In less than a week, my Muslim friends, colleagues and students will begin their fast at the start of the month of Ramadhan. One sign that the fasting month is approaching is the sale of dates or kurma in shops and supermarkets. Have you ever wondered why the Muslims like to break fast with dates?
I found out that one of the physical benefits of breaking the fast with dates is that the human body benefits from the date’s high level of natural sugars. Sugars travel most quickly to the liver, where they are converted into energy more quickly than any other nutrient. After a day of fasting the Muslims have an immediate need for this energy when they break their fast. Contrary to what one expects, a person who has fasted for a whole day would not feel like eating large quantities of food immediately. They would want to drink first. I have tried fasting with my friends and know how it feels like. By the way, my record for fasting is 7 days. My friends gave me RM1 for each day I managed to fast and I used the money to buy kerosene to light the oil lamps in the Herb Garden. Now let me go back to the story of the dates. The Muslims believe that eating a date first helps the body start its digestive process and gives it the energy to deal with the secondary, more complex foods.
Furthermore, dates are high in vitamins A and B6, folic acid, potassium, natural sodium, iron, and magnesium. Thus, eating dates daily during Ramadan is like taking a daily multivitamin. Additionally, dates protect the stomach and intestinal tract from parasites and bacteria and so the chances of getting a tummy upset would be lessened.
Furthermore, dates are high in vitamins A and B6, folic acid, potassium, natural sodium, iron, and magnesium. Thus, eating dates daily during Ramadan is like taking a daily multivitamin. Additionally, dates protect the stomach and intestinal tract from parasites and bacteria and so the chances of getting a tummy upset would be lessened.
Dates are rich in several vitamins and minerals. When the level of trace elements falls in the body, the health of the blood vessels is affected leading to an increased heart-rate and a consequent inability to perform its function with normal efficiency. As dates are also rich in calcium, they help strengthen the bones. When the calcium content in the body decreases, children are affected with rickets and the bones of adults become brittle and weak.
Dates are also important in keeping up the health of eyes. It is quite effective in guarding against night-blindness. In the early years of Islam, dates served as food for Muslim warriors. They used to carry them in special bags hung at their sides. They are the best stimulants for muscles and so the best food for a warrior out to do battle with the foe.
The reverred prophet of the Muslims, Prophet Muhammad, said: "If any one of you is fasting, let him break his fast with dates. In case he does not have them, then with water. Verily water is a purifier."
My Muslim colleagues tell me that their prophet used to break his fast by eating some dates before performing the Maghrib prayer. If ripe dates were not available, he substituted them with raisins. If these too were not available, he only had a few sips of water.
Interestingly, I notice that many Chinese and Indians buy the kurma or dates that are being sold during this period. Some like to eat them because they are tasty and some eat as they say it is good for health. If it is a good thing, we should all share in its goodness.
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