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Ithmid (antimony) Kohl : what is it and why it is special ?

If you have never heard of Ithmid (antimony) Kohl, then reading this article aims to introduce you to Ithmid (antimony) kohl to you, making understand what it is and why it is important in Islam.
Kohl in Arabic is anything that is applied to the eye and/or its surroundings such as eyelashes and eyebrows.
Ithmid (antimony) is a type of a natural stone which when powdered is called Ithmid (antimony) Kohl and is used as a kohl for the eyes and the surrounding hair.

A special Kohl

Ithmid (antimony) Kohl is special because unlike other types of Kohl it carries enormous health benefits for the eyes. As an added bonus, Ithmid (antimony) Kohl also beautifies the eyes in a unique and different way.
Ithmid (antimony) kohl has been used for over 15 centuries to enhance eyesight and maintain overall eye health. Even before the dawn of Islam and at the time of Jahilyah, Ithmid (antimony) kohl was famous for its unique benefits.
Other types of kohl (stuff applied to eyes and its hairs) only carry beauty benefits and ,contrary to promoting health as Ithmid (antimony) kohl does, often contain harmful substances.

The only kohl approved by the prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم

What makes Ithmid (antimony) kohl truly special is that it is the only type of kohl the prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم has praised and affirmed its benefits.

Ibn Al-Abbas (رضي الله عنهما ) narrated that the prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said : “The best of your kohl is ithmid (antimony), for it makes the vision clear and makes the hair grow.”

Not only did the prophet ( صلي الله عليه وسلم ) praised Ithmid kohl but he also commanded it to be used.

Ibn Al-Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) narrated that the prophet ( صلي الله عليه وسلم ) said : Apply ithmid (antimony) to your eyes, for it makes the vision clear and makes the hair grow”

This hadeeth, classed saheeh by Al-Albaani, reflects the importance and specialness of Ithmid (antimony) kohl as the prophet (صلي الله عليه وسلم ) would not have felt the need to order it to be used unless if it was of such a high significance and benefit.

Because of the incredible benefits of Ithmid (antimony) kohl, the prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم himself used to apply Ithmid kohl to his eyes when going to sleep, to maintain his eye health and set an example for us to follow.

Aisha رضي الله عنهما)ا) has reported that the prophet ( صلي الله عليه وسلم ) “used to have an Ithmid (antimony) from which he used to apply kohl three times in his eyes when going to sleep”
Ibn Al-Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) also said: “The Prophet ( صلي الله عليه وسلم ) used to have a Kohl container and used to apply Kohl 3 times in each eye”

This article has hopefully made you aware about this little known sunnah and realise the significance of Ithmid (antimony) kohl in Islam.

45 thoughts on “Ithmid (antimony) Kohl : what is it and why it is special ?

  1. Hello, pls how can I get the Ithmid kohl

    1. Hi Fatima,

      You can place an order here on this site

      1. how do I get the real Arabic kohl instead of the false?

    2. Assalaamualaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh all the way from Nigeria pls how can I get it?can currency be a barrier?

  2. Hi, is it true that real ithmid kolh should not be affected by magnet? The one that im using attracted to magnet. Is it fake and dangerous?

    1. it’s fake.. they put iron into it to give it the colour.. it’s also dangerous.

    2. This claim that magnets would not affect the Ithmed if it ids pure and that a magnet would show you if there is lead in the Ithmed is totally false.
      lead is not magnetic even a junior school child can tell you that.

  3. Hi, is it true that genuine kohl ithmid should not be affected by magnet. The ithmid that i’ve been using attracted to magnet. Is it dangerous to my eyes?

  4. Assalaamu Alaikum woRahmatullahi Wo Barakaatuh

    Please let me have the best price and delivery of Ithmid Surma. / Kohl, by return mail.

    JazaakAllahu Khairan

    1. وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته

      The prices are listed on the site. These are the best prices.

      Please bear in mind that this is a quality and genuine Ithmid Kohl powders. They are grounded very well which takes time and effort. And the prices reflect these facts.

      Also, you will be getting a good quantity in the bottle which will last you for months.

      But if you will be buying several items, then we can look into discounting some.

