Religious and scientific benefits of dates

Prior to 10-15 days, Muslims start preparations to welcome the much revered and blessed month of Ramadan. From bringing food items to cleaning homes, Muslims across the globe wait 11 months to welcome the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which is called 'Ramadan'. The holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on March 23 and run through April ending this year in India according to the Gregorian calendar. Islam is spread all over the world and Muslims from different corners of the world usually prepare traditional and tasty foods according to their region and ethnicity during this holy month. But, what is served everywhere across the globe on the tablecloth (Dastarkhwan) during Iftaar timings are dates.

Yes, dates are served everywhere during Ramadan and almost every country with a small or big ratio of Muslim population imports dates from Arabian or Middle Eastern countries prior to Ramadan. Do you know why dates are consumed in huge quantities during Ramadan and why Muslims prefer to break fast with dates only? Maybe you might be aware of religious reasons but there are plenty of scientific reasons behind them too. Scroll down to know more.

Religious Importance

Dates are mentioned in religious books like Torah, (Tawart), Talmud and Quran. The one religious reason why Muslim prefer to take dates during Ramadan is that prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stressed on the consumption of dates, especially during Ramadan. The prophet confirmed the importance of dates when he addressed, '' Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, and said: ''O Aishah, a house in which there are no dates, its people will go hungry.'' ( Saheeh Muslim).

Dates are regarded as the fruit which brings health and prosperity.  Almighty Allah has mentioned the importance of dates in various places in the Holy Quran. You can read chapters of the Holy Quran like 14 verse number 34(Surah Ibrahim), chapter 16 verse number 11 (Surah Al-Nahl) and Chapter 19 verse numbers 25 and 26 ( Surah Maryam)  among others which highlight the importance of dates.

The prince of poets, Ahmad Shawqi once said concerning the date palm:  It is the food of the poor, the sweetmeat of the rich and the provision of travellers and strangers.

Health Benefits

Dates are rich in nutritional substances like carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. 
The prophet (PBUH) said, '' The best of your dates is Al-Burni; it takes away sickness and there is no sickness in it.(Al-Tibb).'' Dates help to reduce weight, get rid of anaemia, boost immunity against cancer, and help to strengthen bones and teeth. The dates help to increase libido as they contain phosphorus and calcium.

Dates are beneficial for eyesight and help to strengthen the auditory nerves. The fruit is also regarded as a remedy for liver disease, jaundice, dry lips, dry skin and cracked nails because it contains vitamin B.  They are also beneficial for the stomach and bladder and are regarded as a laxative and remedy for constipation.  

Dates and Poison

Al-Bukhari and Muslim  narrated in their Saheehain, '' It was narrated that Saad, may Allah be pleased with him, said, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, '' The one who eats seven 'Ajwah dates every morning will not be harmed that day by poison or witchcraft.''
Actually, the sugar of Ajwah dates gets absorbed quickly and is stored in the liver after we take the fruit.

Nutritional Value

                                   

                                           Caption: Nutritional Value Of Dates Per 100 Gram

Briefly, the main benefits of dates are that they are rich in nutrients, contain antioxidants, act as natural sweeteners, promote heart health, and support digestive health.