The holy month of Ramadan is here and Muslims practice fasts, devotion, prayer and good deeds. Every year, Muslims all around the world fast from dawn until dusk. While breaking their roza, or fast, Muslims eat a date after the sun sets and then indulge in iftar, the meal enjoyed after breaking the fast. We have often heard about this tradition of eating a date to break the fast but have you ever wondered what the reason behind it is? Let’s gobble up a handful of de-seeded dates and know why that is.
Why Do Muslims Break Their Roza Fast By Eating Dates?
Dates are associated with fasting & the month of Ramadan. The nutritious fruits are not only the start of iftar meals but also a part of many desserts prepared during the holy month.
But why are dates such an indispensable part of Ramadan food?
A thread… pic.twitter.com/EaB6zAMPq7
— Bayt Al Fann (@BaytAlFann) March 9, 2024
Muslims all over the world are overjoyed as Ramadan is just knocking on the door. They religiously fast from sunrise to sunset for almost a month, every year. To break the fast, they eat dates and this act is deeply rooted in tradition and the religious teachings of Prophet Muhammad. One of the Prophet’s sayings dictates that fasts are to be broken by eating dates. He also added that if dates aren’t available, then water is enough.
It is also believed that he also broke his fast by consuming dates, which went on to become a tradition among Muslims. The holy Quran also mentions this sweet fruit more than 20 times, which is more than any other fruit. The reasons stated above hold both historical and religious significance for dates.
Also Read: Ramadan 2024: 8 Dishes To Break The Fast During This Holy Month
Other Interesting Facts About This Sweet Fruit
4/ The popularity of dates reaches its peak in Ramadan where Muslims worldwide buy kilos worth of dates for their homes. It is the preferred food item of choice to break the fast. There are different types of dates & their benefits range from amazing taste to improving health. pic.twitter.com/FdxrCqReCr
— Bayt Al Fann (@BaytAlFann) March 9, 2024
Apart from being an integral part of Ramadan, dates are also an extremely healthy fruit option. They are rich in minerals, fibre, vitamin C, iron, magnesium and many more nutrients. They not only make for a tasty snack but are also easily digested by the body, hence a quick source of energy. If we think about it, this fact makes them the perfect way to break fast.
It is packed with natural sugars, therefore, it also helps to maintain glucose levels after a long day of fasting. Dates are known to have a high water content, which is a plus as it will prevent dehydration post-Ramadan fasts.
Also Read: Ramadan Kareem! It’s Officially Ramadan Season And Sheikh Hamadan Confirms It With A Beautiful Video
Now, you know why Muslims break their Ramadan fasts with dates, along with some interesting facts.
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