by M.A. Dal Cero

Created on: April 24, 2009   Last Updated: July 24, 2009

The Muslim holiday of Ramadan signifies a period of time in which the faithful undergo a spiritual purification over the course of a full month of fasting and prayer. Ramadan is celebrated during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and Muslims fast each day, from sunrise to sunset, in order to gain a higher level of spiritual enlightenment. It is believed that fasting promotes discipline and restraint of body, mind, and spirit, and that it serves as a way for Muslims to reflect upon the positive changes they would like to incorporate into their lives in the coming year. Adherence to the guidance of religious rituals and practices is expected during the holiday, and the faithful typically devote five times a day to prayer. Ramadan reaches its conclusion with Eid or Eid al-Fitr; a three day holiday marking the end of the fasting period. At this point, families gather together in order to celebrate, and to perform charitable acts for the benefit those in need

The tradition of eating dates during Ramadan, in order to break the fast at the end of each day, spans the course of history back to the time of the Prophet Mohammed, and it is noted in various religious texts and literature. It is widely believed that Mohammed would customarily end his own fast with dates and water, and therefore, dates hold a high degree of spiritual significance for the people of the Muslim faith.

Naturally, a depletion of energy is experienced as a result of fasting, particularly due to low blood glucose levels, and consuming dates is thought to be a gentle way in which to ease the body back into the act of eating. Dates are typically eaten before Iftar, the meal partaken of in the evening after sunset, and during Sahuur, the light meal enjoyed before the fast begins for the day. Dates are high in natural sugars and fiber, and rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Therefore, they are considered to prevent metabolic, digestive, and other physical problems that might be caused by the practice of fasting.

The routine of eating dates during Ramadan is so widely accepted that sales of the fruit rise tremendously in the days prior to the start of the holiday. This product of the date palm tree has been cultivated since antiquity, and it remains an important staple of Ramadan in modern times. Possessing a wealth of spiritual relevancy and nutritive benefits, this fruit serves its purpose well for those who celebrate this significant holiday.

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