Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Dear sir

As Salam-u-alaikum

 
Kindly let me know about asafetida, what is the status of this herbal extract in Islam

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Answer:

Herb asafetida

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

The herb Asafoetida or what is generally known as ‘hing’ in the Indian sub-continent is derived from the yellow flowers of this herbaceous perennial plant. The herb Asafoetida or ‘hing’ has a foul smell when raw, but in cooked dishes it delivers a smooth and distinct flavor, and is also used as a digestive aid.

The herb ‘Asafoetida’ or ‘hing’ is from the vegetation kingdom, and as with all produce of the vegetation kingdom, it is absolutely ‘halaal’ and lawful for the believers to consume as food.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan