medicoethnzoological studies of …pharmabiotikaworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/...(proofs and...

Sarfaraz Khan Marwat., PharmaBitika.,2014.1(1),158-172

PharmaBiotika/2014/1/1/158-172-©2014www.pharmaBiotikaworld.com All rights reserved. 158

Review Article ISSN 2408-9702

MEDICOETHNZOOLOGICAL STUDIES OF

QURANIC BIRDS (AVES) FROM SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVES

Sarfaraz Khan Marwat¹*, Kaleem Ullah Khan², Fazal-ur-Rehman³ and Muhammad Shoaib4

*¹University WENSAM College, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, KPK, Pakistan

²Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-University, Islamabad, Pakistan ³ Faculty of Pharmacy, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, KPK, Pakistan

4Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, KPK, Pakistan

Abstract This work presents an inventory of Quranic birds and their importance in the light of religion and science. In view of the importance of this study comprehensive and detailed data was systematically collected from Holy Quran, other Islamic and available scientific literature. Present findings confined to 6 birds belonging to class Aves of animal kingdom. Of these, 3 birds have been cited in the Holy Quran by name: Ghurab-Crow (Corvus spp.), Hud hud – Hoopoe (Upupa epops L., 1758) and Salwa - Quail (Coturnix coturnix L., 1758), and 4 birds have been mentioned (but not by name) in Sura Al-Baqara-2, verse #. 260. There are different views of Commentators of the Holy Quran about the names of these 4 birds, but the majority of the scholars have interpreted them as cock (Gallus domesticus L., 1758), crow (Corvus spp.), peacock (Pavo cristatus L., 1758) and pigeon (Columba livia Gmelin, 1789). In total 6 birds (crow is counted once) belonging to 4 families of 4 orders, have been described in detail. Results were systematically arranged by alphabetic order of zoological names followed by Quranic name / Arabic name, English name, family, medicinal uses, Quranic references and Islamic ruling. Keywords: Aves, Holy Quran, Islamic Ruling, Medicoethnozoological Studies INTRODUCTION The Holy Qur'an is the only complete divine guidance that exists in the world for mankind [1]. The Quran itself contains many scientific facts and imagery that are supported by modern findings. The entire universe, which was created by Allah, follows and obeys His laws. Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge, explore the universe, and find the "Signs of Allah" in His creation [2]. A number of biological entities such as animals (insects, birds, fish, mammals etc), plants (fruits, vegetables, etc) have been mentioned in the Holy Quran for our knowledge and guidance [3]. In one place the Holy Quran says about birds “Do they not see the birds held (flying) in the midst of the sky? None holds them but Allah (none gave them the ability to fly but Allah).Verily, in this are clear Ayaat (proofs and signs) for people who believe (in the oneness of Allah)” (Surah An-Nahl- 16:79) [4]. Birds (Aves) belong to the taxonomic group of vertebrates. The body is supported by two hind limbs, and two fore limbs (modified as wings), The latter are usually provided with large feathers (quills) to enable the wing movements to sustain the bird in the air [5]. They are warm-blooded (endothermic) and breathe by means of lungs. Birds do not possess teeth instead, they have a pair of toothless mandibles covered with a horny sheath of keratin (called




ramphotheca). There is a furcula also known as the 'wishbone', located in the bird's chest that prevents compression of the chest cavity during the down stroke of a wing beat. They also possess a four-chambered heart and in general exhibit high metabolic rates [6, 7]. The olfactory organs are poor, the eyes, however, being extremely well developed. They lay eggs each of which is surrounded by a calcareous shell [6]. Birds have highly developed communication skills, and many bird species communicate vocally through elaborate songs and calls. Migratory and non-migratory birds alike have keen navigational abilities [6, 7]. There are about 10000 bird species in the world. From the poles to the equatorial forests, from the deserts to the centers of the oceans, from the highest mountains to the hearts of our cities, everywhere birds are amongst the most conspicuous forms of animal life. Of all the animals, birds have been the most well-known classis because human beings have used them for feeding, communication, pollinating plants, and decorate the home, etc. Also, birds are important to some animals for biological control, for example Rodentia. Birds are important to continue ecologic circle, especially in food chain. For the last three centuries, industrial developments and anthropological effects have degraded habitats and caused the natural balance to deteriorate. Approximately 200 bird species had been affected directly or indirectly from these negative changes [8]. MATERIALS AND METHODS The research work was conducted by reviewing the Holy Quran, Islamic and available scientific literature. Comprehensive and detailed information about Quranic birds (aves) were collected from these sources. Birds species were arranged in systematic order of Zoological names in alphabetic order followed by Quranic name, Arabic name, English name, vernacular names, medicinal and other uses, and references cited from Holy Quran, and Islamic ruling.

RESULTS Present findings confined to 6 birds belonging to class Aves of animal kingdom. Of these, 3 birds have been cited in the Holy Quran by name, viz. Ghurab – Crow (Corvus spp.), Hud hud – Hoopoe (Upupa epops) and Salwa – Quail (Coturnix coturnix), and 4 birds have been mentioned (but not by name) in Sura Al-Baqara-2, verse #. 260. There are different views of Commentators of the Holy Quran about the names of these 4 birds (Table ), but the majority of the scholars have interpreted them as cock (Gallus domesticus), crow (Corvus spp.), peacock (Pavo cristatus) and pigeon (Columba livia). So, in total 6 birds (crow is counted once) belonging to 4 families of 4 orders, have been described in detail. Results were systematically arranged by alphabetic order of zoological names followed by Quranic name, English name, Arabic name, family, medicinal uses, references cited from Holy Quran and Islamic ruling.

