Written By: Zeinab Uddin

There's something deeply comforting about the idea that in one of the most intense moments a woman can experience, she is guided towards something simple and nourishing.

In the story of Maryam (peace be upon her), as she goes through the pain and vulnerability of childbirth, Allah says:

{وَهُزِّي إِلَيْكِ بِجِذْعِ النَّخْلَةِ تُسَاقِطْ عَلَيْكِ رُطَبًا جَنِيًّا}
"And shake towards you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you fresh, ripe dates." (19:25)

SubhanAllah! in that moment, she is not given something complicated or out of reach. She is guided towards nourishment. Something natural, accessible, and sustaining.

The word used here is رُطَب (rutab), which refers specifically to fresh, soft, ripe dates, not the dried ones we commonly eat. Rutab are softer, higher in moisture, and easier to digest.
They provide quick, natural energy in a form that the body can absorb easily, which feels especially fitting during something as physically demanding as labor.

What's beautiful is that this understanding is not only spiritual, but something we are beginning to see reflected in research as well.

In one study, women who consumed dates in the final weeks of pregnancy were:

  1. More likely to go into labor naturally
  2. Less likely to require induction or medications
  3. Showed signs of being more ready when labor began
  4. Early labor was shorter

Not dramatic differences, but gentle shifts that point towards a body that is supported and prepared.

Dates don't forcefully trigger labor, Instead, they support the body in doing what it is already designed to do.
They provide steady energy, important nutrients, and even support the body's response to oxytocin, the hormone that plays a key role in labor.

There is also something subtle but powerful in the ayah: Maryam (peace be upon her) is told to shake the tree.
Even in that state, she is taking a small action.
It's a reminder that preparation doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Sometimes it's as simple as small, consistent acts of nourishment and care.

For many women, this might look like including dates in the final weeks of pregnancy, not as a guarantee, but as a gentle way of supporting the body.

Small daily habits can have big effects, especially when repeated!