WHY TO BREAK YOUR FAST WITH DATES DURING RAMADAN

The date palm is one of the oldest fruit trees in the world and is well known for being the ‘tree of life’. Offering a wide variety of nutritional benefits such as iron, potassium, magnesium, sulphur, copper, calcium and phosphorus, the date is often used to break a fast due to its high sugar content. In addition the date provides ample healthy calories and a quick burst of energy. With one kilo of dates providing the body with 3740 calories, they are the perfect food to consume after hours of fasting. However, aside from the vast nutritional benefits, Muslims are encouraged to break their fast with dates for religious and traditional reasons too. According to Prophet Mohammad, who ate dates following a fast, it is believed that one should consume dates as their first meal due to the fact that dates are purifying. As Muslims fast this month, we are reminded of the traditions and practices of our ancestors and urged to remember the fundamental elements of Ramadan; fasting, prayer, reflection, forgiveness, good deeds and cleansing the mind, body and soul. With over 62 million date palms alone in the Arab World, the palm tree (Nakhl) was frequently mentioned in the Quran.

The palm is an indication of the miracle of creation and the mouth watering pleasures that this tree can produce. ‘’With it He produces for you corn, olives, date palms, grapes and every kind of fruit; verily this is a sign for those who give thought.’’ (Surat an-Nahl: verse 11). Also, in the story of Maryam, pains drove the blessed mother of Jesus to the trunk of a palm tree. She was ordered to eat from the fresh ripe dates. And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm tree, it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon thee…So eat and drink and cool (thine) eye. (Surat Maryam: verses 25, 26). So, this Ramadan make sure you don’t miss out on the wonderful taste and benefits of dates. Ramadan Kareem!es.