ENUMERATION OF BIRDS SPECIES

1. Scientific name: Columba livia [Gmelin, 1789] Quranic /Arabic name: Hamama English name: Domestic Pigeon Vernacular name: Kabutar (F,U), Kautara (P) Medicinal Uses: The fresh blood is massaged externally to treat paralysis [9,10].

The Blood, burned feather are useful for the treatment of hemorrhoids, leprosy [11]. Excreta are administered orally to the buffalo believed to be suffering from effects of “evil eye” [12]. Fresh blood of C. livia has been reported for




epilepsy, and the flesh is useful for asthma and weakness [13]. Meat of a black pigeon C. livia is given to patients suffering from paralysis [14]. Blood is orally recommended for 7 days (once daily) to treat breathing trouble. The flesh and blood with hen’s egg are used for the treatment of tuberculosis [15]. Blood and flesh of C. livia was used by most of the tribe for the treatment of Epilepsy and paralysis. Fresh blood of the pigeon is applied on the skin from the head to foot thrice a week. The blood should remain on the skin for 6 hours [16]. Fat of C. livia is useful for the remedy of sore throat, sinusitis, cough, and asthma [17]. The pigeon’s meat is remedy for numbness of hands or other parts of the body, chorea, facial paralysis. The meat is also depurative of blood, semen productive and aphrodisiac [18]. Asthma patients consume the cooked soup of the bird for relief [19].

Other Uses: The pigeons are used as pet animal [15]. They are trained not only for long flying but also for the game. Signal is given to them to fly and search other pigeon team. Then both teams get mixed and only strong and intelligent pigeons are able to catch other pigeons, and bring them towards home [20]. Islamic Rulings: Pigeons are lawful (halal) [21, 22, 23]. Quranic References: According to most of the commentators of Holy Quran, pigeon (kabutar) is one of the four birds mentioned (not by name) in Surah Al-Baqara, verse #. 260 (Table 1).

2. Scientific name: Corvus spp. Quranic name: Ghurāb English name: Crow, Jungle crow Vernacular name: Al-Ghurab (A), Kawwa (U) Medicinal uses: Suspention of powdered bone in water is used as eardrops to relieve earache [15]. The cooked flesh of house crow (C. splendens (Viellot, 1817), and C. macrorhynchos is consumed to get a relief from body aches [12]. Dried or fresh flesh is cooked singly or with vegetables and eaten as health tonic for the aged [24]. The roasted or boiled flesh of C. splendens) is eaten to treat whooping cough [9]. The bile, bone, egg, brain of black raven (C. corax) are useful for the treatment of pain, eye diseases, impotence, broken bones [11].

Other Uses: Crows play an important role to "clean up" dead animals, especially road kills. Without this service, we would be facing more problems related to dead creatures, such as spread of bacteria and disease. They are useful to crops, because they eat large number of pesky insects and rodents, and control populations of other animals, and prevent the crops from their damage. American crows are also considered small game, and hunting seasons exist in many states. Typically they are hunted for sport at times when more valuable game birds cannot be hunted [25]. Common Crows have been known to get the Rabies from dead animals. They are also one of the few animals that can rid themselves of the disease. Crows are attracted to shiny objects. They may fly off with bits of foil or even jewelry if given a chance [25].

Omens attached with crow: Since ancient time people believe that if a crow caws on the roof, in threshold, or inform the house at dawn, it is a sign that someone dear will visit the house. It turns out to be true in most cases. Thus, the crow is such a bird with which omens (good and bad) have been attached. It is believed that if a crow perches on someone's head his life becomes crisis ridden [26]. If a crow crows early in the morning facing a house, it indicates some news for the family. But if it crows perching on a bare twig, it indicates bad news for the family [27].

Islamic Rulings: According to Islamic principle, the birds who do not hunt with their claws and do not prey other animals, rather they merely eat grains and crop, are considered to be lawful (halal), such as a chicken, pigeon, crow, etc. [23]. The crow which eats only seeds, is unanimously lawful, and the one feeding only on filth (dirt) is unlawful




(haram). The crow which eats both seeds and carcasses will be fastened (imprisoned) for three days to become lawful just like hen and then used for eating purposes [22].

Quranic References: The Crow (Ghurab) has been cited twice by name in Surah Al-Māidah-5, verse #. 31 (Tabl 2), and once in Sura Al-Baqara-2, verse #. 260, as interpretered by some commentators in their commentaries on the holy Quran [Table. 1]. The Holy Quran says: “Then Allah sent the crow who scratched the ground to show him to hide the dead body of his brother. He (the murderer) said: “Woe to me! Am I not even able to be as this crow and to hide the dead body of my brother?” (Surah Al-Māidah-5, verse #. 31)” [4]

3. Scientific name: Coturnix coturnix (Linn. 1758) Quranic name: Salwa English name: Common quail Vernacular name: Sumani (A), Batair (U) Medicinal uses: Head of the quail is cooked and eaten to enhance memory power [12].

