With Ramadan rapidly approaching on June 5 through July 5, dates are in high demand! But why are dates such an important part of this Muslim holiday?
First, let’s start with some history of this holy holiday. Ramadan is the Muslim holy month celebrating the time when Prophet Muhammad received the initial revelations encompassed in the Muslim’s holy book, the Quran. Within this 30-day period, Islamic people pray, observe daily fasting from dawn to sunset (typically eating a pre-dawn meal called “suhoor” and a post sunset meal called “iftar”), and refrain from typically unsavory behavior including smoking, cussing, fighting and thinking impure thoughts. Ramadan comes to a close with Eid al-Fitr, “the feast of fast-breaking.” Special prayers and meals abound during this three-day holiday.
Dates are typically enjoyed during Ramadan for many reasons. First, dates are considered to be the food that Muhammad ate when he broke from his fast, so many people honor this by breaking their Ramadan fasts with dates. Muhammad was even quoted as saying, “When one of you is fasting, he should break his fast with dates; but if he cannot get any, then [he should break his fast] with water, for water is purifying.
Second, dates have been cultivated in the Middle East for thousands of years, making it a staple fruit in Middle Eastern cuisine. Dates are also high in fiber, protein and good carbs, which aid in slowing digestion. This makes dates particularly helpful to eat during a pre-fasting meal since they keep you feeling fuller longer. They also help the body re-establish its glucose levels after a day of fasting.
When preparing for Ramadan this year, purchase bulk dates or gift boxes to give to other Ramadan observers in your life this holiday. We have all your date needs, so don’t wait for the Ramadan rush to order yours!