Page 78 - Beauties for Life in the Qur'an

76 BEAUTIES FOR LIFE IN THE QUR'AN

Apart from these, dates contain minerals that are essential to
the body (e.g., potassium, sodium, calcium, iron, manganese,
and copper). When potassium and sodium act together, they
regulate the heart's pulsation rhythm. By facilitating the trans-
fer of oxygen to the brain, potassium enables clear thought.
Furthermore, it provides the appropriate alkaline property for
bodily fluids, stimulates the kidneys to excrete toxic metabolic
wastes, helps to lower high blood pressure, and promotes
healthy skin formation. 32
It is also interesting to note that a date's content is especially
beneficial for people who live in areas where it is generally
grown. Its protein and sugar are the most nourishing nutrients
for desert people.

Mother's Milk
We have instructed man concerning his parents. Bearing him
caused his mother great debility, and the period of his weaning
was two years: "Give thanks to Me and to your parents. I am
your final destination." (Surat Luqman: 14)
This verse draws our attention to the importance of breast-
feeding a baby for 2 years. As is known, a mother's milk is the
only source of food that meets all of a baby's needs. At the mo-
ment of birth, Allah places each baby under His protection and
provides him or her with a nourishing drink that has no coun-
terpart in any source or type of external nourishment.
This is vital for the baby, because from the moment a baby
opens its eyes to this world, its body must adapt to a new life. To
facilitate this adaptation, the baby needs to be nourished and
grow in the best way possible.
Mother's milk is a perfect source of nourishment and increases
both the baby's and the mother's resistance to disease. Doctors