The bird is usually used by the asthma patients [19]. The meat of quail is very nice and delicious, and is useful for treatment of rheumatism. The continuous use of meat finishes the stone of urinary bladder and causes the urine to come out freely [22]. The meat is expectorant, stomachic, and also beneficial for palpitation and paralysis [18]. Quail eggs improve skin color and strengthen hair. That's why quail eggs are used for egg yolk facial and hair care masks. Its Vitamin B2 Riboflavin provides glowing and healthy skin, while the Vitamins A, B and E give your child shiny and voluminous hair. All this form a 100% natural alternative to harmful hair and skin care chemicals. Quail eggs are also rich in ovomucoid proteins, antioxidants and lysozyme. As a sugar-free, non-processed source of these nutrients, this makes quail eggs ideal for controlling infections and inflammations leading to asthma, allergies, eczema and psoriasis [28]. The consumption of quail eggs fortifies the woman’s body during pre and post natal periods as well as after surgery and radiotherapy. It also has beneficial effects on the foetus (physical and mental balance) and for the mother after delivery (physical rehabilitation and rejuvenation of cells). Quail eggs also improve the quality of breast milk [29].

Other Uses: Quail is hunted with gun for the purpose of food and satisfaction of the lust for hunt. For business purposes quail is hunted by using net techniques and then packed in wooden cages for supply [30]. The dilute curry of its meat, taken with a loaf (bread), is best food for weak people [18].

Islamic Rulings: According to the four Islamic jurists (Aima Arba’ah) the meat of quail is lawful (halal) [21, 22]. Quranic References: The name of Salwa (quail) has been cited 3 times in the Holy Quran as mentioned below: And we shaded you with clouds and sent down on you Al-Manna and the quails, (saying): “Eat of the good lawful things We have provided for you.” (Sura Al Baqarah, verse #. 57). We shaded them with clouds and sent down upon them Al-Manna and the quails, (saying): “Eat of the good lawful things We have provided for you.” (Sura Al-A’raf, verse #. 160). And We sent down to you Al-Manna and the quails.” (Sura Ta-Ha, verse #. 80) [4].

4. Scientific name: Gallus domesticus (Linn. 1758) Quranic /Arabic name: Ad-dek (A) English name: Chicken, rooster, cock, Vernacular name: Murgh (U) Medicinal Uses: Fat of the chicken (G. domesticus) is used for nasal congestion. The white of the egg is useful for stopping bleeding and dysentery [31]. Fermented fat of jungle fowl (G. gallus Linn. 1758) is applied on




burns [24]. The fat is also beneficial for throat inflammation, nasal obstruction. The use of egg of hen (G. gallus domesticus) reinforces potency and enhances libido [11]. The blood of hen (G. domesticus) is externally used (i.e. massaged) on the aching parts of the body. It is also applied externally for healing arthritis and fractured bones of cattle, goats [9]. The Parts and products of G. gallus like fat and eggs are used in burns. Chicken soup is given to the mother immediately after her delivery. It is believed that the soup helps the mother to bounce back to normalcy soon [12]. The membrane of the hen’s muscular stomach is extracted and dried, then ground and made into a decoction to treat kidney stones [32]. Chicken gizzard, fat, egg shells, egg yolk, meat are used for the treatment of indigestion, sinusitis, shortness of breath, bronchitis, nervous problems, rheumatism, stuffy nose, weak bones, flu, weakness, sore throat, furuncle [33]. The chicken fat was mentioned as being useful for treating renal calculi, headaches, throat inflammations, nasal congestion, fevers, and general swelling [34]. Chicken soup is considered to be nourishing food especially for women just after delivery. Fat is used to give massages for the treatment of sprains and strains [27]. Egg and meat (liver) are aphrodisiac, blood productive [18, 35], also used for night blindness [36], and beneficial for intestinal colic. The chicken soup is useful for the treatment of inflammation of stomach. The binding of fresh dissected cock on the head of meningitis patient is considered to be useful for the said disease [18]. Albumin (white) of an egg is mixed with about 250 ml water, and sugar according to the need is added. This mixture is given to the children for treatment of vomiting and diarrhea [35].

5. Scientific name: Pavo cristatus (Linn., 1758) Quranic / Arabic name: At-Taus English name: Peacock,IndianPeafowl Vernacular name: Mor (U) Medicinal Uses: A small quantity of powdered feather dust is mixed with water and filtered. The filtrate is then given to the children suffering from measles, typhoid and other chronic diseases [19]. The ash of feather is used for cough and in hiccups. Legs of peafowl are boiled with oil, which is used to treat the ear pain [9]. The powder of burned legs is applied for ear infection [37]. The use of P. cristatus legs for ear infection is also reported from many parts of India [38] Common peafowl fat and feather are useful for snake bite, asthma, and sore throat [17]. Feather ash mixed with coconut oil is applied over forehead to relieve headache [15]. The meat is stomachic, its soup is useful for pleurisy. The external use of its blood is useful for the treatment of injuries [18].

Other Uses: The feathers of P. cristatus are used as handicraft items [9]. Lapping of its fat is rejuvenative. The use of burnt bones of peacock, as tooth paste, is beneficial to [18].

Omens attached with peacock: Beautiful tail feathers of the bird have both decorative and magicoreligious values and are thus kept in the house. It is believed that these feathers bring good luck to the people of the house [19]. Islamic Rulings: According to Hanafi School of thought peacock is lawful (halal) undoubtedly. But Imam Shaf’i considers the eating of peacock as unlawful (haram) [22].

Quranic References: Peacock (peafowl) has been interpreted to be included in 4 birds mentioned in Sura Al-Baqara-2, verse #. 260, by most of the commentators in their commentaries on the holy Quran [Table. 1].




