Dates and Honey: A Ramadan Tradition, Pairing Guide and Simple Recipes
Dates and honey are two of the oldest sweet foods in the world, and few places treat them with more affection than the Muslim world during Ramadan. Dates traditionally break the fast at sunset, and honey is praised in the Quran. Together they make a natural, generous pairing for iftar tables, suhoor and Eid. This guide covers the tradition, which dates and honeys pair best, and simple ways to serve them.
Dates at iftar
Breaking the fast with dates is a widely followed Sunnah. A hadith reported by Anas ibn Malik and recorded by al-Tirmidhi describes the Prophet breaking his fast with a few fresh dates before praying; if there were none, with dried dates; and if there were none, with a few sips of water. Families around the world still begin iftar this way, with an odd number of dates and a glass of water, before the main meal.
Dates are naturally sweet and easy to eat after a long day, which may be one reason the custom has lasted so well.
Honey in Islamic tradition
Honey holds a special place in Islam. Surah An-Nahl, the chapter named The Bee, describes bees being inspired to build their homes and eat from all the fruits, and from their bellies comes a drink of varying colors. Honey is also mentioned in descriptions of Paradise. Read more in our journal article on honey in the Quran and in is honey halal.
Best date and honey pairings
Dates are already very sweet, so the honey should add flavor and contrast rather than only more sugar.
| Date | Character | Honey pairing |
|---|---|---|
| Medjool | Large, soft, caramel-like | Buckwheat or Knotweed for depth |
| Deglet Noor | Firmer, nutty, less sweet | Wildflower or Clover |
| Ajwa | Dark, soft, mildly sweet | Pure Raw or Wildflower |
| Sukkari | Very sweet, melting | A drizzle of Orange Blossom with nuts |
| Barhi (fresh, yellow) | Crisp, like a sweet apple | Clover, very lightly |
Simple dates and honey recipes for iftar and Eid
These take minutes and look generous on a table.
- Stuffed dates: pit Medjools, fill with almonds, walnuts or tahini, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with sesame
- Dates with cream and honey: split dates, fill with thick cream or labneh, finish with honey and pistachios
- Tahini, honey and date bowl: swirl tahini with honey for dipping chopped dates and bread
- Date and honey milk: blend dates, milk, a spoon of honey and cardamom for suhoor
- Honey butter with dates: whipped honey butter on warm bread with dates on the side
- Luqaimat: fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup or honey, a Gulf Ramadan favorite (see loukoumades)
Choosing a honey for Ramadan
Pure honey is halal. For a table with dates, a darker honey like Buckwheat gives a rich contrast, while Wildflower and Pure Raw are good all-purpose jars for tea, bread and dessert through the month. Many people in our community look for honey that is pure, with nothing added, as the name Al Safa itself means purity; read what Al Safa means.
Dates and honey as an Eid gift
A box of good dates with a jar of honey is a classic gift for Eid and for visiting family during Ramadan. Add a small jar of tahini or a bag of pistachios to make a complete set. See Eid gift ideas for more. If you are comparing sweeteners, see honey vs date syrup.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
- Why do Muslims break their fast with dates?
- To follow the practice of the Prophet Muhammad, who broke his fast with fresh dates, or dried dates, or water, as recorded in hadith.
- Can you eat dates with honey?
- Yes. Stuffed dates drizzled with honey, or dates served with honey and tahini, are popular, though both are sweet, so a little honey goes a long way.
- Is honey mentioned in the Quran?
- Yes. Surah An-Nahl (The Bee) describes the drink of varying colors that comes from bees, and honey is mentioned in descriptions of Paradise.
- What honey goes best with Medjool dates?
- A darker honey such as buckwheat or knotweed adds depth to soft, caramel-like Medjool dates.
Al Safa Honey is a food producer, not a medical provider. Nothing here is medical advice. Never give honey of any kind to a baby under 12 months old.
