Insect-based food as alternative protein source: an analysis from the Islamic perspective

The global demand for sustainable and ethical food sources has intensified the exploration of alternative proteins, including insect-based products, as a solution to environmental degradation and food insecurity. Within this context, Islamic jurisprudence offers a unique framework to evaluate the permissibility and ethical implications of such dietary practices. This paper explores the Islamic perspective on insect-based proteins through the lens of Halal principles and maqasid al-shariah (the higher objectives of Islamic law), with a particular focus on environmental sustainability and ethical food consumption. By examining classical Islamic scholarship and contemporary fatwas, the study investigates the permissibility of insect consumption, addressing divergent interpretations of insects as khabith (impure) and their implications for modern dietary practices. The research highlights a spectrum of scholarly opinions, ranging from prohibition to conditional permissibility, with some contemporary fatwas endorsing insect consumption. The study identifies a critical intersection between Islamic jurisprudence and global sustainability challenges, emphasizing the potential of insect-based proteins as a viable solution to food security and ecological conservation. However, the research acknowledges limitations in the availability of region-specific fatwas and contemporary scholarly discourse on the subject, reflecting the diverse interpretations across the Islamic world. The findings have significant implications for the development of Halal certification standards for insect-based proteins, offering a framework for integrating sustainable practices within the food industry. By situating insect-based protein consumption within the broader objectives of maqasid al-shariah, this paper contributes to the evolving discourse on ethical and sustainable food choices, fostering environmental consciousness among Muslim communities.

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