6. Scientific name: Upupa epops (Linn.,1758). Quranic name: Hud hud English name: Hoopoe Vernacular name: Hud hud (A), hud hud (U) Medicinal uses: The dried flesh is cooked with Marsdenia sp and eaten for the treatment of gall bladder stone. Feathers are used for decoration purposes [24]. The curry of its body is useful for kidney problem [39]. Omens attached with hoopoe: If the bird hoopoe appears in a village, it is presage of war. When a hoopoe cries on a roof from a house, someone die in that house. In Sweden, the hoopoe is an omen of war. In Portugal, the hoopoe is a bird of good omen [40]. Some people believe that wearing an amulet (ta`wiz) written with blood of hoopoe will make them bullet proof. Islamic Rulings: According to Hanafi School of thought Hud hud (Hoopoe) is lawful (halal) without any doubt [22]. Quranic References: (Surah An-Naml-27, verses #. 20, 22). Other Unknown Birds Mentioned in the Quran: Ababil: The word Ababil has been mentioned in Surah Fil-105, Verse #. 3 (birds in flocks.). The word ababil is plural and is said to have no singular. It means birds in flocks, or swarms of birds. It is not the name of a particular bird. In Urdu usually ababil refers to 'swallows', they are not implied in the verse as indicated in the above narration. These birds were somewhat smaller in size than pigeon and they were birds that were never seen before. [Sa'id Ibn Jubair, as quoted by Qurt.ubi1 [41]. The instance of sending flocks of birds upon the army of Abraha has been significantly recorded in Surah Fil. The incident took place during the year of the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Abraha, the ruler of Yemen, and his army — with a contingent of elephants — intended to invade Makkah to demolish the Kaaba. While they were marching towards Makkah no one dared to face them. However, suddenly flocks of birds appeared with the grace of Allah. The birds threw down upon the army small stones; none of the invaders escaped and the force faced destruction [3].

DISCUSSTION There is evidence that human beings are familiar with use of animals and plants for food, cloth, medicine, etc. since ancient times. The medicinal use of animals and their products for the benefit of humans is termed Zootherapy [42]. Birds are one of the animal groups which are used in many ways by human populations. [43,44], besides their importance in literature and legend [44]. The eggs of hen are the staple eggs in the markets, so, nearly all who keep birds for their eggs keep fowls, which are the most productive and most docile [45]. Many birds are kept simply for their beauty, but many of them are valued for their singing and are kept as pets or sold. It is a very common practice to keep birds as pets [43]. In the Holy Quran three birds have been cited by name, viz. Ghurab – Crow (Surah Al-Māidah-5, verse #. 31), Hud hud – Hoopoe (Surah An-Naml-27, verses #. 20, 22), and Salwa – Quail (Sura Al Baqarah, verse #. 57, Sura Al-A’raf, verse #. 160 and Sura Ta-Ha, Verse #. 80), and four birds have been mentioned (but not by name) in Sura Al-Baqara-2, verse #. 260. There are different views of Commentators of the Holy Quran about the names of these 4 birds, but the majority of the scholars have interpreted them as cock, crow, peacock and pigeon (Table 1). So, the present findings are confined to 6 birds (crow has been counted once) belonging to class Aves of animal kingdom. The Holy Quran says: “And when 1brahim said: "My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead." He said: "Is it that you do not believe?" He said: "Of course, I do, but it is just that my heart be at peace." He said: "Then, take




four birds and tame them to your call, then put on every mountain a part from them, then give them a call, and to you they shall come running. And know that Allah is Mighty, Wise." (Verse 260) [46] In Tafsir Ruh al-Ma’ani, on the authority of Ibn al-Mundhir, it has been narrated from Sayyidna Hasan that Sayyidna 1brahim did what he was commanded to do. When he called them, then in no time, bone to bone, feather to feather, flesh to flesh, everything took its original form, the birds became alive and came running to Sayyidna 1brahim. Allah Almighty said: 'O Ibrahim, this is how, on the Day of Resurrection, I shall assemble in no time all parts and bodies, and breath life into them.' [46]. Chicken–cock (Gallus domesticus) belongs to family Phasianidae of order Galliformes (Table 3). It is the most useful of all birds found on almost every farm and in the back yards of many city and village homes [45]. An adult male chicken is called a “rooster” and an adult female is called a “hen.” Roosters are larger, usually more brightly colored, and have larger combs on top of their heads compared to hens [47]. From drawings and descriptions on ancient tablets and from figures on old coins it appears that the fowl (chicken) was familiar to the Babylonians seven thousand years ago, and that it was introduced into Egypt about 4600 B.C. At the time of the founding of Rome the fowl was well known throughout Northern Africa, and in the Mediterranean countries of Europe as far west as Italy and Sicily. It was also known in Japan at this time. It was brought to India soon after. It is supposed that immediately following their conquests in Central and Western Europe the Romans introduced their poultry into those regions. Thus, at about the beginning of the Christian Era, the fowl was known to all the civilized peoples of the Old World and had been introduced to the less civilized races of Europe [45]. The peacock or Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) is a large and brightly coloured bird of the phasianidae (phasant family) [48]. It is supposed to be a native of Java and Ceylon. It is found throughout Southern Asia and is said to be very numerous in India and Ceylon, both in the wild state and in a half-domestic state. [45]. The male peacock is predominantly blue with a long train made up of elongated feathers which bear colourful eyespots. The female lacks the train, has a greenish lower neck and a duller brown plumage. The Indian Peafowl is found mainly on the ground in open forest or on land under cultivation where they forage for berries, grains but will also prey on snakes, lizards, and small rodents. The Indian Peafowl is listed as of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) [48]. Today, thousands of people all over the world keep and breed peafowl as a hobby or business around their homes or on game bird farms. Fortunately, few of the peacock species are used for food today, except in some of the more remote and less civilized places where they are found in nature. The India Blue Peacock is commonly kept and bred in captivity by people across America and around the world. They are not expensive and thousands of them are bought [49]. There are but two naturally occuring peacock species, the Indian peafowl Pavo cristatus from India, often called Blue peafowl and the Green peafowl Pavo muticus which lives farther east in Burma, Thailand, Indo China, Malaya and Java. The India Blue Peacock is commonly kept and bred in captivity by people across America and around the world. They are not expensive and thousands of them are bought and sold each year [50]. Pigeon (Columba livia) belonging to family Columbidae of order Columbiformes (Table 3) was perhaps the first bird domesticated by man [51]. It is native to Eurasia and North Africa. Its natural habitat is rocky cliffs, or coasts and deserts, although it is considered to be a pest in cities [52]. About 250 species are known; two-thirds of them occur in tropical Southeast Asia, Australia, and the islands of the western Pacific, but the family also has many members in Africa and South America and a few in temperate Eurasia and North America [53]. Research suggests that domestication of pigeons was as early as ten thousand years ago [54]. Figurines, mosaics, and coins have portrayed the domestic pigeon since at least 4500 BC (Mesopotamia) [51]. Besides being a food source, pigeons have long been bred and trained for carrying messages, their wartime use dating to the Roman era. Messenger pigeons were widely used by German, British, and American forces in World Wars I and II and by the United States




