Dates: The Sunnah Food

Dates play a very significant role in Islam, they are one of the most mentioned foods in the Quran. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  said, “Amongst the trees, there is a tree, the leaves of which do not fall and is like a Muslim. Tell me the name of that tree.” Everybody started thinking about the trees of the desert areas. And I thought of the date-palm tree but felt shy to answer. The others then asked, “What is that tree, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)?” He replied, “It is the date-palm tree.” [Bukhari]

Why Dates Are the Sunnah Food

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasised a lot on dates and is also referred to as the Sunnah Food. Dates are a staple in every household and hold a special place in Islamic tradition and culture.

Spiritual significance of Dates in Islam

Dates have been around for 1000 of years and are mentioned numerous times in the Quran and Hadith. Some of the mentions are: 

• Quranic Mention: In Surah Maryam (19:25-26), Allah commands Maryam (Mary), the mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus), to eat fresh dates during childbirth:
  “Shake the trunk of the palm tree towards you, and it will drop fresh ripe dates upon you. So eat and drink and be consoled.” 
• Hadith Narrations: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ frequently consumed dates and recommended them as a part of daily life. The two notable Hadith states: 

“A household that has dates will not go hungry.” (Sahih Muslim)

“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to break his fast before praying with fresh dates; if there were no fresh dates, he would eat dried dates; and if there were no dried dates, he would take a few sips of water.”

Health Benefits of Dates: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Instant Energy Boost– Incase your energy is low, having a date can give you an instant energy boost because dates are rich in natural sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. This is a reason why dates are recommended in Hadiths to break your fast during Ramadan by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ .

Antioxidant Properties– Dates have very high antioxidant properties like Phenolic acid, Carotenoids and Flavonoids in it. Phenolic acid reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer, the Carotenoids are great for eye health, the Flavonoids reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s and reduce inflammation.

Natural Sweetener– Dates are very high in fructose which make them a great and healthy substitute for white sugar.

Natural Labour– Plenty of studies have been done on the correlation between Dates and pregnant women, some of these studies showed women who consumed dates during pregnancy had a faster delivery, compared to those who didn’t. They are also packed with essential nutrients, Iron, Potassium, minerals all promoting Fetal development and maternal health.

Kidney Health– Dates are known to promote kidney health because of their antioxidant content. They help by reducing the oxidative stress in the Kidneys, some studies show soaked dates or Ajwah dates may help in preventing the formation of kidney stones.

Bone Health– Dates contain essential minerals that are known to promote bone health like Selenium, copper, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. These minerals prevent diseases like Osteoporosis and prevent deformities and fractures.

Varieties of Dates

There are different varieties of dates each with different properties, some of the most common dates are:

Mejdool Dates– Mejdool dates are a more popular variety of date and are sweeter and larger than the other dates and are a great source of fibre and good for digestion.

Kimia Dates– Kimia dates are superior quality dates and are readily available everywhere. If you live in London, order from Totalee Halal, our Halal Food delivery app to get these delicious dates faster to your doorstep . These dates come from southern Iran.

Deglet Noor Dates– Deglet Noor dates are the semi-dry dates. These dates grow all year round and are more easily available and are excellent for cooking.

Ajwah Dates– Ajwah Dates is known as the sacred fruit and as said by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ   “Whoever eats seven ‘ajwah dates in the morning, will not be harmed by any poison or witchcraft that day.”

A Timeless Sunnah

Dates are much more than just a fruit; they are a symbol of sustenance, spirituality, and health. By incorporating dates into our diets, we not only reap their nutritional benefits but also engage in a timeless Sunnah that connects us to the Prophet ﷺ and the Islamic tradition.

Whether enjoyed as a snack, used in recipes, or shared during Ramadan, dates remind us of the blessings of Allah and the importance of gratitude. In a world where dietary habits are increasingly disconnected from spiritual values, dates offer a simple yet profound way to nourish both the body and the soul. 

By embracing this Sunnah food, we honor the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and continue to promote a lifestyle that is both holistic and spiritually fulfilling.