    2. The Ithmid kohl. Is it a stone called antimony (atom number 51)? is it pure antimony pured to the eye and What else do you mix it with

      1. Ithmid Kohl is not Antimony.

        It is a compound containing traces of Antimony but it is just that it is been translated into as Antimony kohl.

        There is nothing added to it ; just the pure stone crushed into a powder.

        1. That does not make any sense. since you mention it is not antimony. Why is it translated as Antimony then? The only antimony which we can relate to by name is the atomic number 51. (Antimony). Then it must be the stone which has been crushed to fine powder and you lubricate it to the eyeline.

          To make a long explanation short – Is it only (Antimony -51) crushed to powder and nothing else has been mixed with?

          1. Hi Jones.

            Sorry for the confusion but it’s not from me, really.
            It comes from the fact that Antimony has been used as a label for compounds containing Antimony (the element Sb).

            Ithmid Kohl compounds are antimonides or stibnides. As these compounds contain antimony, the label ‘Antimony’ has been used for them (wrongly) in literature.
            You will find chemical and mineral directories giving ‘Antimony’ as a synonym for these compounds.

            Antimony, as you know is a metal, and like all metals it does not exist in nature as a free substance.

            It’s often found in Sulfide compounds such as stibium and gudmundite.

            These compounds are more widely known amongst people as Antimony – this is obviously not correct strictly speaking but that is how it is.

            You might find the following links useful :

            https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Lymphoscan

            https://gem-a.com/gem-hub/gem-knowledge/understanding-stibnite-antimony-minerals

  5. Assalama aleykum.So how exactly do I place an order for a sample of ithmiid.Please reply

    1. وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله وبركاته

      You can order the Morroccan Ithmid Kohl, which is the cheapest and smallest I got.
      https://realithmidkohl.com/product/moroccan-ithmid-kohl

  6. Salamualikum,

    I just wanted to leave my testimony for the ithmids. I purchased both the Moroccan and Hijazi ithmid and I have been very pleased with the results. I have gone through a lot of ithmid in the search to find the real one. The ithmid you provide are by far the best quality and it is rare to find a company selling authentic ithmid in the west so therefore I am super pleased that I found your website. I wish you success and I hope you can provide high quality ithmid for long time. JazakAllah khair

    1. Walaikumu Salam Warahmatullah.

      Really glad to read your encouraging words and to know that you are satisfied
      with the products and feel it is genuine, Alhamdulilah.

      Aameen, May allah accept your duas.

      Waiyak, Sister.

      1. As salamu alaykum warahmatullah …Baarakallahu feekum.
        I’m from Nigeria,west Africa .I’m delighted to see positive responses in relation to what the prophet has taught us..I’m planning on doing a research on Effects on ithmid(antimony) on the eyes(lashes)I will be glad if you can share Beneficial articles to my mail as most articles I’ve seen concerns kohl(lead containing) or what’s the feasibility of an undergraduate doing that research…jazakumullahu khairaa

        1. Walaykumu salaam warahmatullah.

          Ithmid Kohl could have huge benefits for combating eye diseases and other disorders. It could make a better difference for perhaps millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, it is under researched even amongst Muslims and Islam.

          It is nice to hear that you are considering doing research on it.
          I have sent an email regarding this.

          Barakallahu fiik

      2. As salamu alaykum warahmatullah …Baarakallahu feekum.
        I’m from Nigeria,west Africa .I’m delighted to see positive responses in relation to what the prophet has taught us..I’m planning on doing a research on Effects on ithmid(antimony) on the eyes(lashes)I will be glad if you can share Beneficial articles to my mail as most articles I’ve seen concerning kohl(lead containing) or what’s the feasibility of an undergraduate doing that research…jazakumullahu khairaa

  7. […] the beginning of the Islamic period in the Middle East, there was ‘ithmid‘, or antimony. It is the Arabian Kohl in the form of a loose black powder derived from […]

  8. AssalamuAlaikum,
    I would like to order some of the Ithmid kohl, would you know roughy the shipping cost to Toronto, Canada? Secondly, I am also doing a research paper on Ithmid and would appreciate if you can forward me any useful articles. Finally, I do agree that the translation “Antimony” is incorrect however, most literature including hadiths use this translation. I am confused if I should just stick to Antimony (not to cause confusion) in my research paper or use a more accurate translation like Galena?

