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Ithmid Kohl : The original arabic eyeliner
Kohl which in Arabic refers to any substance applied in or around the eyes has been an integral part of the Arabic culture and adornment rituals since time immemorial. In english, most people refer to kohl as the arabic eyeliner since kohl has the same effects on the look of the eyes. The practice of applying natural substances in or around the eyes as kohl (eyeliner) has been in existent in many culture around the world. Since ancient times, people in different parts of the world have been making eyeliner... Read more...
Benefits of kuhl (kohl) for eyes
Several hadith narrations on the benefits of ithmid kuhl for eyes has been reported from the prophet ( may Allah`s peace and blessings be upon him). Read more...
What is ithmid kohl/surma chemically ?
The black type of ithmid kohl is thought to be a form of antimony tri-sulfide whereas the red type is thought to be some form of antimony penta-sulfide. However it might not any type of or antimony tri-sulfide or antimony penta-sulfide is suitable to be used as an ithmid eyeliner as rocks can vary significantly in their chemical makeup even though the name is exactly the same. Many customers have been asking about what mineral ithmid kohl is chemically. This post discusses this but before going straight into answering question... Read more...
How to apply ithmid kohl ?
For medicinal purposes, apply ithmid kohl as close as possible to the eye. To do this pass the kohl applicator along the bottom waterline from one corner of your eye to the opposite one. Close your eyelashes as you do this. For cosmetic purposes, you can use ithmid kohl just like any non-liquid eyeliner. Follow these steps to apply ithmid kohl safely and effectively: 1) just dip in the applicator in the bottle and then remove it 2) Apply whatever little comes with in between the eyelashes or waterline 3)... Read more...
How black seed can be a real cure-all as mentioned by the prophet
After over 1000 years and hundreds of studies, science is bearing witness to the truthfulness and accuracy of what the prophet said about the black seed. The black seed has been used as a remedy and health- promoting food by people living in South East Asia, Middle East and the Far East for thousands of years. References to curative black cumin in the Bible are thought to be referring to black seed ( though black cumin can also refer to an entirely different plant and some experts frown upon the... Read more...
How to identify pure Ithmid kohl/surma/kajal?
With so many fake kohl powders being sold as a pure Ithmid Kohl, it’s very easy to fall a victim to this unscrupulous trade and buy a kohl product on the assumption that it is real and pure ithmid kohl when in reality it is not not only not what you think but potentially toxic and harmful. In fact, the vast majority (over 90%) of the kohl powders on the market which their sellers claim to be 100% lead free and pure are anything but. A lot of these sellers... Read more...
Avoid at all costs : The black list of kohl products
The ithmid kohl market is saturated with brands claiming to offer genuine ithmid kohl products. Unfortunetaly the reality is that the vast majorities of these products are not genuine ithmid kohl. Laboratory results have shown that they contain toxic amounts of lead. Some of them were also found to be contaminated with bacteria, possibly due to unhygienic handling and processing. Couple of brands seem to have made it big on the ithmid kohl trade. Their well presented products have flooded the markets all around the world and are the first... Read more...
Ithmid Kohl : A protection against CMV virus?
Cytomegalovirus, HCMV, is a herpes type virus carried by most people – like other viruses – without any symptoms. Eyes can be seriously damaged by the HCMV virus. It can cause a condition called HCMV retinitis which as its worst could lead to blindness. Ithmid Kohl has been traditionally used as an antimicrobial agent by ancient Arabs in the Middle East. Therefore, it is very plausible that regular use of ithmid Kohl, as has been strongly recommended by prophet Muhammad ( May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), could... Read more...
Is kohl eyeliner harmful or dangerous for eyes and health ?
Bad reputation and negative stigma is attached to kohl eyeliners as a result of findings that it contains harmful ingredients and toxic levels of lead. This puts many people who are attracted to the potential cosmetic and health benefits of kohl eyeliners in a difficult situation ; wandering wether or not to use kohl and confused about its safety. Many people face a dilemma between wanting to use kohl for its assumed benefits and the mainstream advice not to use it because of potential health problems. So just how dangerous... Read more...
Ithmid Kohl Might Kill Eyelash Mites
This might come as a surprise but your eyelashes and eyebrows are a favourite abode for a tiny microscopic mites. Known commonly as eyelash mites (demodex scientifically) , they lurk around hair follicles and feed on dead skin cells. The presence of these mites is thought to be normal and that small numbers exist on everybody’s body. The mites feed on dead skin cells and can be good in that way. However, infestation of eyelash mites can cause various eye irritations such as redness and itchiness. Eyelash mites have also... Read more...
Incentivising Putting On Kohl/ Surma For Women and Men
Question: Is putting on Kohl (Surma/Kajal) halal or haram for women? All praises are due to Allah, and salutation and blessing is upon the messenger of Allah, his family and his companions. Incentivising putting on kohl (Surma/Kajal) for women and men has been reported from the messenger of Allah ( صلى الله عليه وسلم ). And al-Mundiree has titled a chapter in his book ‘al-Targheeb Watarheeb’: “The Targheeb (incentivisation) on putting on Ithmid kohl (surma/kajal) for women and men”, under which he narrated from ibn Majah from ibn Umar (May... Read more...
Simple test to check Ithmid Kohl Authencicity
This simple and DIY test can be used by anybody to help determine if a product is genuine Ithmid kohl. All what is needed for it is a piece of magnet or magnetic object (like magnetic screwdriver) and a piece of paper. Pour some of the product (kohl) on the paper. Hold the paper with the Kohl on top so that you can run the magnet under it. Starting right under where the powder is, move the magnet around slowly. If the product is genuine Ithmid kohl, the magnet would... Read more...