What happens to our body if we eat dates in odd numbers?
- Dates are sweet dried fruit with several health benefits.
- Scientifically, the effect of eating an odd or even number of dates is the same.
- Eating dates in odd numbers is recommended in Islam.
I want us to talk about an interesting topic: what happens to our body if we eat an odd number of dates. Dates are sweet, dried fruit with an oblong shape and a brownish-red color. They’re known as “nature’s candy” because they taste so good! What is really neat about them is that there is some science behind their benefits – not just for our taste buds but also for our health!
When it comes to eating dates, is there an odd or even number that’s better? Believe it or not, the answer is both! Here’s what you need to know about what would happen if you ate dates in odd numbers!
Effect of Eating Odd Number of Dates on the Body
Can your body tell you’ve eaten three, four, or ten dates? According to research, the effect of eating an even or odd number of dates on your body is the same.
Our bodies don’t have a way of knowing whether we have consumed a particular number of dates. So, when you eat dates, whether in odd or even numbers, the effect on blood sugar levels and metabolism remains the same.
Effect of Eating Odd Numbers of Dates in Islam
There is a common belief among Muslims that eating dates in odd numbers is preferred to even. This is according to the Islamic religion and culture. Several Quran verses and hadiths support this idea. For instance:
Allah Loves Odd Numbers
According to a popular hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, “Allah is odd (one) and loves what is odd.” There are many illustrations made by Muslim scholars on this hadith. One is that Allah made most of his creations in odd numbers; the earth, heavens, seas, days of the week are all odd (seven).
What’s more, the attributes and names of Allah are ninety-nine. Another odd number, right? It is said that the meaning of creating things in odd numbers is to refer to those who believe in the oneness of Allah and worship him alone. Thus, if Muslims carry out activities in odd numbers, intending to glorify the oneness of Allah, they may be rewarded.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Preferred Eating Odd Number of Dates
It is authentically reported that the prophet (SAW) loved eating odd numbers of dates on the morning of Eid Al-Fitri. He would not leave his house for morning prayers before consuming dates in odd numbers. Another hadith by Anas says that the prophet was used to eating an odd number of dates.
During Ramadan, the prophet preferred to break his fast with fresh dates. If unavailable, he would eat dried ones. The prophet would, on many occasions, break his fast during Ramadan with 1, 3, 5, or 7 dates.
The prophet also urged Muslims to eat dates in odd numbers. He advised Muslims to eat seven “Ajwa” dates for seven days in the morning on an empty stomach. Doing so was thought to protect them against leprosy, poison, witchcraft, and magic.
Most Islamic Acts of Worship Are in Odd Numbers
Most Islamic acts of worship are in odd numbers. Pillars of the Islamic faith are five. Again, think about the daily salat. How many are they? Muslims pray five times every day.
When it comes to pilgrimage, Muslims circulate the Ka’ bah seven times. They also perform sa’y and throw pebbles/stones seven times.
What’s more, performing ablution involves washing specific parts of the body three times. Most nisab (minimum requirement) of Giving out alms (Zakah) is odd. Finally, Lailat al-Qadri (the night of power where the Quran was sent down on earth) is found in the last five odd nights of Ramadan.
Scientifically, eating dates in odd or even numbers has the same effect on our bodies. However, the Islamic religion recommends Muslims to consume dates in odd numbers.
Summary
Dates are sweet dried fruit with many health benefits. In science, the effect of dates on our bodies remains the same, whether we eat them in even or odd numbers. But that’s not the case in the Islamic faith. Muslims believe odd numbers are superior to even, so they always strive to do their things in odd numbers.
SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION:
Metabolism – a process in which the body converts food and drinks into energy
Shares:
