By Amina Ali | Smart Muslim
During iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast, it is common for Muslims to begin by eating dates and drinking water. This practice is not only a reflection of prophetic Sunnah but also serves a nutritional purpose. The natural sugars in dates provide a swift energy release, helping to raise blood sugar levels after a day of fasting, while the water helps rehydrate the body.
Dates are mentioned in the Quran. In Surah Maryam (19:25-26), Maryam (Mary), the mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus), is instructed to eat dates while experiencing labour pains, symbolising the sustenance and strength derived from this fruit. It’s Not surprising that they have become a dietary mainstay in numerous global cultures.
Dates play a crucial role in daily diets, but they become especially significant during Ramadan. These nutritious fruits not only mark the beginning of most worshippers’ iftar meals but are also incorporated into various desserts traditionally made during the holy month.
Dates thrive extensively, with the UAE alone cultivating 160 varieties of the fruit. Additionally, the consumption of dates by Muslims mirrors the dietary habits of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH).
Commencing the iftar with dates is not obligatory, but it is a highly recommended tradition. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said “When one of you breaks his fast, let him break it with dates for they are blessed. If they are not found, let him break it with water for it is pure.”
Nutritional benefits
Dates are a rich source of protective plant compounds which have medicinal properties. These include polyphenols, carotenoids and lignans, which have been shown to help manage the risk of chronic disease.
According to Dr Amina A Mohamud, a medical officer based in Nairobi, dates provide a stream of nutritional benefits that underscores why it comes in handy during iftar times.
She says dates are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion, stabilise blood sugar, and lower the risk of heart disease and colon cancer.
Dr Amina notes antioxidants, which are crucial in preventing chronic diseases, are also included in them adding that dates include vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
Compared to similar types of fruit, such as figs and dried plums, dates appear to have the highest antioxidant content. Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that may cause harmful reactions in the body and lead to disease
Caution for diabetics
Dr Amina adds that dates can be a healthier substitute for refined sugar because they are a natural sweetener. However, she advises people with some certain ailments like diabetes should be cautious.
For people with diabetes, Dr Amina recommends that it is important to monitor their carbohydrate intake, including natural sugars found in dates. She warns while dates are a healthier sweetener option, they should still be consumed in moderation and sometimes be avoided if the risks outweigh the benefits.
As much as dates have all these beautiful significance, Islam emphasises moderation in all aspects of life, including dietary habits. While dates offer numerous health benefits, it’s essential to consume them in moderation, she says.
According to her, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged the consumption of dates and often broke his fast with them advising it is a beautiful sunnah, and us as Muslims should follow in the footsteps of our prophet.
Dr Amina feels like dates remind us of the sweet things in life and saying that is the reason they’re distributed in weddings, births, and other special occasions as a symbol of blessings and good fortune.
