Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are neither fruits nor vegetables; they are a special type of fungus. There are over 1,500,000 varieties of mushrooms on Earth, and most edible, non-toxic mushrooms are considered Halal. However, some mushrooms, such as Psilocybin or magic mushrooms, are hallucinogens and are not Halal. When foraging for mushrooms, caution is essential, as some varieties are poisonous and can be dangerous if consumed or even touched.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Edible mushrooms | Halal |
| Magic mushrooms | Not Halal |
| Wild mushrooms | Exercise caution |
| Plants and vegetation | Halal, except when fermented to contain alcohol, intoxicants or other harmful ingredients |
| Porcini mushrooms | Halal |
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What You'll Learn
Most edible mushrooms are halal
Mushrooms are neither fruits nor vegetables; they are a special type of fungus. Most edible, non-toxic mushrooms are halal. Wild mushrooms can be very dangerous if consumed, and sometimes even if touched, so it is important to exercise caution and avoid consuming mushrooms that are known to be poisonous. If the mushrooms grow in an unclean place, such as near a dump, sewage, or a graveyard, Muslims are advised to refrain from picking and consuming them, as they may not be considered halal.
Psilocybin, or "magic mushrooms," are hallucinogens and are not halal. They are derived from some mushrooms, such as the Mexican psilocybin mushroom, and are considered intoxicating substances with a significant impact on thinking, mood, and behavior. Similarly, other psychedelic substances like marijuana, LSD, and mescaline are also considered haram due to their intoxicating effects and the physical harm they can cause.
However, edible mushrooms, such as button mushrooms or table mushrooms, are halal and even considered sunnah. According to a hadith, the Prophet said, "Mushroom is from the al-Mann, and its water is a cure for the eyes." This indicates that mushrooms are permissible and even beneficial for consumption in Islam.
In summary, while not all mushrooms are halal, most edible mushrooms that are not poisonous or grown in unclean places are generally considered permissible in Islam.
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Wild mushrooms can be dangerous, even when touched
Most edible, non-toxic mushrooms are considered Halal. Wild mushrooms like Porcini (Boletus edulis) are Halal and are highly sought after for their rich, nutty flavor. However, caution is advised when foraging for wild mushrooms as some varieties are poisonous and can be dangerous, and even fatal, if consumed.
It is important to note that while most wild mushrooms are safe to touch, there are a few rare exceptions. Some mushrooms contain mycotoxins, which can be absorbed through the skin. However, the number of mushrooms that would need to be handled to experience a fatal reaction would be extremely high. For example, a single A. bisporigera mushroom may contain 12 mg of amatoxins, but simply handling it for an hour is unlikely to cause harm.
While there are no official records of mushroom poisoning from simply handling mushrooms, some mushrooms can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. For example, the fire coral fungus may cause a rash when touched, similar to everyday foods or insect bites that some people are allergic to.
Additionally, it is important to avoid touching wild mushrooms with bare hands to prevent any chances of contaminating edible mushrooms and to reduce the impact on the environment. Picking, smelling, and touching a mushroom can be crucial for identification, as color and shape alone are not always sufficient.
In summary, while wild mushrooms can be dangerous if consumed, the risk of toxicity from touching them is generally low. However, it is always best to exercise caution and rely on expert mycologists or trusted sources for proper identification to avoid potential hazards.
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Magic mushrooms are not halal
In Islam, halal refers to what is lawful and permissible, while haram means what is unlawful and impermissible. Between halal and haram lie doubtful things, and it is recommended that Muslims avoid doubtful things to protect their religion and honour.
Most edible, non-toxic mushrooms are considered halal. However, psilocybin or "magic mushrooms" are hallucinogens and are not halal. According to IslamQA, magic mushrooms cause serious harm, both psychological and physical. This is because psilocybin, mescaline, and LSD are all hallucinogenic, intoxicating substances that have a significant impact on thinking, mood, and behaviour. They lead to illusions, mental confusion, aural and visual hallucinations, physical lethargy, schizophrenia, and changes in perception.
However, some people argue that magic mushrooms can be halal in the right context and with the right intention. In small doses, magic mushrooms can be used in treatment by highly trained psychiatrists and have been known to reduce or even eliminate depression and anxiety.
It is important to note that wild mushrooms can be very dangerous if consumed or sometimes even touched. When foraging for mushrooms, caution is essential, and it is best to rely on expert mycologists or trusted sources for proper identification to avoid potential hazards.
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Button mushrooms are sunnah and good for the eyes
Most edible, non-toxic mushrooms are considered halal. This includes button mushrooms, which are not only halal but also sunnah and good for your eyes.
Mushrooms are neither fruits nor vegetables; they are a special type of fungus. They grow in a wide variety, with over 1,500,000 species on Earth. While some mushrooms are edible, others are poisonous, hallucinogenic, or medicinal.
Button mushrooms, in particular, are a delicious and nutritious food that can help support eye health. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which play a vital role in slowing the progression of sight loss conditions such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. By incorporating button mushrooms into your meals, you can effectively support and maintain your eye health.
In the context of Islamic tradition, while there is no specific mention of button mushrooms, the principle that "everything is halal unless stated otherwise by the Qur'an and Sunnah" applies. Additionally, the practice of using kohl, a traditional eye cosmetic, is considered Sunnah and beneficial for eye health according to various Hadiths. Kohl, or Ithmid (antimony), is mentioned as being "very good for the eyes" and was used by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
Therefore, it can be concluded that button mushrooms, while not explicitly mentioned in Islamic texts, are permissible to consume and are in alignment with the principles of halal and Sunnah. Furthermore, their nutritional benefits, particularly for eye health, make them a valuable addition to a healthy Islamic lifestyle.
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Muslims are allowed to eat most popular mushrooms
According to Islamic beliefs, all types of plants and vegetation are lawful (halal) to consume unless they contain alcohol, intoxicants, or other harmful ingredients. Mushrooms, being neither plants nor animals, have their own kingdom, and are generally permissible to eat. This is supported by a hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Mushrooms are a bestowed favour, and its water is a cure for the eyes."
Islamic scholars and sources further emphasize that consuming mushrooms is not only halal but also a food liked by the Prophet. Eating button mushrooms, or white mushrooms, is considered sunnah. However, it is important to avoid mushrooms that grow in unclean places, such as near sewage or a graveyard, as these may not be considered halal.
In summary, while most popular mushrooms are halal for Muslims to consume, it is essential to exercise caution when foraging for wild mushrooms and to avoid any that are known to be poisonous or grow in unclean environments.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most edible, non-toxic mushrooms are halal. However, magic mushrooms are not halal as they are hallucinogens.
Yes, magic mushrooms are not halal. They are classed as haram because they are hallucinogens and intoxicants.
Yes, eating button mushrooms, or white mushrooms, is considered sunnah and is believed to be good for the eyes. Porcini mushrooms are also halal and are considered a delicacy.
Yes, some wild mushrooms are poisonous and can be dangerous if consumed. It is important to exercise caution and avoid consuming unknown wild mushrooms.
