by Shaheen Darr

Created on: May 23, 2008   Last Updated: August 20, 2008

Dates are the fruits of the date palm tree found in North Africa and the Middle East and are used abundantly in the month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. The fast is traditionally opened with dates and water, a practise that was observed by the Prophet Muhammad hundreds of years ago and is continued to this day. The sweetness of the date takes the edge off hunger and this is another reason why fasts are opened with dates. This prevents a person from overeating after he has opened his fast.

In Arab countries an example of a nutritious meal could be a combination of milk, yogurt and bread with the addition of dates. Dates also provide sugar to the diet and there are lots of sweet dishes made in the Middle Eastern countries that use dates in their recipes. Some examples that come to mind are the date nut loaf and ma'amoul which have delicious date fillings in pastry parcels.

Dates represent festivity when the month of Ramadhan is over and Idd-ul-Fitr is celebrated. Trays of dates are bought by households to give as presents or to serve to guests. Lots of new ways of serving the traditional date are springing up as they grace the tables of every Muslim household. They are also used as gifts during weddings and sold on beautifully decorated trays.

Dates have many health benefits too. Eating dates during childbirth is mentioned in the Quran when it relates the story of Maryam (Mary), the mother of Isa (Jesus). She was asked to eat dates to ease the pain of childbirth. Scientifically they are known to contain hormones which strengthen the uterus, help produce milk for nursing mothers and also prevent blood loss after childbirth.

Dates are very nutritious and contain natural fibres which are said to prevent abdominal cancer. In addition there are lots of other vitamins and minerals found in dates including calcium, sulphur, potassium, iron and copper all of which contribute to a healthy body and mind. Calcium is important for strong bones so this is an additional benefit that dates provide. They are also said to be good for overall eye health as they contain Vitamin A.

Dates represent the simplicity encouraged in the Muslim's diet. The nutritional benefits of dates were well known and handed down to us by Prophet Muhammed. In additon to dates, other natural foods like honey, milk and olives and their benefits are mentioned in the Quran. Overindulgence was looked down upon by the Prophet and the practice of eating moderately and also sharing your meal with family and friends was encouraged.

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