The favorite fruit of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), dates or the date-palm are mentioned __________ in Holy Quran.

The correct answer is 22 times.

In the Holy Quran, dates and the date palm (an-nakhl) are mentioned exactly 22 times, a frequency that underscores the fruit's immense importance in the Islamic tradition and the biological landscape of the Arabian Peninsula. This count includes references to the tree itself, the clusters of fruit, and the different stages of the date's growth. The prominence of the date palm in scripture is not merely a reflection of the environment in which the Quran was revealed, but also a testament to the tree's symbolic role as a source of life, nutrition, and spiritual metaphors.

The Scriptural Significance and Miracles

One of the most moving and well-known mentions of the date palm occurs in Surah Maryam (Chapter 19). During the birth of Prophet Isa (AS), Maryam (AS) was instructed by Allah to retreat to a remote place. In her moment of greatest physical weakness and labor pain, she was told to shake the trunk of a nearby date palm. Despite the tree likely being withered or out of season, fresh, ripe dates fell for her to eat. This story highlights the date not only as a fruit of convenience but as a divinely chosen "superfood" meant to provide immediate energy and strength to a mother in need.

Beyond this miracle, the Quran frequently lists the date palm as one of the signs of Allah’s creative power. In Surah An-Nahl (The Bee) and Surah Al-An'am (The Cattle), the growth of date gardens from "mingled water" is presented as a reason for humanity to reflect on the resurrection and the intricate design of the natural world. The date palm is often paired in the Quran with grapes, olives, and pomegranates, representing the "gardens of delight" that Allah provides for His creation on Earth and promises in Paradise.

The Date Palm as a Spiritual Metaphor

The Quran also utilizes the date palm as a powerful linguistic and spiritual metaphor. Islamic scholars often point to the verse in Surah Ibrahim, where a "good word" (the declaration of faith) is compared to a "good tree." While the text does not explicitly name the tree in that specific verse, several Sahaba (companions) and the Prophet (PBUH) himself explained that this tree is the date palm. Like the palm, the believer's faith has deep roots, its branches reach toward the heavens, and it provides benefit (fruit) in every season.

Furthermore, the Quran mentions specific parts of the date, such as the Qitmir (the thin membrane over the date stone) and the Fatil (the small thread in the groove of the stone), to illustrate Allah's absolute justice. These microscopic references remind the reader that not even an atom's weight of good or evil will be overlooked.

The Sunnah and the Prophet's (PBUH) Favor

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) held dates in such high regard that they became a staple of the "Sunnah" diet. He famously stated that a house with dates in it is never truly hungry. He specifically favored the Ajwa date from Medina, describing it as having healing properties. His practice of breaking the fast (Iftar) with dates has become a global tradition for millions of Muslims today.

Scientifically, the wisdom behind the Quranic 22-time mention is evident in the fruit's composition. Dates are exceptionally high in fiber, potassium, and natural sugars, providing an immediate glucose boost without the "crash" associated with processed sweets. This combination of spiritual elevation and physical nourishment is why the date palm remains the most revered plant in Islamic heritage, serving as a bridge between the physical needs of the body and the spiritual reminders of the soul.