DUSHANBE, July 16, 2012, Asia-Plus — On the occasion of the forthcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is providing a food aid to Tajikistan.
Mr. Salman Al Maliki, a spokesman for the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Dushanbe, says a 200-ton assistance includes primarily dates.
The date fruit and tree were dear to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be upon Him) and the word “date” is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an more than 20 times. While the date palm tree is called “nakhl,” the fruit is called “tamr” in Arabic.
The date palm, mentioned more than any other fruit-bearing plant in the Qur’an, is a symbol often associated with Islam and Muslims. Throughout the month of Ramadan, dates are a common ingredient in the Muslim diet.
The Prophet said: “Break your fast by eating dates as it is purifying,” (narrated by Ahmad). On the basis of this Hadith, Muslims insist on breaking their fasts with dates. However, in another Hadith, the Prophet said, “If you have a date, break your fast with it, if you don’t have it, break the fast with water as it is purifying,” (narrated by Abu Dawood).
