Dream - Most Muslims may already know that when eating dates, it is better to consume them in odd numbers. Whether it's 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9. This is in accordance with the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, which should be followed by his followers. Especially during the month of Ramadan like this. Dates are very suitable to be consumed during suhoor or iftar because they can provide energy to the body. But, have you ever wondered why the Prophet Muhammad recommended consuming dates in odd numbers?

Due to his fondness for dates, even dates were the first food often consumed by the Prophet Muhammad after fasting. There are several ways in which the Prophet Muhammad consumed dates. For example, with salt and al-qatsa, which is a type of fruit like cucumber. Then, with milk called al-athyabain. In addition, the Prophet Muhammad also liked to mix dates with watermelon. As explained in a hadith.

From Aisha ra, she said, "The Messenger of Allah saw liked to mix watermelon with dates." (HR. Al-Baihaqi) Then, Anas bin Malik ra said, "The Messenger of Allah ate dates with his right hand, while watermelon with his left hand. He ate dates mixed with watermelon. And those were the fruits that the Messenger of Allah liked the most." (HR. At-Tirmidzi)

Then, what is the reason? This has been exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad. Where he consumed three dates when breaking the fast or before going to Eid prayer. In addition, he also recommended consuming dates in odd numbers, namely 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9. In several hadiths, it has been explained about the benefits of consuming dates. Like in the hadiths of Bukhari and Muslim which explain that whoever consumes seven Ajwa dates in the morning, then on that day he will not be affected by poison or magic.

"In the hadith, it is mentioned about ajwa dates. Among the many types of dates, the Prophet Muhammad greatly liked ajwa dates and he also recommended them. This is because ajwa dates are rich in benefits and have blessings. Ajwa dates themselves come from Madinah, Saudi Arabia. They are small in size, dark in color, and have a soft texture. The uniqueness of ajwa dates is explained by Al-Hafizh Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani ra, who quoted a conversation by Imam Al-Khathabi about the uniqueness of ajwa dates:"

"Ajwa dates are beneficial in preventing poison and magic due to the blessings prayer from the Prophet Muhammad towards the dates from Madinah, not because of the nature of the dates themselves." Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad once said: "Ajwa dates are from paradise, they are an antidote to poison." (HR. Ibn Majah from the companions Jabir bin Abdillah and Abi Sa'id, also At-Tirmidhi in his Sunan from Abu Hurairah)"

Although the Prophet Muhammad advised to consume dates in odd numbers and he himself also did so, it does not mean that there is a prohibition on consuming dates in even numbers. Because consuming dates alone has extraordinary benefits for the body.