  9. Salem alaykoum I hope you are doing well ?
    Since then I have not received my package 🤔🤔😢

    Order # 5309]

    1. Walaikumu salaam warahmatullah

      I will get a replacement sent to you insha’Allah. Please check your email.

  10. Assalamu alaykum,

    I just wanted to know of the composition of this kohl ithmid. Is it made from galena (lead sulfide)? Or stibnite (antimony sulfide)? I’m really not sure where to find a pure ithnid antimony kohl and want to make sure it’s the proper one please. If you can give me as much information as you can please it would be really helpful.

    JazakAllahu khayr.

    1. Walaikumu salaam warahmatullahi

      This a pure Ithmid kohl made from only ground Ithmid stone.

      It is not Galena (lead Sulfide) but rather stibnite. It does not contain lead.

      Barakallahu fiiki wajazakillahu Khairan

  11. Salaams,

    I wondered if it is safe to use the ithmid kohl on children’s eyes and whether it will help with myopia vision.

    1. Salaam,

      I am not aware of any safety concerns regarding ithmid use on children. But people use the fake kohl on children a lot in some Asian cultures and the problem associated with that is the lead poisoning from too much lead in them.
      But as real ithmid is not full of toxic lead, this is not a problem.

      To be on the safe side, it is better not to use it for children under 2 years. Insha’Allah using it on children over 2 years and over will be OK.

      But to be on the safe side, apply less than what you would for an adult ( so for instance reduce the number of times of application in each eye etc).

      As the prophet (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) stated : ithmid kohl improves vision. So insha’Allah regularly applying ithmid
      should bring noticeable vision improvements in myopic people (it might not altogether cure it).

  12. Assalam alaikum I’m from Nigeria. I saw this article and found it helpful. I want to order for ithmid from your website. Please what’s the shipping cost. Thank you

    1. Walaikumu salaam.
      Shipping cost is around £8 (10 dollars) but it will depend on the weight and number of items

  13. I have a question. I want to know the source of the stone for black ithmid hijazi. As you mention in your article that is one of the way to find out the purity of kuhl. Please answer

    1. The process involves grinding the stone using an electrical grinder and sieving it to remove impurities.

      The stones used are available (if you would like to buy).

  14. For all the Kuhl on your site we would like to know the source and stone and the whole process if possible.

    1. The red and black hijazi ones come from stones in Saudi Arabia.
      The isfahani type originates from Iran.

  15. السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
    does one apply kohl inside the eyes or around it?
    جزاك اللهُ خيرًا

    1. وعليكم السلام ورحمة الله ؤبركاته

      It is applied on the waterline between the eyelashes , much like other eyeliners.

      Hope this helps.

  16. Assalamualaikum. As this is powder form, do I have to mix it with anything before application? Also, does the powder come with applicator or do I have to buy applicator separately?

  17. Ithmid is not Antimony it in reality galena (lead sulfide). Allah knows best.

  18. As salaam wa alaykoum
    Can you sell also Black Isfahani Ithmid Kohl?

    1. Walaikumu Salaam

      The isfahani only comes in red

  19. need to know how to use red kohl.

  20. Hi RealIthmidKohl.com!

    I sent you message on messenger and email on the 25/12/2022 and 26/12/2022 respectively, but no response from you.

    I really want to purchase the ithmid with herbs and the wooden applicator.

    I stay in Aberdeen, Scotland.

    Kindly reply!

    Thank you.

    Isioma.

  21. Salam..

    I want to order best type of Itmid kohl, which is best type is it Ifshaani red Itmid or the dark grey colour itmid kohl? Which is the best type to buy for Itmid Kohl? I know they both are beneficial but when it comes to the best from these 2 which one is superior?

    Please reply so I can place my order.

    JazakAllah.

  22. Is ithmid kohl benefitional for eyes, for example to see more clearly and other benefits just as the prophet Muhammad (SAW) said??

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