Dates are a delicious and nutritious fruit commonly found in Middle Eastern and African countries, and it is also grown in other parts of the world. However, it is a staple food in the Middle East and North Africa. People in these regions know the facts about dates very well, and hence dates are an integral part of their daily diet.
The history of date palms: –
The history of date palms goes back to 3000 BC. It was first grown in Mesopotamia, present-day Iraq. However, dates have been significant in all critical civilizations. The ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics indicate dates people used to consume dates back in the time. The word “date” finds its root in the Greek word & “daktylos,” meaning finger. The shape of the date resembles the tip of a finger, hence coining the name. During the Roman civilization, the people used date palm fronds to symbolize victory. People used them widely during triumphant parades. Islam and Christianity, and Judaism also stressed the importance of facts about dates. It is common to find people holding a date palm branch during holy festivals in Judaism. In Christianity, it is a widespread belief that people who welcome Jesus Christ held date palm branches in their hands. However, facts about dates spread the world over only after the advent of Islam. Dates are a sacred fruit for Muslims all over the world. A lot of credit goes to Islam for spreading important facts about dates.
According to a hadith: –
“Indeed in dates, there is a cure.” (Muslim)
The Different Types Of Dates: –
There are many different types of dates. The most nutritious variety is Medjool dates. They are full of minerals and give immense support to the immunity system. The light brown date variety includes the Barhi, Halawy, Zahidi, Theory, and Omani dates, which have excellent health benefits. At the same time, the dark brown and full ripe dates include Mazafati, Dayri, Khudri, Safawi, Amber, and Kalmi. However, the undisputed king of dates is Ajwa. Ajwa is the Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) favourite variety, and facts about dates support why these dates are his favourite. According to a hadith, if a person consumes seven Ajwa dates in the morning, no poison or black magic could harm him. Ajwa dates have antidotal properties. Many of these varieties are available in Saudi Arabia. People who visit the holy land purchase dates in reasonable quantities. When planning to go for Hajj or Umrah, choose the best available package that helps you get the best variety of dates from Makkah and Madinah.
Here are 5 Facts about dates: –
Dates Have Great Nutritional Value: –
Dates are very nutritious. They are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and they are a great source of instant energy. That is why Muslims all around the world break their fast with dates mostly during Ramadan. In addition to that, they are rich in fibre, regularising bowel movements. Dates contain high antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid. These elements make them extremely useful for fighting life-threatening diseases such as cancer, heart disorders, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. Dates also have anti-inflammatory properties, promoting good brain and bone health. They also promote good eye vision. Facts about dates support every reason you must add them to your daily diet.
The date appears 22 times in the Holy Quran: –
The date is the most mentioned fruit in the Holy Quran, and it is a symbol of Islamic culture and history. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to consume dates in his daily life. That is from where Muslims adopted the Sunnah of breaking the fast with a date. He used the example of a date to compare what a Muslim should be like. Just as a date palm stands tall and firm, trying to reach out for the sun, a Muslim should be steadfast on the Right Path to attain Allah’s pleasure.
Similarly, as the date palms nourish the land and surrounding people, a Muslim must spread the word of Allah and help Islam prosper. Also, the Holy Quran mentions the benefits of eating dates, and from the Quran, we know how sacred the fruit is.
The Date is Best Substitute For Sugar: –
One of the most critical facts about dates is that it is a natural sugar. Those fond of sweets but are health-conscious can satisfy their sugar cravings with this power-packed fruit. Dates have a delightful flavor, melting in the mouth instantly. You can also use it to substitute for white sugar and make amazing desserts. People use date paste instead of sugar in their drinks, desserts, and meals. You can also use them in cookies, cakes, pies, and bread. Many mouthwatering Middle Eastern desserts use dates as the main ingredient.
Dates Bring Abundance To the Dining Table: –
According to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), those who keep dates in their homes shall never witness hunger or poverty. Dates bring abundance to the house. He encouraged Muslims to eat dates. Also, he urged Muslims to gift dates to each other, promoting the consumption of this healthy fruit.
Dates Are Excellent For Bringing Natural Labor: –
Dates have many other health benefits. The Holy Quran mentions in Surah Maryam how Allah eased the labor pain of Hazrat Maryam through dates. Dates give instant energy and nutrition to tolerate labor pains. They also help ease the pain. Facts about dates support the immense benefits for lactating mothers and their young ones.