in the Korean War. Feathers have been used for decoration for many thousands of years. Their use in the head pieces of indigenous peoples throughout the world is well known. Feather robes were made by Polynesians and Eskimos [44]. Crows are members of a widely distributed genus of birds, Corvus, in the family Corvidae. The crow genus makes up a third of the species in the Corvidae family. There are now considered to be at least 42 extant species in this genus, and at least 14 extinct species have been described. The collective name for a group of crows is a flock or a murder. Recent research has found some crow species capable of not only tool use but also tool construction and meta-tool use. Crows are now considered to be among the world's most intelligent animals with an encephalization quotient approaching that of some apes [55]. The common crow (C. brachyrhynchos) is a bird that most people see every day. This bird lives just about everywhere, including woods, fields, riversides, parks, and towns. They are known to be very intelligent birds, and can work out solutions to many problems, as well as count [56]. Crows seize the pieces of bread from the hands of tiny toddlers, But they keep the environment clean by picking worms and rotten things spread around the area [57]. The common quail (Coturnix coturnix) is one of the smaller game birds of the world. Similar to other areas of the world the species is also bred and kept as poultry both for eggs and delicious meat [58]. It is distributed across Eurasia during its breeding period and currently has an unfavourable conservation status in Europe due to a large historical decline. Even so, the common quail is a popular game species with an important socio-economic impact [53]. The Common Quail is an exclusively nocturnal migrator. Just before migration, birds undertake a hyper phagic phase, in which they eat as much as is possible in order to build up reserves [59]. The species was mentioned in many statements of the Holy Quran which indicated how the migrating Israelites relied on migrating quails (salwa) for food [58]. The name of salwa has been cited 3 times in the Holy Quran: And we shaded you with clouds and sent down on you Al-Manna and the quails, (saying): “Eat of the good lawful things We have provided for you.” (Sura Al Baqarah, verse #. 57) We shaded them with clouds and sent down upon them Al-Manna and the quails, (saying): “Eat of the good lawful things We have provided for you.” (Sura Al-A’raf, verse #. 160) “and We sent down to you Al-Manna and quails (Sura Ta-Ha, Verse #. 80) [4]. When Sayyidunā Musa (Alehisalam) “Moses” (may Allah pleased with him) was living along with Six hundred thousand of Banī Isrāīl in the field of Tayaĥ; Allah (Azzawjal) descended two divine feasts for them from the sky. One of which was ‘Mann’ and other named ‘Salwā’. Mann was a type of halva (sweet dish) resembling white honey or it may actually have been white honey which descended from the sky every day in the shape of rain. Salwā, on the other hand, were cooked quails (bird like animals) that used to descend from the skies with the southerly wind. Whilst stating the blessings bestowed upon the Banī Isrāīl, Allah (Subhanuhuwata’ala) states in the Glorious Quran [60]. The hoopoe (Upupa epops) is one of those birds that is not easy to forget, some people refer to it as the butterfly bird because of the broad wings and buoyant, undulating flight. The hoopoe is an unusual bird with an even more unusual name. The name of the hoopoe, pronounced 'hoo-poo', is derived from the bird’s call frequently described as ‘oop-oop-oop’. So remarkable is this call that it is also reflected in the scientific name of the species, Upupa epops. [61]. Hoopoe is mentioned by name in the Holy Quran: “What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?” (Surah An-Naml-27, verses #. 20). As far as birds are concerned, the story of the hoopoe (hud hud) in the times of Hazrat Sulaiman (Alaihissalam) is significant. Allah had bestowed Sulaiman (Alaihissalam) with many gifts, including the ability to understand the language of animals.




