AJWA DATES


Dates are a kind of fruit specially found in Arab counties. Muslims generally break their fast by eating dates. Modern science has proved that dates are part of a healthy diet. They contain sugar, fat and proteins, as well as important vitamins.

 

Ajwa dates (عجوة) is a soft dry variety of date fruit from Saudi Arabia. It is cultivated at Madina Tayyiba. A delightful, soft and fruity date with fine texture. These dates cost around 120 – 150 Saudi Riyals per KiloGram. It will have white lines on it. 

 

Table of Contents

 

Hadith

The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Whoever has seven Ajwa dates every morning he will not be harmed on that day by poison or magic.” Sahih al-Bukhari (5445) (5768) (5769) (5779) etc

 

The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Ajwa dates are from paradise and they are healing for possession.” Sunan Ibn Majah Vol. 1, Book 31, Hadith 3453and Tirmidhee (2068) classed as hasan Saheeh and it was authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaani

 

Referring to eating seven Ajwa dates, the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “He will not be harmed by anything until he reaches the evening.” Saheeh Muslim 2047

 

A’isha reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: “The ‘ajwa’ dates of ‘Aliya’ contain heating effects and these are antidote in the early morning.” Sahih Muslim 2048 (Book #023, Hadith #5083)

 

Madina Dates Keep Away Harm

The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Whoever has seven dates between the two areas (the east and west of Madina) as soon as he wakes up every morning, he will not be harmed on that day by poison and magic until the evening.” Sahih Muslim 2047 ( Book 23, Hadith 5080)

 

Dates in One’s Home

The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “O Aisha! A house that has no dates in it their family is hungry. Oh Aisha! A house that has no dates in it their family is hungry.” Sahih Muslim 2046 ( Book 23, Hadith 5079) [1]

 

Medical benefits of Ajwa

1- Effective in preventing abdominal cancer.


2- To prevents anemia.


3- To strengthen nervous system and in energy   production.


4- For the treatment of hypertension.


5- For healthy bones.


6- for healthy skin and eyesight.


7- Protecting from pellagra, a disease which is manifested as dermatitis.


8- To treat dementia and fatigue.


9- To reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels (LDL) in the blood.


10- To protect the heart and circulatory system.


11- For protection against atherosclerosis and heart problems, and for protein metabolism.

 

Dates Benefits

1- Dates are considered as a natural resource for nutrition, it provides the body with high percentage o proteins, minerals and vitamins e.g. Vitamin A, B1, B2 and BB which are constructive ingredients for building up the body tissues and muscles. 
 

2- Dales also help in pregnant women's delivery; it activates the womb muscles in the months of pregnancy and helps in the womb movement at the time of delivery as well dates minimize the post-natal blooding. 


3- Dates help in healing the liver from many parasitic diseases and a good medicine for the hepatitis and it contains vitamins B2. 


4- Dates vitalize the aging so it delays the aging elements and it provides immunity against brain and body tiredness. 


5- Dates are easy to digest, Stimulates the urine, clean the kidneys and useful to the liver. 


6- Dates are good appetizer. Dates are the perfect natural snack.

 

Date Fruit Nutrition Facts

Dates can be simply termed as a power pack of nutrients, despite their small size. One of the most interesting dates nutrition facts is that they are immensely rich in fiber and some of the crucial minerals like, potassium, calcium and magnesium. About 100 gm of dates can give 75 gm carbohydrates, 8 gm dietary fiber, 2 gm proteins and 0.39 gm fats. In addition to these, dates are an excellent source of carotenoids, which are the precursor of vitamin A.100 gm of dates also contain about 10 IU vitamin A, 0.4 mg vitamin C, 2.7 mcg vitamin K, 0.05 mg vitamin E, 19 mcg folate, 0.05 mg thiamine, 0.066 mg riboflavin, 1.27 mg niacin and 0.165 mg vitamin B6. As far as the mineral content of dates are concerned, 100 gm of dates can provide you approximately 39 mg calcium, 656 mg potassium, 43 mg magnesium, 62 mg phosphorus, 2 mg sodium, 1 mg iron, 0.29 mg zinc, 0.2 mg copper, 0.26 mg manganese and 3 mcg selenium. [2]

 

Latest Scientist study on dates

Dates aren’t exactly a nutritional powerhouse when compared to some other foods like kiwi or sesame seeds, but the fruit does still offer numerous health benefits along with great taste. Here are some health benefits of dates.

1. Promoting Digestive Health, Relieving Constipation - fiber found in dates help to clean out the gastrointestinal system, allowing the colon to work at greater levels of efficiency. Some other benefits relating to fiber and colon health are reduced risks of colitis, colon cancer, and hemorrhoids

2. Boosting Heart Health – In addition to promoting colon health, fiber is also known to boost heart health.

3. Anti-Inflammatory – Dates are rich in magnesium – a mineral known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.

4. Reduced Blood Pressure – Magnesium has been shown to help lower blood pressure – and again, dates are full of the mineral. 

5. Reduced Stroke Risk – After evaluating 7 studies published over a 14 year time period, researchers found stroke risk was reduced by 9% for every 100 milligrams of magnesium a person consumes per day. The research can be found in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

6. A Healthy Pregnancy and Delivery – Further adding to the health benefits of dates, one study performed by researchers at the University of Science and Technology set out to discover how the date fruit impacted labor parameters and delivery outcomes.

7. Boosting Brain Health – Some studies, such as one found in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that sufficient vitamin B6 levels are associated with improved brain performance and better test scores.

8. Bone Health and Strength: The significant amounts of minerals found in dates make it a super food for strengthening bones and fighting off painful and debilitating diseases like osteoporosis.

9. Intestinal Disorders: The nicotine content in dates is thought to be beneficial for curing many kinds of intestinal disorders. 

10. Anemia: Dates have a high mineral content, which is beneficial for many different health conditions, but their impressive levels of iron make them a perfect dietary supplement for people suffering from anemia. 

11. Energy Booster: Dates are high in natural sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Therefore, they are the perfect snack for an immediate burst of energy.

12. Weight Gain: Dates should be included as a  part of a healthy diet. They consist of sugar, proteins and many essential vitamins. 

13.Nervous System Health: The vitamins present in dates make it an ideal boost to nervous system health and functionality. Potassium is one of the prime ingredients in promoting a healthy and responsive nervous system, and it also improves the speed and alertness of brain activity. [3] [4]

 

See Also

Hadith on Ajwa Dates and Science

 

References

[1] http://abdurrahman.org/umrah/ajwa-dates.html

[2] http://saudiarabiadates.com/benefits.htm

[3] http://naturalsociety.com/health-benefits-of-dates-7-reasons-eat-date-fruit/

[4] http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-dates.html