Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encouraged us to break our fast with fresh or dry dates. Modern studies affirm that dates are rich in fiber, potassium, and other essential nutrients. This amazing fruit from the date palm is not only beneficial for breaking the fast during Ramadan but also for regular consumption throughout the year. It is recommended in a hadith to eat dates daily, particularly in the morning.
Anas bin Malik narrated: The Messenger of Allah would break the fast with fresh dates before performing Salat. If there were no fresh dates, then (he would break the fast) with dried dates, and if there were no dried dates, then he would take a few sips of
6 Reasons to Eat Dates after Fasting
- Dates are easy to digest, so they don’t strain your stomach after fasting.
- Breaking the fast with dates can quickly curb extreme hunger, preventing overeating immediately after fasting, which may lead to digestion problems.
- Dates prepare the stomach to receive food after being inactive throughout the day by stimulating the release of digestive secretions.
- Dates are rich in natural sugars, providing an excellent source of energy for the brain and nervous system.
- The high fiber content in dates helps prevent constipation, which may occur due to changes in eating habits or low fiber intake during Ramadan.
- The alkaline salts in dates help neutralize blood acidity caused by excessive consumption of meat and carbohydrates, reducing the risk of conditions like diabetes, gout, kidney stones, gallbladder inflammation, high blood pressure, and hemorrhoid
When Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), the Messenger of Allah, guides us to do or eat something, we know it is divine wisdom from Allah (SWT), our Creator, who knows what is best for the human body.
Other Health Benefits of Dates
Dates are packed with magnesium and calcium, making them beneficial for treating respiratory disorders, heart conditions, and even cancer. They are also helpful for anemia, allergies, and constipation. Bedouin Arabs, who consumed dates regularly, exhibited a remarkably low incidence of cancer and heart disease. Dates are rich in seven vitamins and eleven minerals, forming a vital dietary supplement for desert people who sustained themselves for centuries on dates and goat or camel milk.
Benefits for Pregnant Women
Dates are particularly beneficial for pregnant and nursing women. Scientific studies reveal that eating dates can strengthen the muscles of the womb, facilitating easier childbirth. The high sugar content in dates (approximately 80%) makes them an excellent energy source for nursing mothers.
The Quran also highlights the benefits of dates during childbirth. When Maryam (Mary, peace be upon her), the mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him), experienced labor pains, Allah revealed to her:
“Do not grieve! Your Lord has provided a stream at your feet. And ˹if you˺ shake the trunk of this palm tree towards you, it will drop fresh, ripe dates upon you. So eat and drink, and put your heart at ease.” (Quran 19:24-26)
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