article # 18 ~ Aqit – Sour Milk – Yogurt

[Tibb-e-Nabawi course]

Tibb-e-Nabawi diet, article # 18 ~ Aqit – sour milk – Yogurt

Aqit is mentioned in the Hadith as one of the foods given for Zakat al-Fitr. It is also mentioned as the HAIS (sweet dish) prepared by Umm Sulaim Radi Allaho Anha on the occasion of the marriage of Rasulullah ﷺ to Zainab Radi Allaho Anha.

·         https://sunnah.com/bukhari:5163

·         https://sunnah.com/bukhari:1506

Aqit was one of the staple foods of Madinah. Traditionally, it was prepared from sheep's milk. The milk was left overnight to develop slight natural sourness, then gently heated to evaporate most of its liquid. The remaining milk solids were shaped and dried under the sun, allowing them to be preserved for long periods.

Even today, Aqit continues to be used in parts of the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in the Hejaz region. A closely related product, known as Jameed, remains a traditional ingredient in Jordanian cuisine (used for preparing Mansaf). Because Aqit is made from naturally fermented milk, its flavor is comparable to a combination of yogurt and cheese.

In classical Islamic literature, yogurt was commonly referred to as لبن الحامض  (sour milk) or الرائب  لبن (fermented milk). 

Imam Abu Bakr al-Razi wrote in his book منافع الأغذية ودفع مضارها:

"Sour milk (yogurt) is generally easier to digest than fresh milk for many people. It cools the body, quenches thirst, and provides nourishment without causing the heaviness that some experience after drinking fresh milk. During hot weather, it is especially refreshing."

Strained yogurt (with the whey removed) is nutritionally more concentrated. It contains less lactose, making it easier to tolerate for many individuals with lactose intolerance. It may also be a better dairy option for people with diabetes due to its higher protein concentration and lower lactose content.

Homemade yogurt and cheese are among the finest foods you can prepare in your own kitchen. Besides their freshness and superior quality, making them by hand brings a unique sense of satisfaction, pleasure, and Barakah.