“It was the practice of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) that when he broke his fast, he would begin with dates.”

Narrated by al-Nasāʾī in al-Sunan al-Kubrā (no. 3304) and al-Ṭabarānī in al-Muʿjam al-Awsaṭ (no. 5517), from the hadīth of Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him).
Authenticated in Sahīh al-Jāmiʿ (no. 4892) and in Silsilat al-Ahādīth al-Sahīhah (no. 2117).

Brief Explanation of the Hadith

Dates are among the greatest blessings of Allah. They are a blessed nourishment that people have long used as both food and medicine. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) used to be keen to begin with them when breaking his fast.
As Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) would begin, when he broke his fast, with dates,” meaning that he would give them priority over other foods at the time of breaking the fast.
The scholars have mentioned several wisdoms behind beginning with dates when breaking the fast. Among them is that dates are a blessed nourishment that removes the effects of hunger and restores the body’s energy and strength after they have diminished. It has also been said that sweetness softens the heart. Others have noted that dates are easy to digest and quick to provide benefit. Additional wisdoms have likewise been mentioned.
In the hadīth there is an indication of the recommendation to begin with dates when breaking the fast. It also reflects the careful attentiveness of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) in observing the Prophet’s conduct and their eagerness to transmit his guidance in even the smallest details of his affairs.

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