Using Nutmeg in Food

Question: What is the ruling on putting nutmeg in food? Is it permissible

Summary:

The stronger view is that nutmeg is prohibited, because it contains a narcotic substance that corrupts the mind. The texts indicate the prohibition of everything that intoxicates or causes dullness, due to the statement of the Prophet ﷺ: “Every intoxicant is prohibited,” and his statement: “Whatever intoxicates in large amounts, a small amount of it is prohibited.” Even though some scholars said that a small amount mixed with other substances is permissible, it is more precautionary to avoid it, in order to block the means and avoid doubtful matters.

Answer:

In the name of Allah, all praise is due to Allah, and may Peace and Blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).

The scholars differed regarding the ruling on nutmeg into two opinions:

1 – The view of the majority (from the Mālikīs, Shāfiʿīs, and Ḥanbalīs):

Its prohibition in both small and large amounts, because it is intoxicating or causes dullness, thus entering under the general texts.

Another view:

2 – The permissibility of a small amount of it if it is mixed with other substances and does not have an effect, and the prohibition of a large amount.

Ibn Ḥajar al-Haytamī reported from Ibn Daqīq al-ʿĪd that it is intoxicating, and that the imams likened it to wine because it affects the mind.

From the Sunnah:

  • (Reported by Muslim)The Prophet said ﷺ:
    “Every intoxicant is wine, and every wine is unlawful.” • His statement ﷺ: “Whatever intoxicates in large amounts, a small amount of it is unlawful.” (Reported by Aḥmad and Abū Dāwūd) • What is established from the Prophet ﷺ: “He forbade every intoxicant and every substance that causes dullness.” (Authentic hadith)

    Nutmeg has the property of causing dullness and numbing, so it is included in these narrations. Third: The Reasoning (Cause of Prohibition) The cause: corruption of the mind, either by intoxication or dullness. Everything that corrupts the mind is prohibited, because the legislation came to preserve intellects.

From the Sunnah:

  • Bukhari and MuslimHe ﷺ said:
    “Whoever avoids doubtful matters has cleared his religion and his honor.”

    So with the presence of disagreement, and it being a narcotic: The safer approach is to leave it completely, even if it is a small amount or mixed. The stronger view: the prohibition of nutmeg in both small and large amounts; Because it falls under the general texts: • “Every intoxicant is unlawful” • “Whatever intoxicates in large amounts, a small amount of it is unlawful” • And because it is a narcotic that corrupts the mind. • And the safer and more cautious approach for one’s religion is to avoid it completely and stay away from doubtful matters.

And Allah knows best.

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