Quranic and Sunnah foods to eat during Exam season

29 May 2024

For the students amongst us, May usually marks the start of the exam season. Between the late-night study sessions and the pressure to perform, it's easy to forget the importance of fuelling your body with nutritious foods.

 

Both the Quran and the Sunnah offer guidance on what to eat for optimal health – including brain health! In this blog, we'll explore these nutritious foods, to help you ace those exams and feel your best while doing it!

1. Dates

The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

“The 'ajwa' dates of 'Aliya' contain healing effects and these are antidote in the early morning.”


Sahih Muslim


Dates are a fantastic source of fibre. Our brain function relies on sugar, but this sugar needs to be delivered steadily in the correct amounts. Fibre slows down absorption of sugar and regulates its supply leading to enhanced memory function. Animal studies showed that eating dates significantly improved memory and learning ability, as well as less anxiety- related behaviours.


2. Figs

“By the fig and the olive”


Quran (95:1)


Scientific research shows that figs are a form of “brain food,” because they contain vitamins and minerals that are important for proper brain function. Dried figs are an easy way to get two brain-boosting minerals into your diet: copper and manganese. In a recent study of Japanese adults, those who had healthy levels of manganese and copper were three times less likely to suffer from anxiety and depressive symptoms!

3. Honey

The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:


“Honey is a remedy for every illness and the Quran is a remedy for all illness of the mind, therefore I recommend to you both remedies, the Quran and honey.”


Bukhari


Research shows that honey has many antiseptic, antioxidant and immune-boosting properties that work against cell damage, including memory loss. Food sources are not available during our sleep, therefore, we tend to experience what is called nocturnal fasting. Honey, when taken before sleep, is especially beneficial as it acts as a fuel for the brain and helps in preventing nocturnal fasting which aids in memory retention!


4. Milk

The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:


“I do not know of any food or drink that suffices, apart from milk.”


 Sunan Ibn Majah


Milk, when consumed in moderation, has been found to improve brain function and vision, and drive away forgetfulness. It also removes stresses and strains from the body. Researchers conducted a series of brain tests that found that those who drank at least one glass of milk per day had an advantage over those whose intake was less and scored higher in categories including visual-spatial, verbal and working memory tests!

5. Water

The Prophet Muhammad SAW said:


“Water is a means of purification”



 Tirmidhi


What the science says: Brain functions begin to dip when dehydration occurs. This is why neuroscientists and brain health experts have recommended increasing your intake of water to support and enhance your learning, thinking, focus and more.


Remember, the knowledge you've gained and the healthy habits you've cultivated will serve you well. Don't be discouraged by setbacks – view them as opportunities to learn and grow. Keep a positive mindset, trust in your abilities, and remember that success is a journey, not a destination. May this exam season be a stepping stone towards achieving all your goals. May Allah SWT put barakah in your time and make you successful in both worlds, Aameen.

 

Now go forth and conquer those exams, in shaa Allah!


