Earthworms' halal status in Islam is a matter of differing scholarly opinion.
Differing Islamic Perspectives on Earthworm Consumption
The permissibility of eating earthworms in Islam isn't uniformly agreed upon. Some Islamic scholars, including Imam Malik, Ibn Abi Laila, and al-Auza'i, consider earthworm consumption halal, provided it offers benefit and poses no health risk. However, other scholars hold the opposite view, deeming it haram (forbidden).
This difference in opinion stems from varying interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence and the principles governing permissible food. The focus often lies on whether the creature falls under the general category of permissible animals or if specific rulings address earthworms directly. The emphasis on beneficial consumption and absence of harm highlights the importance of considering potential risks before consumption.
- Halal Perspective: Scholars who permit it often base their ruling on the absence of explicit prohibition and the principle that what is beneficial and safe is permissible unless explicitly forbidden.
- Haram Perspective: Scholars who prohibit it may cite broader principles of purity and caution related to consuming non-conventional foods.
Ultimately, the determination of whether eating earthworms is halal or haram is a matter of individual conscience and reliance on a trusted scholar’s interpretation.
