Muslims across the globe fast in the holy month of Ramadan from sunrise to sunset. The tradition roots from religious teachings of Prophet Muhammad, who’s quoted saying: “When one of you is fasting, he should break his fast with dates; but if he cannot get any, then (he should break his fast) with water, for water is purifying.“
Muslims across the globe serve dates at their Ramadan iftar table to break their fast with them. This is because dates are a healthy choice to fuel an empty body. They are high in sugar, fiber, minerals, phytonutrients, and when fresh, they are high in vitamin C. Other than that, dates also contain minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, and small amounts of protein and fat.
They are a quick source of energy and nutrients that digest easily in the body.
The body’s blood glucose level is low whilst fasting; however, it can return to normal within minutes if one breaks his/her fast with a date. In Arab countries, dates are also used around the year other than the holy month of Ramadan. Consuming a date before your meal can help satisfy the sensation of hunger, which helps avoid overeating.
Dates are mentioned in the Quran 23 times in 20 verses ; their association is not limited to Ramadan only. This magnificent fruit is also rubbed into newborns’ mouth as tahneek – a tradition followed by Muslims to put something sweet into an infant’s mouth.
Interesting Facts About Dates:
Dates are the fruit of the palm tree, mostly grown in the Middle East, North Africa, Central Africa, Southern Asia, and Southeast Asia. There are more than 40 varieties of dates grown in Arabia alone. Dates can be harvested soft, dry, or semi-dry, depending on the variety.
5 Health Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan Backed by Science. Read the full story here:
Fasting plays a pivotal role in various religions and cultures. Recently, fasting has gained immense popularity among health-conscious individuals. There are many kinds of fasting, but the one that deficits the way Muslims fast in the blessed month of Ramadan is Intermittent fasting.
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