Surma also known as Kajal and Ismid – Antimony is a metalloid, the symbol is Sb, it is found in nature in free form, it is available in sulfide, oxide or ox sulfide form. It is a brittle metal, which breaks easily. It is shinny with white silvery colour (when it is in pure form). It is grayish colour, when in compound form.
Ismid the best Surma
Hazrat Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه says that Rasoolullahﷺ said the best surma you have is Ismid (اثمد) (Antimony) it makes the vision (البصر) clear & makes the hair (eye lashes) grow.
[Ibn Ma-jah: 3626; Book. 31; Eng vol. 4; Book. 31, Hadees. 3497]
Three things which increase vision
Hazrat Buraidah رضي الله عنه says that Nabiﷺ said that 3 things increase the vision (البصر) Ismid (surma) (اثمد), to see greenery (الخصرة) (plants or etc), to see a beautiful face (وجه حسن).
[Kanz al-Ummal: 28314]
Sunnah ways to apply it
Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه says that Nabiﷺ had a pot of Kohl (Surma) from which Nabiﷺ use to apply it in both eyes, three times (ثلاث) each in both eyes.
[Ibn Ma-jah: 3628; Book. 31; Eng vol. 4; Book. 31, Hadees. 3499]
Narrated by Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that Nabiﷺ said: “Whoever applies Kohl (surma) let him apply in odd numbers times & whoever do that, has well done & whoever does not, does not matter.
[Ibn Ma-jah: 3627; Book. 31; Eng vol. 4; Book. 31, Hadees. 3498]
Narrated by A’isha رضي الله عنها that Nabiﷺ applied Kohl (surma) in His eyes while Heﷺ was fasting.
[Ibn Ma-jah: 1748; Book. 7; Eng vol. 1; Book. 7, Hadees. 1678]
A woman should not apply surma for 4 months & ten (days) whose husband is died.
[Bukhari: 5706; Book. 76; Eng vol. 7; Book. 71; Hadees. 607]
Rasoolullahﷺ use to apply Ismid (اثمد) (surma) 3 times in right eye, in this way that Nabiﷺ use to start with right eye & use to end with right eye.
[Al-Tibb Al-Nabawi (Al-Jawzi) volume 1; page no. 211]
Means use to apply first in right eye than left eye than again right eye than left eye than again in right eye (By this way 3 times in right & 2 times in left eye).
Apply Ismid (اثمد) (surma) 3 times in right eye & 2 times in left eye (right eye 3 times than 2 times in left eye).
[Tibbun Nabawi vol. 1; page. 217]
According to Imam Ahmed u, Ismid (اثمد) should be applied 3 times in each eye, means first 3 times in right & 3 times in left eye.
Isnid Marooh to apply at night
Narrated by Ma”bad Bin Hudhah رضي الله عنه that Nabiﷺ commanded to apply collyrium (surma) mixed with musk at the time of sleep.
[Abu Dawud: 2377; Book. 14; Eng Book. 13; Hadees. 2371]
When not to apply it
Hazrat Nubayh Ibn Wahb رضي الله عنه says that Hazrat Umer Ibn Udaidullah Ibn Ma’mar رضي الله عنه had an eye infection & he wanted to apply Surma (kohl) in his eye, but Hazrat Abaan Ibn Usman رضي الله عنه told him not to do so, & asked to apply Sabir (صبر) (Aloe Vera) in his eye, & said that he heard from Hazrat Usman Ibn Affan رضي الله عنه that, Nabi ﷺ did the same.
[Abu Dawud: 1838; Book. 11; Eng Book. 10; Hadees. 1834]
Whats in it?
Antomalin, fuadin, glucantine & other metallic compounds, potassium, sodium etc.
The Science behind it?
1. It kills germs, parasites.
2. It cleans the vision & protects the eyes.
3. Helps grow eye lashes.
4. Helps in ring worm, baldness etc.
Important: Try to get a pure one, which is free from lead.
The Science behind it
Antimony strengthens the optic nerve and is considered the best kohl (surma) when mixed with musk powder for elderly people with poor vision weakened by old age & also helps reduce skin flap growing on the eyelid, mange of the eyelids and it relaxes eyestrain. It helps detoxify eye moisture and eases congestion in tear ducts. It helps in natural cleansing of the eyes and helps to protect the eyes from dust particles floating in the air, and brightens one’s sight. When Ismid (surma) is mixed with honey diluted in water and applied on the edge of the eyelid, it can help reduce headaches.
Mange means a skin disease of mammals caused by parasitic mites and occasionally communicable to humans. It is characterized by severe itching, hair loss, and the formation of scabs and lesions.
Summary of Surma also known as Kajal and Ismid
Apply surma at night in odd numbers, start from right eye, it increases the vision, helpful for eyes, recent widow should not apply it till 4 months & ten days after the death of her husband, can be applied in fasting.
For more information on Ramadan posts, please see HalalorHaram website.
More information Musk in regards to hadith.
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