Nabeez (Entibaad) - a healthy drink from the Prophetic Sunnah

Nabeez (Entibaad) - a healthy drink from the  Prophetic Sunnah

Delve into the healing wisdom of the Sunnah with Nabeez. This article explores Entibaad a powerful yet simple drink of soaked dates or raisins. Discover its historical significance, evidence-based health benefits, and the simple method to prepare this natural probiotic elixir for optimal gut health and vitality today.

Introduction

Nabeez (also spelled nabidh; Arabic: نَبِيذ) — sometimes called entibaad — is a simple, traditional drink made by soaking dates, raisins or similar fruit in water until the liquid becomes sweet and flavored. Rooted in the Prophetic Sunnah, nabeez is referenced in major hadith collections and discussed by classical jurists regarding fermentation and intoxicants. This guide provides a safe Sunnah recipe, a short fiqh summary, health notes, and the full hadith texts with sources.

What is Nabeez?

Nabeez is an infusion: clean fruit (commonly dates or raisins) are soaked in water until the sweetness and aroma leach into the liquid. Unlike intentionally fermented drinks, nabeez in the Sunnah refers to a fresh infusion intended for refreshment and nourishment.

Why Nabeez matters

- Prophetic precedent the Prophet (ﷺ) and his Companions drank nabeez.
- Fiqh clarity jurists cite hadiths to define the boundary between permissible infusion and prohibited intoxicant.
- Practical a natural, simple beverage suitable for hot climates and for breaking fasts.

What nabeez contains

what is extracted into the water: 

• Simple sugars (glucose, fructose, some sucrose) — these dissolve readily and sweeten the water.

• Water‑soluble minerals: notably potassium and small amounts of magnesium, calcium and iron — these leach into the liquid to some extent.
• Water‑soluble phytochemicals and antioxidants: phenolic acids, flavonoids and other polyphenols found in dates/raisins can be released into the water, giving antioxidant capacity.
• Vitamins: small amounts of water‑soluble B‑vitamins may leach, but most vitamins remain in the fruit or are present only in trace amounts in the infusion.
• Very little fiber: the insoluble fiber remains with the fruit and does not transfer significantly to the drink.

Simple Sunnah Recipe

Ingredients

3–6 clean dates (or 1–2 tbsp raisins)
1 liter (≈4 cups) potable water

Method

1. Place dates or raisins in a clean glass jar.
2. Pour cold, potable water over them.
3. Cover and refrigerate or keep in a cool place for 4–12 hours (overnight for fuller taste).
4. Strain (optional) and drink chilled or at room temperature. Consume within 24 hours to avoid fermentation.

Tip: Refrigerate while soaking to slow fermentation, and shorten soak time in warm weather.

Scientific benefits

1. Rapid, gentle energy

The dissolved simple sugars provide a quick source of glucose/fructose that is rapidly absorbed useful for short‑term energy or to break a fast.
Compared with processed sugary drinks, nabeez provides natural sugars without additives.

2. Hydration + mild electrolyte replenishment

Potassium and other minerals in the infusion can help restore electrolyte balance better than plain water after light exertion or heat exposure.
Not a full sports drink: sodium content is low, so for heavy sweating a small added source of sodium (salt) or a true electrolyte solution may be preferable.

3. Antioxidant & anti‑inflammatory potential

Dates/raisins are rich in polyphenols. Small amounts extracted into the water can contribute antioxidant activity, which may help reduce oxidative stress when consumed regularly.
The magnitude of antioxidant effect in a single serving of nabeez is modest compared to eating the whole fruit or concentrated extracts.

4. Digestive/soothing effect

Traditionally nabeez is described as gentle and easy on the stomach. The mild sugars and warm/cool liquid can be soothing for those recovering from illness or with reduced appetite.
Any prebiotic effect will be limited because fiber remains in the fruit; however polyphenols can modulate gut microbiota indirectly.

5. Practical benefits for fasting and recovery

Because it’s hydrating, lightly nutritive and easy to consume, nabeez is a practical drink for breaking fasts and light post‑exercise refeeding in low‑intensity contexts.

Fiqh Summary - When Is Nabeez Permissible?

- The core legal principle is simple: 

anything that intoxicates is prohibited. Nabeez that is prepared and consumed before fermentation is permissible. If the infusion ferments and produces intoxication it becomes forbidden. 

