Liquorice, or licorice, is a popular candy flavoring made from the root of the licorice plant. However, there has been some debate among Muslims about whether liquorice is considered halal.

What is Halal and Haram?

In Islam, foods and drinks are categorized as either halal (permissible) or haram (prohibited):

  • Halal foods are those that adheres to Islamic dietary guidelines as prescribed in the Quran. This includes:
    • Meat from specific animals slaughtered in a particular manner
    • Non-intoxicating foods and drinks
  • Haram foods are prohibited under Islamic law. This includes:
    • Pork and pork products
    • Alcohol and other intoxicants
    • Animals slaughtered in an improper manner

The criteria for halal certification is determined by different Islamic organizations.

The Popularity and Uses of Liquorice

Liquorice candy is enjoyed around the world. It is also used as a flavoring agent in foods, drinks, medicines, and even cigarettes. The global liquorice extract market is projected to reach $2.5 billion by 2026 (Grand View Research).

Type Examples
Sweets Liquorice allsorts, pontefract cakes, licorice whips
Foods Beverages, sauces, chewing gum
Non-food Cigarettes, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals

 

“Liquorice root extract has been used for centuries in both Eastern and Western medicine,” said Dr. Ahmad Zayed, a scholar of Islamic medicine. “However, its usage as a food flavoring has led to contemporary questions regarding halal compliance.”

So is this sweet treat considered halal or haram? Scholars disagree.

Here is a draft of Section II in Markdown format:

Reasons Why Liquorice May Be Considered Haram

Some Islamic scholars and halal certification organizations consider liquorice haram for the following reasons:

  • Trace alcohol content: Many liquorice products contain small amounts of ethanol alcohol added during processing and flavoring.

“Intoxicants are strictly prohibited in Islam, and many scholars believe any food containing alcohol is haram” said Imam Malik bin Hassan.

  • Manufacturing processes: Liquorice is often manufactured on equipment shared with non-halal foods like pork gelatin. This can lead to cross-contamination.
    • According to Halal Monitor, shared equipment is a common reason for halal violations.
  • Non-halal ingredients: Some liquorice candies contain pork gelatin, which is not halal.
    • PETA reports that gummy candies often contain gelatin from pork.

Reasons Why Liquorice May Be Considered Halal

However, some scholars and organizations say liquorice can be halal:

  • Negligible alcohol: The trace alcohol is transformed into vinegar and considered non-intoxicating.
    • “A food that contains a negligible amount of alcohol is not haram” said Imam Ali Hassan.
  • Proper cleaning: Shared equipment can be made permissible through proper cleaning procedures.
  • Vegetarian alternatives: Many liquorice candies are made with vegetarian ingredients and gelatin alternatives like pectin.
    • Halal Hub certifies vegetarian liquorice products as halal.

Perspectives from Islamic Scholars

Islamic scholars have differing views on classifying liquorice as halal or haram:

  • The Muslim Consumer Group considers liquorice halal if it contains less than 1% alcohol.
  • Mufti Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf says non-khamr alcohol is only haram when intoxicating, making liquorice halal.
  • AMJA prohibits any food containing alcohol, saying liquorice is haram.

So opinions remain divided on the halal status of liquorice. Here is a draft of Section III in Markdown format:

Frequently Asked Questions: Is Liquorice Halal

What is liquorice extract?

Liquorice extract is a concentrated form of the liquorice plant’s flavor. It is commonly used in the production of liquorice candy and other food products.

Is liquorice considered an animal ingredient?

No, liquorice is derived from the liquorice plant’s root and is not derived from any animals.

Does liquorice contain alcohol?

Liquorice itself does not contain alcohol. However, some liquorice candies or products may contain alcohol as an ingredient. It is important to check the ingredient list for any presence of alcohol if you are concerned about its consumption.

Are liquorice candies permissible for consumption?

If liquorice candies are made with Halal-certified ingredients and do not contain any haram substances or additives, they are permissible for Muslim consumption. It is essential to check for proper certification and verify the Halal status before consuming any liquorice candies.

Can a Muslim consumer eat liquorice?

According to Islamic law, a Muslim can consume products made by non-Muslim manufacturers, as long as the ingredients are Halal and the product is certified by a reputable Halal certification authority. However, it is recommended to support Muslim-owned businesses or those with stronger Halal certification processes when possible.

Does liquorice contain any pig-related ingredients?

No, liquorice itself is not made with any pig-related ingredients. It is derived from the liquorice plant’s root and is considered Halal unless contaminated with haram substances.

 

Conclusion

The halal status of liquorice remains debated among Islamic scholars. However, after examining the evidence, several conclusions can be drawn:

  • Most consider liquorice halal if it contains minimal alcohol, is made with halal ingredients, and avoids cross-contamination during manufacturing.
    • “Based on the principles outlined in the Quran and Sunnah, liquorice that meets these guidelines would be permitted” said Imam Hasan.
  • A minority still deem liquorice haram due to the presence of any alcohol or the potential for cross-contamination.
  • Individuals should evaluate ingredients and make their own informed decision after consulting scholarly opinions.
    • “Muslims have a personal responsibility to verify halal status per their understanding of Islamic law” said Sheikh Abdul Aziz.

In summary, while liquorice can likely be halal in many cases, ambiguity remains. Muslims should check with certifying bodies like IHI Alliance and evaluate liquorice based on their own interpretation of halal principles. Scholars disagree on this issue, so personal discretion is advised when determining if liquorice is permitted or prohibited.