Is Nutmeg Haram? All You Need to Know

Is nutmeg Haram? Are you a food enthusiast who loves to experiment with different spices and flavors in your cooking? Do you enjoy exploring the cultural and religious significance of ingredients in your culinary adventures?

If so, then you’re in for an intriguing discussion! Today, we’re delving into the captivating world of nutmeg and its halal status.

Nutmeg, a versatile and aromatic spice commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes, has a rich history and a unique place in culinary traditions around the world.

But when it comes to its halal status, things may not be as straightforward as you think. Join us as we unravel the fascinating complexities surrounding nutmeg and its halal status and answering the burning question: Is nutmeg truly Haram?

Get ready to spice up your knowledge and embark on an eye-opening culinary journey!

Is Nutmeg Haram?

Yes, nutmeg is Haram. According to IslamQA, the majority of scholars are of the view that it is haram to use it in small and large quantities. Others are of the view that it is halal to use a little of it if it is mixed with other substances.

When it comes to nutmeg, the halal status becomes a topic of debate among scholars and experts.

This arises from the fact that nutmeg has been associated with potential intoxicating properties due to the presence of a compound called myristicin, which has psychoactive effects in large amounts.

Some scholars argue that this raises concerns about the halal status of nutmeg, as Islam prohibits the consumption of intoxicants.

On the other hand, others believe that the small amounts of nutmeg used in some applications do not pose a risk of intoxication, and thus consider it halal.

Why Is Nutmeg Haram?

Ibn Hajar Al-Haythami may Allah have mercy upon him was asked about nutmeg and he said it is haram because it intoxicates and dopes. It is confirmed that the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam said:

“Any kind of intoxicant is considered alcohol and every kind of alcoholic drinks (intoxicants) are forbidden.”

Muslim 2003

Al-Haythami may Allaah have mercy upon him attributed the view that it is forbidden to Ibn Daqeeq Al-‘Eed may Allaah have mercy upon him saying:

‘The late comers of the Shaafi’ee and Maaliki schools reported this view from him and ruled according to it, and this is enough evidence.’

The Maalikis, Shaafa’is and Hanbalis are agreed that it is an intoxicant and comes under the general text: “Every intoxicant is khamr and all khamr is haraam.”

Is Nutmeg Halal Hanafi?

No, nutmeg is not halal according to scholars including Hanafis. The Hanafis are of the view that nutmeg is either an intoxicant or a drug, either of which affects the mind, so it is not halal in either case.

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During the eighth conference of medical fiqh – “The Islamic View on Some Health Problems – Haraam and Impure Substances in Food and Medicine” – which was held in Kuwait between 22-24 Dhu’l-Hijjah 1415 AH (22-24 May 1995), they said:

Narcotic substances are haraam, and it is not permissible to consume them unless that is for a specific medical purpose, and in the amount specified by doctors, but they are pure (taahir) in and of themselves.

There is nothing wrong with using nutmeg to improve the flavour of food, in small amounts that do not cause listlessness or intoxication.

Shaykh Dr. Wahbat al-Zuhayli said: There is no reason why a small amount of nutmeg should not be used to improve the flavour of food, cakes and the like, but a large amount is haraam, because it is a narcotic.

But to be on the safe side scholars advice that it is not allowed even if it is mixed with other things and there is only a small amount of it, because “that which intoxicates in large amounts, a small amount of it is haraam.”