Ramadan 2026: Why is the fast broken with dates? Know the purpose of this culinary tradition of Ramadan

Ramadan 2026: Muslims all over the world keep fast during the holy month of Ramadan. But have you ever wondered why dates are eaten first during Iftar? This is not just a tradition but behind it lies deep spiritual meaning and miraculous scientific secrets related to health.

The month of Ramadan is a symbol of worship, patience and self-control. After staying without eating or drinking anything from sunrise to sunset, when the time for Iftar comes, the most prominent thing on the plate is dates. In Islam, breaking the fast with dates is considered Sunnah, but today even modern science has bowed before this age-old tradition.

religious significance

According to Islamic beliefs, Prophet Mohammad liked to break his fast with dates or water. He has described dates as a blessed fruit. This is the reason that following the path shown by him, the Muslim community considers dates as the most important part of the Iftar plate. It is also considered a symbol of simplicity and humility.

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Power House of Energy

• After being hungry and thirsty the whole day, the energy level in the body drops considerably. If seen from the scientific point of view, there are many benefits of breaking the fast with dates.
• Dates contain natural sweetness which dissolves in the blood when eaten on an empty stomach and provides instant energy to the body.
• Eating heavy food after being idle all day can spoil digestion. Dates contain rich fiber which prepares the stomach to digest heavy food and prevents problems like constipation.
• It contains essential elements like potassium, magnesium and vitamin B-6 which relieve muscle fatigue and keep the nervous system calm.

The real purpose of fasting

The real purpose of fasting in Ramadan is not just to remain hungry but to purify the mind and feel the pain of the needy. Breaking the fast with simplicity by eating a piece of date in the evening teaches that a person should be thankful for even the smallest blessings given by God.

When will Ramadan start?

The Islamic calendar is based on the moon, so the exact date of Ramadan is decided only after the moon is visible. It is believed that if the moon is visible in India on the evening of 18 February 2026, then the first Roza will be observed on 19 February.

Be it faith or science, both accept the importance of dates in Iftar. This small fruit not only nourishes the body but also completes the spirituality of Ramadan.