You use eye drops when your eyes feel dry. You wear glasses because your vision is weak. You might even spend thousands on LASIK surgery.
But the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ—1400 years ago—had a different eye care routine. Simple. Natural. Sunnah.
Kohl (ithmid). Applied before bed. Every single night. Three times in each eye.
And the results? Clearer vision. Stronger eyes. Healthier eyelashes. All documented in authentic hadith and confirmed by modern science.
So why aren’t you using it?
The Hadith: “The Best of Your Kohl is Ithmid”
Abdullah ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما reported that the Prophet ﷺ said, as recorded in Sunan Abu Dawood (3878) and Sunan Ibn Majah (3497), authenticated by scholars:
“The best of your kohl is ithmid (antimony), for it improves the vision and makes the hair (eyelashes) grow.”
Read that carefully. The Prophet ﷺ didn’t just say “kohl is nice” or “kohl looks good.”
He said: “The best of your kohl is ithmid.”
Not any kohl. Ithmid—natural antimony stone, ground into powder.
Why ithmid specifically? Because it has medicinal benefits:
- Improves vision – strengthens eyesight
- Makes eyelashes grow – thicker, healthier lashes
This wasn’t cosmetic advice. This was medical guidance given 1400 years before ophthalmology became a science.
The Prophet’s ﷺ Personal Practice
It wasn’t just a recommendation. The Prophet ﷺ personally practiced this consistently.
Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما reported in Sunan At-Tirmidhi (1757), authenticated:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ had a kohl container from which he would apply kohl three times in each eye before sleeping.”
Notice the details:
- He had a dedicated kohl container (called a makhal in Arabic)
- He applied it before sleeping (not morning, not randomly—before bed)
- He applied it three times in each eye (right eye first, then left—three applications per eye)
- He did this regularly (“he would” indicates consistent habit)
This was part of his nightly routine. Like brushing teeth before bed (except he used miswak). Like making wudu. Like reciting specific duas.
Kohl before sleep = Sunnah routine.
Why Before Sleeping? (The Wisdom)
Why did the Prophet ﷺ specifically apply kohl before sleeping, not during the day?
Scholars and medical experts explain:
1. Maximum absorption during sleep
Your eyes are closed for 6-8 hours. The kohl stays in contact with your eyes longer. The medicinal properties absorb better.
2. Healing and rest period
Sleep is when your body heals. Applying kohl before sleep means your eyes benefit from its healing properties during the natural rest period.
3. Avoids irritation during daily activities
If you apply kohl during the day, dust, wind, and environmental factors can cause irritation. At night, your eyes are protected.
4. Consistent habit
Making it part of your bedtime routine = you won’t forget. The Prophet ﷺ was teaching us consistency, not occasional use.
What is Ithmid (Antimony)?
Ithmid (إثمد) is natural antimony sulfide—a mineral found in stones, ground into fine powder.
It’s different from the black kohl/kajal you see in most stores today (which is often just carbon/soot or chemical-based).
Real ithmid:
- Grayish-black powder
- Natural mineral
- Has cooling properties
- Contains antimony (Sb₂S₃)
The Prophet ﷺ specifically recommended ithmid, not random black powder. Why?
The Medical Benefits (What Science Says Now)
Modern research has confirmed what the Prophet ﷺ said 1400 years ago:
1. Antimicrobial Properties
Studies published in medical journals show antimony compounds have antibacterial effects. They fight bacteria that cause eye infections.
2. Strengthens Vision
Classical Islamic scholars documented that ithmid:
- Clears blurriness
- Strengthens weak vision
- Helps with age-related vision decline
- Reduces eye strain
Modern users report similar benefits (though more formal clinical studies are needed).
3. Promotes Eyelash Growth
The Prophet ﷺ said it “makes the hair grow.” Users of authentic ithmid report:
- Thicker eyelashes
- Healthier lash growth
- Reduced lash fall
4. Dries Excess Moisture
Ithmid has a drying effect—good for:
- Watery eyes
- Excessive tearing
- Eye discharge
5. Beautification
The Prophet ﷺ also encouraged kohl for beautification. It defines the eyes, makes them appear larger, and was used by both men and women in his time.
Aishah رضي الله عنها reported in Musannaf Abd al-Razzaq:
“A woman who does not use kohl is not attractive.”
(Note: This refers to married women beautifying for their husbands or single women preparing for marriage—within Islamic guidelines.)
How the Prophet ﷺ Applied It
The Sunnah method is specific:
Step 1: Right Eye First
Always start with the right (following the Prophet’s ﷺ general principle of starting with the right in matters of honor).
Step 2: Three Times Per Eye
- Right eye: once, twice, three times
- Left eye: once, twice, three times
- Total: 6 applications (3 per eye)
Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما specified: “three times in each eye” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 1757)
Step 3: Before Sleeping
Make it part of your bedtime routine. After Isha prayer. Before lying down.
Step 4: Use a Traditional Applicator (Mirwad)
The Prophet ﷺ used a thin stick (mirwad/salai) to apply kohl. It comes with most authentic ithmid containers.
Step 5: Close Your Eyes Briefly
Let the kohl settle. Blink naturally. The kohl will spread across your eye.
For Men AND Women
This Sunnah applies to both men and women.
The Prophet ﷺ used kohl. The male Companions used it. It’s not “just for women.”
