التلبينة

Talbina (Barley Broth)

Food Grief & Emotional WellbeingDigestive & Stomach

A thin porridge of ground barley, sometimes with honey or milk, recommended for the grieving and the unwell to ease sorrow and restore appetite.

sahih graded

التَّلْبِينَةُ مُجِمَّةٌ لِفُؤَادِ الْمَرِيضِ، تَذْهَبُ بِبَعْضِ الْحُزْنِ

“Talbina soothes the heart of the sick person and eases a measure of grief.” (meaning, not a literal translation)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5417; Sahih Muslim 2216 Sahih

'A'ishah would prepare it for mourning households and remark that patients often disliked its taste despite its benefit.

Ibn al-Qayyim's Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim classifies talbina as easily digested and gently nourishing — well suited to a weakened stomach or a grieving household where appetite has failed, functioning as both physical and emotional comfort food.

Caution

Contains gluten; not suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.