Is It Permissible to Use a Supplement Containing Cordyceps Fungus?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
I am taking Chinese herbal medicine containing caterpillar fungus (cordyceps) as an alternative to Western medicine. Is it permissible to consume caterpillar fungus in Islam?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
Cordyceps that are grown out of the body of a caterpillar will be impermissible to consume as they will come under insects that are impermissible. However, if cordyceps are cultivated with plants only, with no animal or animal products used, they are halal and suitable for vegetarians. So, one should consume cordyceps that are suitable for vegetarians as they are plant-based.
Caterpillars are Insects
According to the majority of the jurists, the consumption of insects is not permitted and falls under the Quranic verse, “(…) makes lawful to them fair viands, and unlawful for them things vile.” [Quran, 7:157]
Cordyceps
“Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on the larvae of insects.
When these fungi attack their host, they replace its tissue and sprout long, slender stems that grow outside the host’s body.
The remains of the insects and fungi have been hand-collected, dried, and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to treat fatigue, sickness, kidney disease, and low libido.”
Alternative Medication
It would only be permissible on a case-by-case basis and per the direction and recommendation of a qualified herbal practitioner, and not for any recreational purpose. See link
Basic Principles of Permissibility and Impermissibility Regarding Animal Consumption
Read about the basic principles of permissibility and impermissibility regarding animal consumption in the Hanafi School here.
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. In sha Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.
Related
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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.