- Risk: 

 Leaving nabeez in warm conditions for multiple days may cause fermentation. Discard if it smells sour, fizzy or tastes like alcohol.

- Practical safeguards: 

Refrigerate while soaking, avoid leaving nabeez in warm conditions for multiple days, and discard it if it smells sour, fizzy, or tastes alcoholic.

Health & Practical Benefits 

• Natural quick energy from simple sugars in dates/raisins.
• Hydration and trace minerals leached into the water.
• Gentle on the stomach; traditionally used for convalescents.

Caution: diabetics should account for the natural sugar content and consult a healthcare provider if unsure.

Hadiths from the Prophetic Sunnah 

Below are the full English translations as shown on Sunnah.com with references and grading where available. Follow each link to view chain (isnad) details and the original page context.

1) Sahih al‑Bukhari 5602

"The Prophet (ﷺ) forbade the mixing of ripe and unripe dates and also the mixing of dates and raisins (for preparing a syrup) but the syrup of each kind of fruit should be prepared separately. (One may have such drinks as long as it is fresh.)"

Reference: Sahih al‑Bukhari 5602 — Grading: Sahih
Link: https://sunnah.com/bukhari:5602

2) Sunan an‑Nasa'i 5742

"I heard Sufyan being asked about Nabidh. He said: 'Make Nabidh at night and drink it in the morning.'"

Reference: Sunan an‑Nasa'i 5742 — Grading: Sahih (Darussalam)
Link: https://sunnah.com/nasai:5742

3) Jami` at‑Tirmidhi 1871

"We would prepare Nabidh for the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) in a water‑skin which was fastened at the top and it had a small hole. We would prepare Nabidh in it during the morning, and drink it during the evening. And we would prepare Nabidh in it during the evening and drink it during the morning."

Reference: Jami` at‑Tirmidhi 1871
Link: https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:1871

4) Sahih Muslim — (Book of Drinks, representative narrations)

"We used to prepare Nabidh for the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) in a water‑skin which was fastened at the top and it had a small hole. We would prepare Nabidh in it during the morning, and drink it during the evening; and we would prepare Nabidh in it during the evening and drink it during the morning."

Representative references: Sahih Muslim 1995d / 1997b / 2005a — Grading: Sahih
Links: https://sunnah.com/muslim:1995d, https://sunnah.com/muslim:1997b, https://sunnah.com/muslim:2005a

5) Sunan Abī Dāwūd 3691

"Nabidh was brought to him and he drank from it and gave its leftover to Usāmah bin Zaid who drank from it. The Apostle of Allah (ﷺ) then said: 'You have …'"

Reference: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 3691 — Grading noted on page: Sahih (Al‑Albani)
Link: https://sunnah.com/abudawud:3691

6) Sunan an‑Nasa'i 5620 (and nearby narrations)

"Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) forbade (the preparation of Nabidh) from grapes and dates, and unripe dates and dry dates (by mixing them)."

Reference: Sunan an‑Nasa'i 5620 — Grading: Sahih (Darussalam)
Link: https://sunnah.com/nasai:5620

Important cautions & safety considerations

• Glycemic impact: nabeez contains free sugars — people with diabetes or those monitoring blood glucose should limit quantity, dilute more, or avoid it.
• Fermentation risk: if left at room temperature for extended periods (especially in warm climates), natural yeasts/bacteria can ferment the sugars into ethanol and organic acids. Fermented (intoxicating) drink is both a legal/religious and health concern; refrigerate and consume within 24 hours to avoid fermentation.
• Microbial contamination: use clean fruit and potable water and clean containers to avoid bacterial growth. Refrigeration reduces but does not eliminate risk — consume promptly.
• Nutrient dilution: nabeez is not a substitute for whole fruit — many nutrients and fiber remain in the fruit pulp.

FAQ

Q: Is nabeez haram?
A: Nabeez is permissible if consumed before fermentation. Fermented, intoxicating drinks are prohibited.

Q: How long to soak nabeez?
A: 4–12 hours (overnight in a refrigerator is common). Avoid warm, long fermentation.

Q: Can diabetics drink nabeez?
A: They should account for natural sugars and consult healthcare providers.