According to the information provided, the direct answer to whether nutmeg and mace are haram is no, it's not.
Source Information and Context
The reference provided states that nutmeg and mace are not considered haram. However, it immediately follows this statement with important context regarding their properties and a relevant Islamic principle concerning intoxicants.
Here's the information from the source:
- Nutmeg and Mace are stated as not being haram.
- It is noted that nutmeg can act as an intoxicant in large enough quantities.
- A principle is mentioned: that which causes intoxication in large amounts is still considered khamr (prohibited intoxicant) in small amounts. (Reference: 12-May-2021)
The Principle of Intoxication in Islam
The principle highlighted in the reference is a fundamental concept in Islamic jurisprudence regarding the prohibition of intoxicants. It asserts that if consuming a substance in large quantities leads to intoxication, then consuming any quantity of that same substance is considered prohibited (haram). This is intended to create a clear boundary and prevent even incremental steps towards consuming prohibited substances.
- Intoxication Potential: Nutmeg, particularly when consumed in unusually large amounts (far exceeding typical culinary use), can indeed have psychoactive effects and be intoxicating.
- The Rule: The general Islamic rule for intoxicants (khamr) is "ما أسكر كثيره فقليله حرام" (Ma askara katheeruhu fa qaleeluhu haram), meaning "What intoxicates in large quantity is prohibited in small quantity."
Despite this principle suggesting that a substance with intoxicating potential in large doses would be prohibited even in small doses, the source explicitly states that nutmeg and mace are "not" haram. This indicates a viewpoint where, perhaps due to their common use in small, non-intoxicating culinary quantities, they are not classified under the general prohibition of intoxicants by this specific source, even while acknowledging the principle and the potential for intoxication in large amounts.
Therefore, based solely on the provided reference, the explicit answer given is that nutmeg and mace are not haram, while simultaneously providing the context of their intoxicating potential in large quantities and the general Islamic principle concerning intoxicants.