Salim narrated from his father (Ibn Umar رضي الله عنهما), documented in classical texts:
“Ibn Umar would use kohl every night before sleeping, three times in each eye.”
The Sahaba (male Companions) followed the Prophet’s ﷺ practice. They didn’t see it as “feminine”—they saw it as Sunnah.
Modern Muslim men abandoned this because of cultural conditioning. They think kohl is “only for women.” But the Prophet ﷺ and his male Companions used it regularly.
If you’re a man: Using ithmid kohl before bed isn’t “girly.” It’s following the Prophet ﷺ. Use it at night. No one sees it except your family.
If you’re a woman: This is doubly rewarded—Sunnah + beautification for your spouse.
Where to Get REAL Ithmid (Be Careful)
Most “kohl” sold today is NOT ithmid. It’s:
- Chemical-based kajal (harmful if non-cosmetic grade)
- Carbon/soot powder (not the same)
- Lead-based kohl (TOXIC—avoid completely)
Real ithmid:
- Comes from specific regions (traditionally Yemen, Morocco, parts of Asia)
- Grayish-black powder (not pure black)
- Has a slightly cooling sensation
- Should say “ithmid” or “antimony” on the label
Where to buy:
- Islamic bookstores specializing in Sunnah products
- Online Sunnah shops (check reviews carefully)
- Hajj/Umrah shops (often sell authentic ithmid from Saudi Arabia)
Red flags (avoid these):
- Cheap kohl with no ingredient list
- Claims to be “instant black” (ithmid is grayish)
- Made in unknown factories
- Contains lead (check lab reports if available)
Pro tip: Ask for “ithmid al-Hijazi” (ithmid from Hijaz region) or “ithmid Yemeni”—these are traditionally the highest quality.
Common Mistakes Muslims Make
Mistake 1: Using it only occasionally
The Prophet ﷺ used it every night. It’s a daily Sunnah, not a once-in-a-while thing.
Mistake 2: Using regular kajal/eyeliner and calling it “kohl”
If it’s not ithmid, you’re not following the specific Sunnah the Prophet ﷺ mentioned.
Mistake 3: Applying it only during the day for looks
The Sunnah is before sleeping for medicinal/spiritual benefit. Daytime use is fine (especially for women), but don’t neglect the bedtime Sunnah.
Mistake 4: Thinking it’s “only for women”
The Prophet ﷺ was a man. He used it. Case closed.
Mistake 5: Using low-quality/toxic kohl
This can harm your eyes. Only use authentic, tested ithmid.
The Spiritual Benefit You’re Missing
Beyond the physical benefits, there’s a spiritual reward for following this Sunnah.
Every time you apply ithmid with the intention of following the Prophet ﷺ, you earn reward.
Imagine: A simple 30-second act before bed every night = cumulative rewards for decades.
Over 10 years? That’s 3,650+ acts of Sunnah recorded in your book of deeds.
All from applying kohl three times per eye before sleeping.
Modern Muslims Abandoned It—And Lost Out
Walk through any Muslim community and count how many people:
- Wear glasses (weakening vision)
- Use expensive eye drops
- Suffer from dry eyes
- Pay thousands for eye treatments
Now ask: How many use the free, natural, Sunnah remedy the Prophet ﷺ used nightly?
Almost none.
We abandoned the Sunnah. Then we wonder why our vision weakens, our eyes dry out, and we need constant medical intervention.
The Prophet ﷺ gave us the solution 1400 years ago. For free. Backed by his own practice. Confirmed by modern science.
And we ignored it for chemical eye drops and expensive surgeries.
How to Start Tonight
You’ve read this far. Now actually do it.
Step 1: Buy authentic ithmid
Order from a trusted source. Don’t cheap out—your eyes are worth it.
Step 2: Make it part of your bedtime routine
After Isha prayer. Before lying down. Every single night.
Step 3: Apply correctly
Right eye first. Three times. Left eye. Three times. With intention of following the Prophet’s ﷺ Sunnah.
Step 4: Be consistent
Don’t do it once and quit. Make it a habit. The benefits come with regular use.
Step 5: Make du’a
“O Allah ﷻ, grant me clarity in my vision, strength in my sight, and allow me to follow the Sunnah of Your Beloved Prophet ﷺ.”
The Unfiltered Truth
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ applied kohl three times in each eye every night before sleeping.
Not occasionally. Not when he remembered. Every night.
He didn’t need to. He had perfect vision (peace be upon him). He did it because:
- It’s beneficial
- It’s beautification
- It’s medical care
- It’s Sunnah
And you? You spend money on glasses, eye drops, treatments—while ignoring what the Prophet ﷺ modeled for free.
Start tonight. Right eye. Three times. Left eye. Three times. Before bed.
Follow the Sunnah the world forgot.
Disclaimer: This article presents authentic hadith from Sunan Abu Dawood, Sunan At-Tirmidhi, and Sunan Ibn Majah about the Prophet’s ﷺ use of kohl (ithmid/antimony). Medical benefits mentioned are based on classical Islamic texts and preliminary modern research. Always purchase kohl from trusted sources and ensure it’s lead-free and cosmetic-grade. Consult with medical professionals if you have existing eye conditions. Readers are advised to verify authenticity of ithmid products and consult qualified scholars regarding Sunnah practices. The content reflects classical and contemporary Islamic scholarship and should not replace personal consultation with knowledgeable religious authorities or medical professionals.