Why do Muslims eat dates?
Muslims eat dates because the Prophet ﷺ loved them, broke his fast with them and recommended them. Dates also appear in the Quran, are easy on an empty stomach, and have been a staple food in Arabia for thousands of years. Eating them isn't compulsory, but it's a much-loved sunnah.
Breaking the fast with dates
This is the reason most people know. The Prophet ﷺ used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying Maghrib; if there were none, with dried dates; and if there were none, with a few sips of water (Sunan Abi Dawud 2356). That's why mosques and homes around the world put out dates at sunset in Ramadan. See What is iftar and how do I break my fast?
Dates in the Quran
Palm trees and dates are mentioned many times in the Quran. When Maryam (Mary) was in labour with Jesus, alone and in pain, Allah told her to shake the palm tree:
Many Muslims find this story moving, and some mothers eat dates around childbirth because of it.
Other sunnahs with dates
- Before Eid al-Fitr prayer: the Prophet ﷺ ate an odd number of dates before leaving for the prayer (Sahih al-Bukhari 953). See Should I eat before the Eid prayer?
- Ajwa dates in the morning: he said whoever eats seven Ajwa dates in the morning will not be harmed by poison or magic that day (Sahih al-Bukhari 5445).
- A household staple: he said that a household that has dates will not go hungry (Sahih Muslim 2046).
- Welcoming newborns: the Prophet ﷺ would soften a date and rub a little on a newborn's palate (tahnik), and many families still do this.
Why they make practical sense
Dates are full of natural sugar, fibre and potassium, so they give quick energy after a long fast without being heavy. They keep for months without a fridge, which mattered in the desert and still makes them handy today. A few dates and a glass of water are a gentle way to start eating again before a bigger meal. See What is suhoor and what should I eat?
If you have diabetes, dates can raise blood sugar quickly, so follow your doctor's advice on how many to eat.
- The Prophet ﷺ broke his fast with dates and loved them.
- Dates appear in the Quran, including the story of Maryam.
- Eating dates before Eid al-Fitr prayer and Ajwa dates in the morning are sunnah.
- They're nutritious and gentle after fasting, but not obligatory.
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