In Surah Naml, the story of the hudhud has been mentioned in detail. The bird played a pivotal role in bringing news of Bilqis (the Queen of Sheba) to Sulaiman (Alaihissalam), after which she embraced Islam. The hoopoe had informed Hazrat Sulaiman (Alaihissalam) that Bilqis, together with her people, worshipped the sun. Sulaiman (Alaihissalam) gave the bird a letter for the queen to check the bird’s truthfulness. In return, she sent gifts to the prophet but he rejected them all. Later she visited Sulaiman (Alaihissalam) and upon seeing the grace and glory of the prophet, she embraced Islam [3].

Table 1: Interpretation of names of the 4 birds mentioned in verse (2:260) by Commentators of the Holy Quran ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ S.No. Name of the commentator Names of birds Reference ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. Abdul Hameed Swati peacock, chicken, crow, pigeon 62 2. Annonymous peacock, chicken, heron, pigeon 63

3. Annonymous peacock, chicken, heron, pigeon 63 4. Annonymous peacock,chicken,duck,legendry bird 53 5. Aṭā al-Khurāsānī green duck,red chicken,black crow,

white pigeon 64 6. Attaa bin Abi Ribah peacock, chicken, crow, pigeon 64 7. Ibn-e-Abbas (R.A) peacock, chicken, crow, vulture 64 8. Ibn-e-Jareeh peacock,chicken rooster,crow,pigeon 64 9. Ma'alim At-Tanzil of Imam Al-Baghawi peacock, chicken, crow, pigeon 63 10. Muhammad Abdul Haq Haqqani peacock, chicken, crow, pigeon 66

11. Muhammad Naeem Deobandi peacock, chicken, crow, vulture 67 12. Muhammad Naeem Deobandi peacock, chicken, crow, pigeon 67 13. Muhammad Sarfaraz Khan Safdar peacock, chicken, crow, pigeon 65 14. Mujahid bin Jabr peacock, chicken, crow, pigeon 65 15. Nasir ud Din abi Saeed Abdullah bin Umer

bin Muhammad Al Sherazi Al Bezavi peacock, chicken, crow, pigeon 65

16. Shabir Ahmad Usmani peacock, chicken, crow, pigeon 68 17. Shah Abdul Qadir Muhaddis Delhavi peacock, chicken, crow, pigeon 69

18. Syed Amir Ali Maleeh Abadi peacock, chicken, crow, vulture 70 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Figure 1: A. Domestic pigeon(Columba livia) B. Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) Source: A. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_Pigeon

B. http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/common_crow.htm




Figure 2: C. Quail (Coturnix coturnix), D. Cock (Gallus domesticus),

Source:http://envirocivil.com/environment/cultural-value-of-quail-in-district haripur/http://www.uniprot.org/taxonomy/9031

Figure 3: E. Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) F. Hoopoe (Upupa epops) Source: E. http://www.google.com.pk/imgres?imgurl F. http://www.vogelwarte.ch/population-dynamics-of-hoopoe-and-wryneck.html




REFERENCES

1. Rafai, J.U.N., 1990, The Quran Translation and Study carrying Salmonella when arriving in the abattoirs. (Part-1). Taha Publishers Ltd. London, pp: 6.

2. Abonymous, (a) Huda, Quran and Science. http://islam.about.com/od/quran/a/Quran-And-Science.htm 3. Niaz, M., 2012, Significance of fauna. Available at:http://beta.dawn.com/news/757726/significance-of-

fauna Accessed on November 14, 2013. 4. Al-Hilali, M.T and Khan, M.M., 1996, The Noble Quran:English Translation of the meaning and

commentary.King Fahd Complex for the printing of Holy Quran. Madinah, K.S.A. 358. 5. Lister, H., 1999, Aves in: An Introduction to Zoology. Discovery Publication House, New Delhi-110002,

164-165. 6. Klappenbach, L., 2013, Birds. Available at:http://animals.about.com/od/birds/p/birds.htm 7. Myntz, M., 2013, What Is a Bird? What Makes a Bird a Bird? http://birding.about.com/od/Bird-

Trivia/a/What-Is-A-Bird.htm 8. Tabur, M.A and Ayvaz, Y., 2010, Ecological Importance of

Birds:http://eprints.ibu.edu.ba/601/1/issd2010_science_book_p560-p565.pdf 9. eGupta, L., Silori, C.S. Mistry, N and Dixit, A.M., 2003, Use of animals and animal products in traditional

health care systems in district Kachchh, Gujarat, Ind. J. Trad. Knowl., 2: 346-356. 10. Mahawar, M.M and Jaroli, D.P., 2006, Animals and their products utilized as medicines by the inhabitants

surrounding the Ranthambhore National Park, India J. Ethnobiol. Ethnomed., 2:46 11. Lev, E., 2003, Traditional healing with animals (zootherapy): Medieval to present-day Levantine

practice.J. Ethnopharmacol. 86: 107-118. 12. Lohani, U., 2011a, Traditional Uses of Animals among Jirels of Central Nepal Usha Lohan. Ethno

Med, 5(2): 115-124.http://www.krepublishers.com/02-Journals/S-EM/EM-05-0-000-11-Web/EM-05-2-000-11

13. Mahawar. M.M and Jaroli, D.P., 2007, Traditional knowledge on zootherapeutic uses by the Saharia tribe of Rajasthan, India, J. Ethnobiol. Ethnomed., 3:25.

