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

Written by:
Mwanajuma Ali
Dietician Nutritionist

Shares:

Facebook
Email
LinkedIn
Tumblr

Related post

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Welcome to 7D VARIETY! We are delighted that you have decided to join our passionate community of writers. By agreeing to become a part of our community, you acknowledge and accept the following terms and conditions:

  • Personal Information Access: As a community member, you grant 7D VARIETY permission to collect your personal information, including name, contact details, and other relevant data for communication and content management. We are committed to ensuring the security and privacy of your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
  • Editing and Publishing of Articles: By submitting your content to 7D VARIETY, you grant us the non-exclusive right to edit, modify, and publish it on our platforms. We’ll make necessary edits for clarity, style, or grammar while preserving the integrity of your original work.
  • Copyright and Intellectual Property: By submitting content to 7D VARIETY, you affirm its originality and non-infringement of third-party rights. By agreeing to the terms, you grant 7D VARIETY an irrevocable, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, distribute, and display your content on our platforms and in related marketing materials.

By submitting this form, you signify your understanding and agreement to these terms and conditions.

Subscribe Now

to our newsletter to be notified and keep up to date
Dates filled with wallnuts
Thank you for subscribing to our 7DVARIETY Daily Newsletter
Trusted Source

PubMed Central

Go to source