Monday, June 29, 2009

Food Spotlight Dates




Dates, the fruit of the date palm phoenix dactylifera with a yellow skin and brown sweet flesh enclosing a single elongated stone, which grow in clusters arranged in two rows along a central stalk. Usually traded in dried form which is sticky and sweet. Date sales go through the roof during Ramadan as it is sunnah to break your fast with dates because they are high in water and sugar which brings you out of your sluggish state, are easily digested, high in vitamins and minerals and during pregnancy strengthen the muscles of the uterus which must be one of the reasons Allah (swt) told Mary, mother of Isa to eat dates. (Quran 19.23-26)
The prophet(pbuh) ate dates regularly and encouraged us to do the same so when you are eating dates you not only get the physical benefits which are still being discovered but the spiritual benefits of becoming closer to the Messenger (pbuh) by following his tradition.
Abu Muhammad always likes to have dates on hand for guests that we were once asked if it's always Ramadan at our house:P, after reading the hadith reported by Aisha (ra) that a home that has dates will not be hungry it's not a bad idea to have few around.

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