14. Benarjee, .G., Srikanth, K., Ramu G and Ramulu, K.N., 2010, Ethnozoological study in a tropical wildlife sanctuary of Eturunagaram in the Warangal district, Andhra Pradesh. Indian J. Tradit. Knowl., 9(4): 701-704

15. Padmanabhan, P., 2007, Ethnozoological studies on the tribals of Palakkad and Malappuram Districts Of Kerala, South India KFRI Research Report No.292.

16. Solavan, A., Paulmurugan, R., Wilsanand, V and Rajithsingh, A.J.A., 2004, Traditional therapeutic uses of animals among trible population of Tamil Nadu, Ind. J. Trad. Knowl., 3(2): 198-205.

17. Ferreira, F.S., Albuquerque, U.P., Coutinho, H.D.M., Almeida, W.O and Alves, R.R.N., 2013, The Trade in Medicinal Animals in Northeastern Brazil. Biodivers. Conserv., 22(4): 839–870.

18. Awan, H.M.H., 1960, Kitab ul Mufr-e-Dat. Sheikh Ghulam Ali and sons (Private) Ltd, Publishers, Lahore, pp: 414 - 422.

19. Lohani, U., 2011b, Eroding Ethnozoological knowledge among Magars in Central Nepal Ind. J. Trad. Knowl., 10(3): 466-473.

20. Qasid., 2010, Pigeon game in Pakistan. http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/f5/pigeon-game-in-pakistan-42555.html

21. Faisal, S.A.S., 1986, Hillat wa Hurmat-e-Janwaran Ma’a Masaeel-e-Shikar wa Qurbani Aur Aqiqa wa Zabiha. Maktaba Rashia, Sahiwal,Dikhan, Pp. 3-30

22. No’mani, A.A., 2000, Ahkam-ul-Haywan, Idara Islamiyat, Lahore, Karachi, Pp. 3-351




23. Al-Kawthari, M.A. 2013, The Fiqh of Halal and Haram Animals Darul Iftaa, Leicester, UK.http://www.daruliftaa.com/node/5811

24. Betlu, A.L.S., 2013, Indigenous knowledge of zootherapeutic use among the Biate tribe of Dima Hasao District, Assam, Northeastern India. J. Ethnobiol. Ethnomed., 9:56

25. Parr, S. C., 2005, "Corvus brachyrhynchos" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Corvus_brachyrhynchos Accessed October 5, 2013.

26. Upadhyay, P. S., Mishra, P.A., Dwived, P.U and Ganesan, K., 2013, Crow: Consideration of omens through Birds. http://www.urday.in/birds.htm

27. Lohani, U., 2010, Man-animal relationships in Central Nepal. J Ethnobiol. Ethnomed., 6:31 28. Anonymous (b), Healthier quail eggs for medical diets, health natural beauty.

http://healthierquaileggs.com/quail_egg.php?pg=1 29. Quailfarm, 2013, The home of quails. Quail Eggs & Health:http://www.quailfarm.co.uk/index.php/quail-

and-health 30. Khan, I., 2012, Cultural Value of Quail In District Haripur.http://envirocivil.com/environment/cultural-

value-of-quail-in-district-haripur/ 31. Costa-Neto, E.M and Oliveira, M.V.M., 2000, Cockroach is Good for Asthma: Zootherapeutic Practices in

Northeastern Brazil. Human Ecology Review, 7(2):41-51. 32. Quave, C.L and Pieroni, A., 2013, Mediterranean Zootherapy: A Historical to Modern Perspective. In: R.

R. N. Alves and I. L. Rosa (eds.), Animals in Traditional Folk Medicine, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, Pp. 303-316.

33. Alves, R.R.N., Neta, R.O.S., Trovão, D.M.B.M., Barbosa, J.E.L., Barros, A.T and Dias, T.L.P., 2012, Traditional uses of medicinal animals in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 8:41

34. Alves, R.R.N., Lima, H.N., Tavares, M.C., Souto, W.M.S., Barboza, R.R.D and Vasconcellos, A., 2008, Animal-based remedies as complementary medicines in Santa Cruz do Capibaribe, Brazil BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 8:44

35. Tariq, H.N.A. Tajul Mufr-e-Daat Tahqiqat-e-Khawasul Adwia. Maktabah Daneyal, Urdu Bazar Lahore, pp: 94-96.

36. Haileselasie, T.H., 2012, Traditional Zootherapeutic Studies in Degu'a Tembien, Northern Ethiopia. Current Research Journal of Biological Sciences 4(5): 563-569, 2012

37. Mishra, N., Rout, S.D and Panda, T., 2011, Ethnozoological studies and medicinal values of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Orissa, India. Afr. J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 5(1): 6-11.

38. Mahawar, M.M and Jaroli, D.P., 2008, Traditional zootherapeutic studies in India: a review. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 4:17

39. Chinlampianga, M., Sigh, R.K and Shukla, A.C., 2013, Ethnozoological Diversity of Northeast India: Emperical Learning with Tradional Knowledge holders of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. Ind. J. Trad. Knowl., 12(1): 18-30

40. Daniels, C.L and Stevans, C.M., 2003, Encyclopfdia of Superstitions, Folklore, and the Occult Sciences of the World, The Minerva Group, Inc., 2:631, 643, http://books.google.com.pk/books?id=Aft4c9GauRsC&pg=PA643&lpg=PA643&dq=hoopoe+in

41. Aziz, M.A.K. 2008. An English Translation of (Urdu Ma’âriful Qur’ân by Maulana Mufti Muhammad Shafi Rahmat Ullah Alaihi). Maktaba-e-Darul-Uloom, Karachi.14, Pakistan, 8: 883.

