Religious references to the dates and date palm can be found in Holy Quran and Bible and ceremonies in Judaism, Christianity & Islam. In fact, the influence of Prophet Ibrahim whose love for date palm has left a lasting influence on these religions. There are over 20 references to Date and Date Palm in the Holy Qur'an. The Holy Prophet(S.A.W) also highlighted the importance of Dates on many occasions.

The exact origin of the first date palm is not known. However, there is a synopsis that the history of date palm is as old as the history of man himself.

According to an Arabic regent,”After God had finished molding men from earth; He took the remaining material and shaped it into a date palm which he placed in the garden of paradise (Eden)”. The Garden of Eden is believed to be situated at the juncture of Tigris and Euphrates rivers of Iraq where mankind is said to have begun.

According to same websites, wild date palm seeds as old as 50000 years were discovered during an archeological expedition on the Shanidar cave of Northern Iraq and the earliest date palm trunk about 17000 years old was recovered from the kharga Oasis, Egypt’s western desert. There is also evidence of dates in the remains of Moenjodaro.

The nutritional value of the relatively easy-to-easy date fruit is high in sugar, comprising up to 70 percent of the fruit. A single serving of date contains 31 grams of carbohydrates, making it a powerhouse of energy. Eating dates and drinking water is an ideal way to replenish the body’s need for potassium. Dates are also good sources of iron, potassium, magnesium, (important for use of voluntary muscles), sulphur, copper, calcium and phosphorus (important in building muscles and neuro tissues). Dates contain 13.8 percent water and about 3% proteins as well as six vitamins including a small amount of vitamin C and vitamin B1, thiamine B2, riboflavin, nicotinic acid (Niacin) and vitamin A. Dates also contain 0.5-3.9 percent pectin, which may have important health benefits. The fruit because of tannin content is used medicinally as a detersive and astringent in intestinal troubles. In the form of infusion, decoction or paste is administered as a treatment for sore throat, colds and bronchial catarrh. It is taken to relive fever, cystitis, gonorrhea, edema, liver and abdominal troubles. The seed powder is an ingredient in a paste given to relieve ague. A gum that exudes from the wounded trunk is used for treating diarrhea and genitor-urinary ailments in India. The roots are used for toothache. It has been reported that the damaged dates that are not fit for human consumption are added tom animal feeds that increase the flow of milk in farm animals. Dates contain elemental fluorine that is useful in protecting teeth against decay. The Selenium, another element, believed to help prevent cancer and important role in the treatment of obesity.

Studies have shown that Dates contain certain stimulants, which strengthen the muscles of the uterus in the last months of pregnancy. This assists in the dilation of the uterus at the time of delivery. In Surah Maryam, Allah provided Hazrat Maryam (Peace be upon her) with dates when she was experiencing discomfort and pain during the final stages o her pregnancy. Dates are also recommended for women in the postpartum period and during lactation due to its value as a nutritious, high-energy food.

A medical study cited in the British Medical Journal found that placing a sugary substance in the mouth of a body reduces the sensation of pain. The Sunnah of putting chewed dates or honey into the mouths of newborn babies at the name-giving ceremony of the seventh day after the child’s birth therefore carries benefits.

With the above narration about Dates, which will carry an image of its worth and value, we end up hoping that you get inspired with the benefits of the Dates.