Cultivated Meat Deemed Permissible for Muslims, with Conditions
A leading Islamic legal body has ruled that Muslims may consume cultivated meat if it meets specific Sharia-based requirements.
Ruling Made at Islamic Legal Conference
At its 26th conference held in Doha in May 2025, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) issued a fatwa—a non-binding legal opinion—stating that cultivated meat is permissible (halal) for Muslims, provided it adheres to several conditions.
The IIFA operates under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and includes scholars from over 60 countries who provide religious guidance on modern scientific and ethical issues.
Key Conditions for Permissibility
For cultivated meat to be considered halal, the following criteria must be met:
Animal Source: Cells must be taken from animals that are lawful (halal) to eat and must be slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law.
Growth Medium: Culturing must not involve prohibited substances such as blood or fetal bovine serum.
Oversight: Production must follow trusted regulatory standards and food safety protocols.
Transparency: Consumers must be clearly informed about how the product is made.
Other Topics Addressed
The same conference also reviewed issues including artificial intelligence, video games, and genetically modified food. Genetically modified foods were similarly approved under conditions that align with Sharia law.
Related Fatwas and Industry Response
This is the third fatwa in favor of cultivated meat. Previous rulings came from:
Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (2024)
Korean Muslim Federation (2025)
Saudi Shariah scholars and Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (2022–2023)
A 2023 survey found that 87% of cultivated meat companies prioritized halal compliance, though many cited limited guidance as a barrier.
Broader Implications
The ruling offers formal criteria for producers seeking halal certification and provides direction for regulators and religious authorities in countries with Muslim populations. The global halal meat market is projected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2032.
Source: https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/lab-grown-cultivated-meat-islam-can-muslims-eat-halal-ruling/