Dates During Ramadan

Dates are an important component of the holy month of Ramadan, and are an essential on the ‘Iftar’ table (the meal at sunset to break the fast). Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) used to break his fast with fresh dates. If these were not available, he made do with a glass of pure water before he preformed Maghrib (the evening prayers). Today, dates and ramadan go hand-in-hand and it's a custom to gift a box of dates to friends, family, and neighbours at the start of Ramadan as a kind gesture.

Why break fast with dates?

• Dates satisfy hunger fast, and this helps avoid over-eating after a long day of fasting.
• Being rich in natural sugars, dates provide an instantaneous energy boost.
• Dates can be easily digested, and are therefore not taxing on a fasting stomach.
• Dates help the stomach accept food after being inactive the whole day by helping to secrete digestive juices.
• The high fibre content of dates keeps the bowels regulated despite the change in meal patterns during Ramadan.

Ramadan Kareem to you and your families!