Dates are essential in many homes during Ramadan. It’s part of the tradition that comes with the holy month. They’re prevalent during this month, and they provide several benefits. The benefits of dates in Ramadan 2024 include protecting you from any health condition hindering your fast.
In this article, we’ll explore Dates and their significance plus benefits during Ramadan.
Origin of the Dates Fruits
Dates are classified as stone fruits with a single seed surrounded by fleshy skin. It’s commonly grown in the Middle East and is culturally and religiously significant. Dates taste caramel and are perfect for desserts and other dishes.
Today, Egypt is the largest producer of fruit, followed by other Middle Eastern countries. It grows on trees and is part of the palm family. Dates have a long shelf life, making them useful whenever needed.
There are over 300 different types of dates with three major cultivars — dry, soft, and semi-dry dates. Some types include Barhu, Delgor Noors, Medjool, etc.
Significance of Dates Fruit in Islam
Dates are special during Ramadan, especially when breaking fasts. It has health and spiritual benefits. They form the core aspect of Islamic practices in religious teachings and medicinal purposes.
The date palm is mentioned more than any other fruit tree in the Quran. The Prophet (PBUH) loved eating the fruits and would urge others to eat them.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Amongst the trees, there is a tree, the leaves of which do not fall and is like a Muslim. Tell me the name of that tree.” Everybody started thinking about the trees in the desert areas. And I thought of the date palm tree but felt too shy to answer. The others then asked, “What is that tree, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)?” He replied, “It is the date palm tree.” [Bukhari]
Also, the Prophet was reported to have said.
“He who eats seven Ajwa dates every morning will not be affected by poison or magic on the day he eats them.” [Bukhari]
Consuming dates during Ramadan can help you feel closer to Islam. It’s a fruit that’s deep-rooted in Islam, so eating it will assure you of the originality of Islam. You can also break your fast with dates, as it’s part of the Sunnah of the prophet. Due to the immense reward of this action, many people gift Dates and share it around during Iftar.
Prophet (ﷺ) said, “When one of you breaks his fast, let him break it with dates, for they are blessed. Let him break them with water if not found, for it is pure.” [Tirmidhī]
Benefits of Dates in Ramadan 2024
1. Source of Fiber
Other than the spiritual importance of eating Dates, they have high sugar and vitamin content and can serve as a great source of fiber and carbohydrates.
2. Digestion
Dates help with digestion and can prevent an upset tummy after consuming large amounts of food after fasting. Consuming a lot of dates can reduce hunger and help prevent overeating.
3. Energy
During Ramadan, you’ll need energy to go about your daily activities. Dates help to replenish your energy slowly when you eat it during Sahur. You can have two or three as part of your meal, and you’ll see its wonders.
4. Maintain weight
Maintaining weight during Ramadan is a dilemma faced by many. Due to the long hours of fasting, many people appear slimmer as the day goes by. Hence, dates are perfect to help you to maintain your weight. They contain the essential nutrients that can keep your weight in check.
5. Pregnancy benefits
Consuming dates fruit during pregnancy can ease labor pains and promote the baby’s healthy delivery. Magnesium in Dates can reduce muscle spasms and cramps during pregnancy, Vitamin K will stimulate blood clotting, and folate will help with the fetus’s spinal cord development.
6. Exotic snacks
Another benefit of dates in Ramadan 2024 is the ability to prepare exotic snacks from them. Many people prepare stuffed dates by adding several fillings and coating them with chocolate, nuts, dried fruits, coconuts, etc.
Types of Dates Fruit
1. Medjool Dates
Medjool dates are large with tiny seeds. They have a rich and chewy texture that can fill you up quickly. Medjool dates also boost the immune system. They’re the most commonly grown type of dates and are widely available. They’re also syrupy due to the maple flavoring in them.
2. Barhu
Barhu is a soft and fragile date with a golden brown colour. They have a rich candy taste and are usually used as snacks.
3. Delgo Noors
They are semi-dry dates that are pre-pitted. They’re sweet and can be used as an enhancer in dishes.
4. Halawi
Halawi is also called Halawy, which means “sweet”. The dates gave a deep caramel taste and melted when consumed.
5. Ajwa
Ajwa is an exclusively grown date in Medina, and it’s almost black. They’re soft and have a prune-like taste. There’s a verse with Ajwa in the Quran.
6. Black Omani dates
Black Omani dates act as natural sweetness and can be a great alternative to artificial sweeteners. They help to improve the quality of the blood and hemoglobin.
Bottom line
Dates are significant in Islam. They have some health and spiritual benefits that you should know. This article has explored the origin, significance, and types of dates. We’ve also highlighted the benefits of Dates in Ramadan 2024.