Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin in early 2027, and in many Pakistani homes the shopping list starts with one item: khajoor. Opening the fast with a date is a beloved Sunnah, and a good box of dates also makes the most welcome gift of the month. But with Ajwa, Sukkari, Mabroom, Amber and Qalmi all on offer, which are the best dates for Ramadan?
The answer depends on how you will use them: for iftar, for sehri, or for gifting. This guide walks through each variety we stock, what it tastes like, which pack size makes sense, and why ordering a little early is a smart idea.
The Sunnah of breaking the fast with dates
Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ﷺ used to break his fast with a few fresh dates before praying; if there were none, then with dry dates; and if there were none, with a few sips of water. This hadith is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawud and Jami at-Tirmidhi.
That is why a plate of khajoor and a glass of water sit at the centre of every iftar dastarkhwan in Pakistan, whatever else is on the table. Many families also like to keep Zamzam water at home during Ramadan for the same blessed moment.
Best dates for Ramadan iftar
Ajwa: the Sunnah favourite
Ajwa Dates from Madina are dark, soft and mildly sweet. They hold a special place for Muslims: in a hadith reported in Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet ﷺ said that whoever eats seven Ajwa dates in the morning will not be harmed by poison or magic that day. Many families keep Ajwa for iftar and for the morning. Available in 450 gram, 1KG and 3KG packs.
Sukkari: soft and naturally sweet
Sukkari (Sukhri) dates are imported from Saudi Arabia, soft and naturally sweet. Children usually love them, and they are a great everyday iftar date for a big family. Choose from 450 gram, 1KG and 3KG packs.
Best dates for sehri
At sehri, many people prefer a date that is filling but not too sugary.
Mabroom dates have a naturally firm outside and soft inside, and a mild sweetness that is less sugary than some varieties. They pair well with milk, oats or a paratha at sehri. Qalmi (Kalmi) dates are another good pick: naturally sweet, preservative-free, with a rich taste and soft texture. Both come in 450 gram, 1KG and 3KG packs.
A tip from many households: soak two or three dates in milk overnight in the fridge, then blend them at sehri for a quick date shake.
Best dates for Ramadan gifts
Amber (Anbara) dates from Madinah Munawwarah are extra large, soft, fleshy and mildly sweet. Their size makes them look impressive in a gift box, so they are a popular choice for in-laws, elders and office gifts.
For a ready-made gift, our bundles save you the work of packing:
- Jumbo Ajwa Khajoor 1KG Sunnah Gift Pack with a free attar and tasbeeh.
- Ajwa Dates 1KG with Free Zam Zam Water.
- Abe Zamzam Water 500ml + Ajwa Dates 450g Combo, a smaller and very practical gift.
For more ideas, see our Islamic gift ideas for Ramadan, Eid and Umrah.
Ramadan dates compared
| Dates | Taste and texture | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajwa (Madina) | Soft, mildly sweet | Iftar, Sunnah, gifts | from Rs 2,670 |
| Sukkari | Soft, naturally sweet | Family iftar, children | from Rs 1,789 |
| Mabroom | Firm outside, soft inside, less sugary | Sehri, daily use | from Rs 2,609 |
| Amber (Anbara) | Extra large, soft, fleshy | Gift boxes, guests | from Rs 2,770 |
| Qalmi | Rich taste, soft | Sehri, daily use | from Rs 1,809 |
| Ajwa 1KG + Zamzam | Bundle | Ramadan gift | Rs 5,260 |
Want the full story on each variety? Read types of dates in Pakistan or browse the whole Premium Dates collection.
Zamzam water for Ramadan
Many families like to open the fast with a date and a few sips of Zamzam. Our Original Abe Zamzam Water 500ml comes sealed, and there are also 250ml and 100ml bottles. You can see every size in the Zamzam Water collection and in our Zamzam water price guide.
How much to buy, and why order early
A simple rule: if each person eats about three dates at iftar, a family of five uses around fifteen dates a day. For the full month, a 3KG pack is usually more practical than several small boxes. Smaller households often find a 1KG pack per variety is plenty.
Demand for dates rises sharply in the weeks before Ramadan, and couriers get busy too. Ordering in January or early February means you receive your dates calmly, before the rush. Store them in an airtight box in a cool place, or in the fridge to keep them soft for longer.
A health note: dates are naturally high in sugar, so enjoy them in moderation. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant, diabetic, on medication, or have a health condition, especially before fasting.
How to order
Order online with Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan. Delivery takes 2 to 5 working days and is free on orders of Rs 700 and above. Returns are free within 7 days (unused, original packing, only the delivery charge deducted). Need help choosing a pack? Message us on WhatsApp or use the Smart Assistant chat on our website, which can answer questions and place your order.
Frequently asked questions
Which dates are best for breaking the fast?
Any good date follows the Sunnah. Ajwa is the most loved for its special place in hadith, while Sukkari is a soft, sweet everyday option for the whole family.
Which dates are less sweet?
Mabroom dates have a mild sweetness that is less sugary than some other varieties, which is why many people choose them for sehri.
What pack sizes are available?
Ajwa, Sukkari, Mabroom, Amber and Qalmi each come in 450 gram, 1KG and 3KG packs. Bundles like Ajwa 1KG with Zamzam are fixed packs.
When should I order dates for Ramadan?
Ramadan is expected in early 2027. Ordering a few weeks before helps you avoid the last-minute rush. Delivery normally takes 2 to 5 working days.
How should I store dates?
Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before serving.
