الإثمد

Kohl (Ithmid)

Mineral & Other Eyes

A dark mineral powder (antimony-based in classical use) applied to the eyes, recommended as a nightly practice said to strengthen sight and grow the eyelashes.

hasan graded

عَلَيْكُمْ بِالْإِثْمِدِ عِنْدَ النَّوْمِ، فَإِنَّهُ يَجْلُو الْبَصَرَ وَيُنْبِتُ الشَّعْرَ

“Use ithmid kohl before sleeping, for it sharpens the eyesight and helps the lashes grow.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sunan Ibn Majah 3497; Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1757 Hasan Gharib (graded good but singularly narrated)

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim describes ithmid as drying and cleansing to the eye, best applied at night when the eye is at rest.

Caution

Modern lead- or antimony-based kohl sold in some markets carries heavy-metal toxicity risk, especially for children — use only cosmetic-grade, heavy-metal-tested products, and consult an ophthalmologist for any eye condition.