Dates – ‘Tamr’ in Arabic, and originally known as Phoenix Dactylifera, have been a staple food in the Middle East for thousands and thousands of years. The fruit has been cultivated in Arabia as far back as the 6^th millennium, and is commonly consumed the most during the holy month of Ramadan for both Suhoor and to break the fast at Iftar – but, why is that?

History of Dates 

Although the exact place of the origin of dates are uncertain, many believe the fruit was first cultivated in a region between Mesopotamia and Egypt. It was widely consumed across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, and is naturalized in many regions worldwide. The Fruit is so old that fossil records show that the date palm has existed for at least 50 million years.

It is important to note that the date – as we know it – is actually a dried fruit and can actually be consumed as fresh fruit when first picked off of the tree. These dates are referred to as Medjool and are also eaten after harvested, cleaned, and sorted.

The Sunnah of the Prophet 

The date palm is actually mentioned several times in the Holy Quran, and it is stated that eating dates is purifying and this is scientifically proven. Dates are a source of antioxidants and can be good for several purposes including blood sugar balance, reducing blood pressure, helping to maintain bone mass, and act as a brain booster.

It is known that the Prophet Muhammad planted a date tree and recited several prayers stating that those who eat seven dates on an empty stomach in the morning will be protected from any poison and ill-wishes. He commonly consumed dates especially during the month of Ramadan, and it has become a tradition for Muslims all around the world.

Dates as a Tradition 

Nowadays, dates are consumed worldwide and by people of all races and religions, but the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohamad still stands and that is the reason why it is consumed the most during the month of Ramadan. The holy month is a time of the year in which people that follow the religion of Islam build their faith with God and practice the teachings in the religion through following the actions of the prophet himself.

Dates are now a symbol of the religion of Islam and they are eaten at both suhoor, as well as iftar to begin and break their fasts respectively – but the tradition doesn’t stop there! Dates are also used to make different types of drinks, such as smoothies and milkshakes, and even used to make several desserts from pudding to cakes, and more to celebrate the holy month.