Qamar ad-deen, or apricot juice, is a traditional beverage of Ramadan. Translated from Arabic it means “moon of the religion”.
As the moon enters Ramadan, qamar ad-deen enters our kitchens.
A refreshing cup of qamar ad-deen is a blessing from Allah after a long day of fasting.
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It provides instant relief, bringing happy gratitude that needs no explanations. We all just sit and smile!
Related to peaches and plums, apricots are scientifically identified as Prunus armeniaca.
While the Latin name implies apricots originated in Armenia, records indicate their historical existence throughout the Mediterranean region and as far as India.
Many Blessings of Apricots
Fresh apricots are among the many blessings Allah provides for fasting the longer hours of summer.
While dried apricots and sheets of traditional dried apricot paste are internationally available year-round, fresh apricots are a seasonal treat available only in summer’s early months.
Both fresh and dried apricots provide excellent health benefits.
Full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, apricots improve heart health, reduce cholesterol, prevent bone diseases and vision loss, help respiratory conditions and aid in maintaining the body’s electrolyte balance.
Qamar ad-deen is rich in potassium, especially helpful while fasting since it helps to regulate body fluids.
Potassium helps maintain a healthy blood pressure, regulates the heartbeat, and protects the brain from stroke and the liver from shutting down. Potassium also provides important protection from toxins.
Rich in pectin and cellulose, apricots are a mild laxative, flushing waste from the digestive tract.
Qamar ad-deen creates an alkaline environment in an empty stomach, neutralizing stomach acids responsible for hunger pains.
Drinking qamar ad-deen can also alleviate the sensation of hunger, promoting healthy weight loss.
Much of the Muslim world experiences dry, dusty conditions during the hot days of summer.
Apricots contain protective anti-asthmatic properties beneficial for such conditions.
The minute amount of essential oil contained in apricots brings natural expectorant and stimulant activity to the lungs.
However, with all these benefits, a few precautions are wise.
Sulfites used to dry apricots, prunes, and raisins can be problematic, especially for asthmatics.
According to Healthy Eating, “A sulfite reaction can cause symptoms very similar to an allergic reaction, such as wheezing and difficulty breathing.”
Asthmatics and people with known food allergies to peaches, prunes, etc. should consult a medical professional before consuming fresh and/or dried apricots.