Locusts are considered halal in Islam because the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly permitted their consumption.
Here's a breakdown:
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Prophetic Permission: Islamic teachings state that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly allowed the eating of locusts. This allowance is documented in hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet).
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Hadith Evidence: A well-known hadith states that two types of dead animals (carrion) are permissible for Muslims to eat: fish and locusts. This dispensation removes the normal prohibition against consuming carrion. The reference provided states: "It has been narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Umar that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “Two kinds of dead meat have been permitted to us: fish and locusts.”
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Scholarly Consensus: Based on the prophetic permission, there is a general consensus among Islamic scholars that locusts are halal.
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Practical Application: This ruling allows Muslims to consume locusts without violating Islamic dietary laws. Different methods of preparation and consumption exist within permissible guidelines.
In summary, locusts are halal because the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly permitted their consumption, as evidenced in hadith, leading to a scholarly consensus on their permissibility.
