During the month of Ramadan, dates are available abundantly.
Muslims generally break their fast by eating dates by following the teachings of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W). In a Hadith it mentions, “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.”
Holy Prophet (S.A.W) used to break His fast by eating dates before offering the Maghrib prayer, and if ripe dates were not available, he would substitute them with dried ones. When even these were not available, he used to have a few sips of water, according to some account.
Radio Islam speaks to Zaheda Ismail, a Pilates Instructor and Nutritionist, regarding dates and the nutrients found in dates.