1400-year-old Islamic practice of Tahnik (softening a date and rubbing it onto a newborn’s palate) with modern medical discoveries that prevent brain damage in vulnerable infants.
The viral claims you are seeing are based on real medical research, though it is important to understand the exact science behind how it works.
The Science Behind the Claim
The correlation stems from a landmark clinical trial known as the Sugar Bum Study, conducted by researchers in New Zealand and published in The Lancet medical journal.
The Medical Problem: Roughly 10% of babies born prematurely experience neonatal hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar). If left untreated, severe drops in blood sugar can deprive the brain of energy, potentially causing permanent neurological damage, developmental delays, or seizures.
The Modern Cure: Doctors discovered that rubbing a cheap, mass-produced dextrose (sugar) gel directly into the inside of a premature baby’s cheek is a highly effective, fast-acting way to stabilize blood sugar levels and protect against brain injury.
The Connection: This exact medical mechanism massaging a highly concentrated, natural sugar substance onto the mucous membranes of a newborn’s mouth mirrors the exact physical action of Tahnik practiced by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Muslims for over 1400 years.
Disclaimer: This post is just for awareness and informational purposes only.
