Ramadan 2026: Why do we start Iftar in Ramadan with eating dates? Learn the religious reason behind it.:Dates keep constipation away and keep the stomach light.

News Topical, Digital Desk : The month of Ramadan is a month of prayer, patience, and purity. Muslims around the world pray to God without eating or drinking anything from the morning meal of Sehri to the evening meal of Iftar. However, one item that appears first on the Iftar table in almost every household is dates.

Have you ever wondered why it's customary to break the fast with dates? This is not only deeply rooted in religious beliefs, but also scientifically proven to be beneficial for health.

Sunnah and religious importance (Importance of Dates)

In Islam, breaking the fast with dates is considered a Sunnah. Sunnah refers to actions that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself performed or advised. According to religious beliefs, the Prophet of Islam always broke his fast with dates.

Dates are considered a blessed fruit. According to Islam, if dates are unavailable for some reason, it is recommended to break the fast with water because water is purifying. However, dates are always given first priority because they are considered blessed.

What does science say?

After a long day of fasting, the body needs immediate energy. Dates are rich in natural sweeteners (glucose and fructose). When a fasting person eats dates, their blood sugar levels immediately return to normal, eliminating the day's fatigue within minutes.

Dates are rich in fiber. Eating a heavy meal on an empty stomach can cause digestive problems. Dates prepare the stomach for the upcoming meal and facilitate the digestion process. They also contain minerals like potassium and magnesium, which are beneficial for heart and brain health.