Locusts (a type of grasshopper) are considered halal (permissible) in Islam.
While the general rule in Islam is that insects are haram (forbidden) to consume, there is an exception made for locusts based on the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Here's a breakdown:
- General Rule: Most insects are considered haram. This stems from the Islamic principle of avoiding things that are considered impure or harmful.
- The Exception: Locusts: There are hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) that specifically mention locusts as being permissible to eat. This exception overrides the general rule.
- Dabb Lizards: Though not insects, dabb lizards are also mentioned in conjunction with locusts in the hadith as being permissible, further solidifying the principle of explicit exceptions to general dietary rules.
- Other Interpretations: Some scholars extend the permissibility to include all types of grasshoppers, given that locusts are a specific type of grasshopper.
In short, locusts are the primary insect explicitly identified as halal in Islamic dietary laws.
