WATERMELON: A FRUIT OF JANNAH

Watermelon was one of the favourite fruits of Rasûlullâh (sallallâhu alayhi wa sallam). He would eat fresh dates with watermelon and say, “The heat of dates neutralise the coolness of watermelon; the coolness of watermelon neutralise the heat of dates.” In Hadîth books, it is narrated that Rasûlullâh (sallallâhu alayhi wa sallam) enjoyed eating grapes with watermelon as well.

It is said, “In every watermelon and pomegranate is a drop from Jannah.”

Watermelon grows in hot and warm climates. It is planted in spring after the risk of frost and white frost disappear. Particularly river and lakesides are suitable for growing watermelons.

Ninety-five per cent of watermelon is water, and eight to fourteen per cent of it consists of sugar. It contains vitamins A, B, and C and a tiny amount of fat and protein. It is a beneficial fruit that is easy to digest. It cleanses the stomach and bowels, eliminates the ailments there and cleanses kidneys and urinary tract. It helps the blood remove the toxins from the body. It is beneficial for those who have swollen feet and a bloated abdomen. It cools down the body.

Watermelon should be eaten on an empty stomach, mainly in the morning before having a meal. If it is eaten on a full stomach, it causes the food to rot in the stomach and may upset the stomach.

Watermelon should be eaten moderately, as is the case with every type of food. Especially, people with diabetes, blood pressure, kidney, and stomach related problems should avoid overconsuming it.

It should be consumed when it is jus0t ripe and not when it is over-ripened.

Some tips to understand when a watermelon is ripe:

A ripened watermelon has a bright peel. Its peeling can easily be scratched with your fingernail. On the side where it touches the ground, it develops a whitish patch that turns yellow in time. When you tap on it hard, you can hear a full sound. The leaves 1-2 cm above the stem of the watermelon will get dry.

The more a watermelon ripens, the lighter it will become.