The Wisdom behind Allah's provision of fresh dates & water for Maryam bint Imraan (radhi Allahu anha).

The Qur'aan mentions fresh ripe dates and water as a comfort for a woman in the stages of labour.

There is medical wisdom behind the choice of the fruit of the date palm over any other fruit during labour and childbirth.

Allah Azzawajal narrates regarding His servant Maryam Umm Eesaa (radhi Allahu anha) when the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, "Oh! I wish I had died before this and been like something forgotten!" [19:23]

The fruit of the date palm (Ar Rutab, or fresh dates) contains a substance that causes the uterus to contract and strengthens the uterine muscles, thus helping in birth. It also reduces the amount of bleeding that occurs after birth.

Fresh dates contain high levels of simple sugars which are easy to digest. They are a basic source of energy and a preferred form of nourishment for the muscles. The muscles of the uterus are among the largest muscles which work very hard during birth. Obstetricians give women in labour water and sugar in the form of a sugar solution. Natural sugars from organic fresh ripe dates must be considered far better for the body when compared with a solution made with refined sugars. The verse mentioned also speaks of giving liquids with sugar, as Allah the Exalted says;

"So eat and drink..." This is another miracle.

Fresh dates lower blood pressure in the pregnant woman for a short while, after which it goes back to normal. That also serves to reduce the amount of bleeding.

Reference - p63-64 Islamic Medicine; The Key to a Better Life. By Yusuf Al Hajj Ahmad. Darussalam 2010.

The blessed fruit of the Hejaz is full of beneficial vitamins, iron, calcium and fibre. It may assist with milk production in nursing mothers.

From this we can also see the link to Tahneek from the Sunnah the Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam); one of the most excellent manners in which to welcome the newborn child. 

In modern times, sugar/water solution is conventionally given to newborns, but the best and most beautiful traditions is that of the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam).

Tahneek is performed by softening a date and then rubbing the palate of the new-born with it just after the birth or soon after. This is done by putting a tiny piece of the softened date on the finger and rubbing it from left to right in the mouth of the baby.

Ibn Hajr said, "If one is not able to find a dry date, then a fresh date should be used, and if that is not available then anything sweet." 

(Fath 9/588)

It is not essential to chew the date rather it may be softened in any way. The action of chewing as reported in the Sunnah was something specific to the Messenger (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) due to the blessings that Allah had placed in his saliva.

Tahneek done by the father or the mother or anyone from the People of Knowledge whose supplication is hoped would be accepted. So he should perform tahneek and supplicate for the child as was the practice of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them).

Imaam Nawawee says, "Scholars are agreed upon the recommendation of performing tahneek upon the baby after it's birth." 

(Sharh Saheeh Muslim 4/122)

A'ishah (radhi Allahu anha) reported that, "New-born children used to be brought to the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alayhi wassallam) and he would supplicate for blessings for them, and rub a chewed date upon their palate." 

(Saheeh Muslim)