Author: Dr. Noor Mohammad Mohibi
The Quran: A Miracle Beyond Time- A Study of Its Miraculous Nature (part 78)
Dates, Fasting, and Nutrition in the Prophetic Sunnah (Peace be upon him)
The Palm Tree and the Human Being
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “إن من الشجر شجرة لا يسقط ورقها، وإنها مثل المسلم، فحدثوني ما هي” فوقع الناس فی شجر البوادی، قال عبدالله: ووقع فی نفسی أنها النخلة، ثم قالوا: حدثنا ما هی یا رسول الله؟ قال: «هی النخلة.»[1] Translation: “In the trees there is a tree whose leaves do not fall; the condition of the Muslim is like this tree (just as this tree is always green, the Muslim is in all circumstances accompanied by goodness and blessing). The Prophet (PBUH) said to his Companions: Tell me what this tree is. Those present began to think of the various desert trees. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (RAB) said: It came to my mind that it was the palm tree. The Companions said: O Messenger of Allah, tell us which tree it is. He said: It is the palm tree.”
In this hadith, the palm tree is compared to the human being:
Its trunk is straight and upright, like the stature of a human;
It has male and female forms and bears fruit only after pollination;
It is sensitive to external harm: cutting its head or heart causes the death of the tree;
Its fibers resemble human hair.
At present, there are more than ninety million palm trees in the world, providing food for humanity, especially in the month of Ramadan.
Dates and Their Role in Fasting and Health
Fasting in the month of Ramadan has numerous scientific benefits:
Reducing strain on the heart and the circulatory system: levels of fats and blood acids decrease, and the risk of atherosclerosis is reduced;
Rest for the kidneys and the immune system: reduction of metabolic byproducts of food, and utilization of stored fats and muscle proteins;
Prevention and treatment of certain diseases and protection against illnesses of old age.
The Prophet (PBUH) used to break his fast in Ramadan with dates and water, practicing his Sunnah: “إذا أفطر أحدكم، فليفطر على تمر، فإنه بركة، فإن لم يجد تمرا فالماء، فإنه طهور [2] ” Translation: When one of you breaks his fast, let him break it with dates, for there is blessing in them; and if he does not find dates, then with water, for it is pure and purifying.
Chemical Composition and Energy-Providing Properties of Dates
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75% simple, easily digestible sugars, providing rapid transfer of energy into the bloodstream (in less than 10 minutes).
• Rapid digestion and a true feeling of satiety, unlike fatty foods that create a sense of fullness without real satiety.
• Contains tissue-rebuilding proteins, low fat, 5 vitamins, and 8 essential minerals.
• Contains 12 types of amino acids, as well as laxative and calming substances.
• Anti-constipation effect and assistance in preventing around 50 diseases caused by constipation.
• Antimicrobial effect due to high sugar content, reducing the risk of infection.
Ibn al-Qayyim (RA) writes regarding dates: (Translation:) “Eating it on an empty stomach kills worms.” [3]
Fibers and Minerals of Dates
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Every 100 grams of dates contains 8.5 grams of fiber, essential for preventing constipation and cardiovascular diseases.
• Rich in potassium and magnesium and low in sodium (5 mg per 100 grams), contributing to reduced blood pressure and prevention of stroke.
• Iron: 1–6 mg per 100 grams, helping to prevent anemia.
• Vitamin B3: about one-third of the daily requirement, essential for bodily metabolism.
Dates and Ease of Childbirth
Dates and fresh dates (rutab) are mentioned in the Noble Qur’an as food that facilitates childbirth: “وَهُزِّی إِلَیكِ بِجِذْعِ النَّخْلَةِ تُسَاقِطْ عَلَیكِ رُطَبًا جَنِیا فَكُلِی وَاشْرَبِی وَقَرِّی عَینًا [4]” Translation: “Shake the trunk of the palm tree toward yourself; it will drop upon you fresh, ripe dates. So eat, drink, and be comforted.”
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Maintaining calmness and the mother’s psychological state is a primary factor for an easier delivery and reduced pain.
• Dates and fresh dates contain a substance that promotes uterine contractions and helps prevent bleeding.
• Laxative and intestinal cleansing effect, preparing the digestive system for childbirth.
• Rapid conversion into energy, supplying the needs of the heart and muscles during labor.
Lessons of Divine Miraculous Wisdom
Dates are an example of divine blessings that simultaneously provide nourishment, medicine, and remedy. Their miraculous qualities include:
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Speed of digestion and energy transfer;
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Diverse mineral and vitamin composition;
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Natural prevention and treatment of diseases;
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Assistance in childbirth and psychological well-being.
As stated by the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), dates demonstrate divine wisdom in the creation of nature for human health. [5]
To be continued…
References:
- Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Book of Knowledge, Chapter: The statement of the ḥadīth scholar “ḥaddathanā”, “akhbaranā”, and “anbaʾanā”, ḥadīth no. 61, vol. 1, p. 34.) [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī]
- Sunan al-Tirmidhī, Chapters on Zakāh from the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), Chapter: What has been reported regarding charity given to relatives, ḥadīth no. 664, vol. 2, p. 195.) [Sunan al-Tirmidhī]
- Eating it on an empty stomach kills worms.” Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, Muḥammad ibn Abī Bakr ibn Ayyūb ibn Saʿd Shams al-Dīn (d. 751 AH), al-Ṭibb al-Nabawī (part of the book Zād al-Maʿād by Ibn al-Qayyim), p. 218, publisher: Dār al-Hilāl – Beirut.)
- Maryam: 25.) [Qurʾān]
- Summary of the subject from: Encyclopedia of Scientific Miracles in the Qurʾān and Sunnah, vol. 2, pp. 131–138.) [Encyclopedia of Scientific Miracles]