by Aneesa Khan at Muslimah 26 August 2025
This article has been verified for Fiqh accuracy by Shaykh Maruf Ahmed. As a Muslimah who travels fairly often whether for weekend getaways, family trips, or spiritual retreats one of the biggest struggles I’ve faced is keeping my prayers intact without panic. Between my plane landing and hotel check-in, I'd often catch myself thinking, “Will I miss Asr while in traffic? Is it allowed to pray on the plane? Can I shorten my prayers, or is that a Hanafi no-no?” The constant worry used to follow me every time I travelled until I learnt just how much flexibility Islam gives us on the move. So I decided to explore how each of the four major schools of thought Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali approach the rulings on prayer during travel. Spoiler: Islam is far more considerate of our everyday challenges than we sometimes realise. Travelling can be hectic and unpredictable, yet our faith makes space for those moments and eases the burden more than we realise. Tip: If you follow a particular madhhab, stick to it consistently during your trip to avoid confusion or accidental mixing of rulings.
by Muslimah App 23 August 2025
With the August Bank Holiday just around the corner, many of us will be travelling across the UK—whether it’s a city break, a family visit or simply making the most of a long weekend. For Muslim women, finding prayer facilities while on the move can sometimes be a challenge, especially near busy train stations. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to mosques and prayer rooms close to major mainline train stations across the UK . From London to Scotland, the Midlands to Wales, here’s where you can find female-friendly spaces to pray during your journeys. And don’t forget—you can also use the Muslimah App's Prayer Space Locator. With over 700 verified UK prayer spaces in our database, including mosques, multi-faith rooms and prayer rooms, Muslimah helps you quickly find the nearest prayer space wherever you are in the UK. London
by Maryam Husnaa at Muslimah 31 July 2025
Starting your fitness journey can feel overwhelming, especially with all the myths and unrealistic standards out there. However, running and strength training are simple, accessible ways to improve your health and wellbeing. Here is my advice to help you, as a beginner, build a strong and sustainable foundation for the long term.
by Anjumin Ahmed 4 June 2025
The Significance of Dhul Hijjah
9 February 2025
A month into 2025, it seems the perfect time to reflect on those goals we set out for this year, revisit the past year and set our intentions for the year ahead. Embracing a fresh and positive outlook can help us navigate the challenges and opportunities that come our way. Here are six tips to continue that momentum for the rest of the year, with some must read suggestions on making time for yourself and practicing self-care.
by Blogger at Muslimah 22 April 2024
Alhamdulillah, we have been blessed with another Ramadan. Like many of us, you may be experiencing the post-Ramadan blues. Well, Muslimah is here to tell you how to keep the Ramadan rewards going.
by Anjumin Ahmed 20 February 2024
Our final blog of this seven part series and we'd like to end it with the most powerful weapon of a believer, Dua along with reflections, and resources to empower individuals to stand in solidarity with Palestine and the Muslim Ummah worldwide. Through our collective supplications and efforts, we aim to spread awareness, advocate for justice, and offer spiritual support to those affected by oppression and hardship. Duas for Palestine Reliance on Allah (SWT) Hasbuna Allah wa ni'm al-wakeel Allah is sufficient for us and the best of those on whom to depend. Defeat the oppressors Allahuma munzil al-kitaab, saree' al-hisab, ihzim al-ahzaa, Allahuma ihzimhum wa zalzilhum O Allah, Revealer of the Book, Swift to account, defeat the combined forces. O Allah, defeat them and shake them. Be with the oppressed Allahumma ya Qawiyy al-akaan, ya' Adheem as-sultan, ya man qulta 'An nafsika kulla yawmin huwa fee sha'n Allahumma kun li'ikhwaninaa al-mustad'afeena fee filasteen wa ghazza wa kulli makaan. O Allah, the One with mighty Pillars, the One of Great Authority, the One who declares about Himself every day that he is engaged in a matter, O Allah, be with our brethren who are oppressed in Palestine, Gaza, and everywhere else. Bring relief Allahumma ij al limaa humfeehi farajan wa makhrajan. Allahumma innahu la hawla lahum wa la quwwata illa bika, anta ni'ma al-mawla wa ni'ma an-naseer. O Allah! Make an escape and a way out for them O Allah! There is no control or power except by You You are an excellent master and an excellent helper. Healing & mercy Allahumma dawee jarhahum, washfee mardahum, wa 'aafi mubtalahum, warham mawtahum, wa taqabbal shuhadaa'ahum O Allah! Cure their injured and heal their sick patients, and forgive their afflicted, and have mercy on their dead, and accept their martyrs. Rectify their affairs Allahuma aslih ahwaal al-muslimeen fee filasteena yaa thal jalaali wal-ikram O Allah! Rectify the affairs of the Muslims in Palestine. O Lord of Majesty and Bounty. Protect Al-Aqsa Allahuma a'id al-masjid al-aqsa ilaa rihaab il-muslimeen Oh Allah! Return Al-Aqsa mosque to the spaciousness of Muslims. Replace the fear Allahumma kun li-ahl ghazza 'awnan wa-nasseeran, wa baddil khawfahum aman O Allah, be a support and helper for the people of Gaza, and replace their fear with security. For the Ummah Allahumma aslih Ummat Muhammad, Allahumma farrij 'an Ummat Muhammad, Allahumma Irham Ummat Muhammad O Allah! Improve the state of the Ummah of Muhammad, O Allah! Grant ease to the Ummah of Muhammad, O Allah! Have mercy on the Ummah of Muhammad. 
by Anjumin Ahmed 31 January 2024
Sip with Purpose
by Anjumin, Blogger at Muslimah 22 January 2024
Embark on a journey of solidarity and justice as we explore the compelling world of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement, a beacon of non-violent resistance fighting for freedom, justice, and equality for Palestine.
by Anjumin, Blogger at Muslimah 23 December 2023
Discover the depth and diversity of Palestine through some captivating books, each offering a distinct perspective on its history, culture, and narratives. From intimate personal accounts to meticulous historical analyses.
Show More