42. Jaroli1, D.P., Mahawar, M.M and Vyas, N., 2010, An ethnozoological study in the adjoining areas of Mount Abu wildlife sanctuary, India. J. Ethnobiol. Ethnomed., 6:6

43. Licariao, M. R., Bezerra, D.M.M and Alves., 2013, Wild birds as pets in Campina Grande,Paraíba State, Brazil: An Ethnozoological Approach. An. Acad. Bras. Ciênc. [Online], 85(1): 201-213.




44. Gill, F., 2013, Bird. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Available at:http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/66391/bird/49213/Importance-to-man

45. Robinson, J.H., 2010, The Project Gutenberg EBook of Our Domestic Birds [EBook #34376], The Athenæum Press. GINN and Company• Proprietors• Boston• U.S.A., Pp. 1-317

46. Askari, M.H and M. Shamim, 2008, An English Translation of (Urdu Ma’âriful Qur’ân by Maulana Mufti Muhammad Shafi Rahmat Ullah Alaihi). Maktaba-e-Darul-Uloom, Karachi. 14, Pakistan, 1: 643-644.

47. Anonymous,2013b.,Animal,profile.Rooster.Availableat: http://www.switcheroozoo.com/profiles/rooster.htm Accessed on october 18, 2013

48. Wikipedia, 2013a, Indian Peafowl From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Peafowl

49. Johnson,L.M.,2013,The Peacock Pages: All About Keeping & Breeding Peacock, http://www.gamebird.com/peacock.html

50. Smith,C., 2008, Peacocks-Raise your own living lawn art,http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/834/ 51. Domestic pigeon, 2013, Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Retrieved 09 October, 2013, from

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/168560/domestic-pigeon 52. Belda, A., Cortés, C and Peiró V., Ethnobotanic importance of plants used in pigeon-breeding in Eastern

Spain. J. Ethnobiol. Ethnomed., 9:33. 53. Pigeon,2013,Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Retrieved 09 October, 2013, from

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/460131/pigeon 54. Wikipedia,2013,Domestic pigeon from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Available

at:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_Pigeon 55. Wikipedia, 2013b, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crow 56. Anonymous (c), American crow (Corvus

brachyrhynchos)http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/common_crow.htm 57. Vani Hegde's, 2010, Everyday Life Stories. Role of Animals and Birds in Human Life.

http://vanihegde.wordpress.com/2010/07/07/role-of-animals-and-birds-in-human-life/ 58. Abdel Fattah N and Abd Rabou, 2011, Note on Some Palistanian Birds Fauna Existing in theZoological

Gardens of Gaza Strip. AEJAES,11(2):157-172. 59. Jean-Charles, 2009, Common Quail Coturnix coturni. European Union Management Plan 2009-2011

Technical Report - 2009 – 032 First draft compiled in 2000 60. Anonymous, 2013d, The Ones who once were chosen ones ,

http://makashfa.wordpress.com/2013/03/21/the-ones-who-once-were-chosen-ones/ 61. Chapman, D., 2012, The hoopoe.http://www.saga.co.uk/lifestyle/gardening/wildlife-watch/hoopoe.aspx 62. Swati, A.H. Ma'alamul 'irfan Fi Durusul Quran. Anjuman Muhhibane-Isha't-e-Quran,Jamia Masjid-e-

Noor,Madrassa Nusratul Ulum, Gujranwala. Pakistan, 3: 54o. 63. Junagarhi, M.M., 2013, Tafseer ibn Kasir (Urdu Tarjama) Maktaba Islamia, Opp. Rehman Market, Ghazni

Street, Urdu Bazar, Lahore, 1:431. 64. Pani Patti, Q.M.S.U. Tafseer-e-Mazhari. H.M. Saeed Co., Karachi, Pakistan, 2: 34-37. 65. Safdar, M.M.S.K, 2003, Zakheerath-ul-Janan Fi Fehm-ul-Quran, Luqman Ullah, Mir Biradran Satelite

Town,Gujranwala,Pakistan, 2:319. 66. Haqqani, M. A. Tafseer-e-Haqqani, Aitaqad Publishing House registered, 1491, Kotana Street, Soi Walan,

New Delhi, 2:11-12. 67. Deobandi, M.N. Kamalayn, Tarjama wa Sharrah, Tafsir-e-Jalalayn vlo.1, Darul Isha’at, M.A. Jinah Road,

Karachi, 307-309. 68. Usmani S.A., 1989, Al-Quran-ul-Kareem-wa-Tarjamat-o-M'anihi-waT afseerohu Ela Lughatil Urdia,King

Fahd Complex for the Printing of Holy Quran, Madinah, KSA, pp. 55




69. QudratUllah, 2002, Al-Quran ul Hakeem (urdu translation Shah Rafiud Din and urdu commentary Shah Abdul Qadir), Qudrat ullah Company, Lahore, Pakistan, pp: 51.

70. Ali, S.A., 1977, Tafseer Mawahibur Rahman,Al-Ma’roof Bahi Jam-e-ul-Bayan, Deeni Kutab Khana-38, Urdu Bazar, Lahore Pakistan, 1:44

medicoethnzoological studies of …pharmabiotikaworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/...(proofs and...

Documents