Ashwagandha is mentioned in ancient texts about 6000 years ago. Ashwagandha helps in increasing physical and mental strength and helps in dealing with stress. As this herb has so many properties, our Muslim brothers and sisters want to know whether ashwagandha is halal or not.
Introduction to Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a herb. When the leaves of this plant are boiled, it smells like horse urine, so it is called Ashwagandha. The scientific name of this leaf is ‘Withania somnifera (L) Dunal’. In Ayurveda it is called Balda and Bazikari. or winter cherry. Although its leaves are commonly used medicinally in Ayurvedic medicine, there is not enough medical data to support its safe and effective use as a medicine for any disease.
Details
Ashwagandha root, leaves, flowers, fruits, bark, stems are all used medicinally. Growing to 35–75 cm (14–30 in), the tree is usually two to two and a half cubits high and branched. It produces small pea-like fruits. Flowers are small, green and bell shaped. The fruit is slightly red like an orange when ripe.
Cultivation
Ashwagandha is cultivated in many parts of the dry regions of India. It is found in Nepal, China and Yemen. It grows best in dry rocky soil in sun and partial shade. Its production is best during spring.
Is ashwagandha Halal?
Yes, Ashwagandha is Halal. Because it is a forest herb. By this it is possible to get cure of various diseases. Among the forest plants which do not harm the human body but are fundamentally beneficial are those which are Islamic Halal.
Whether it is used as medicine or in any other way Muslims can benefit from it. Because all types of forest plants are halal. Only if a plant is explicitly called haram in the Qur’an and Hadith then it is haram. Besides, every type of plant is halal.
Evidence
In Islam, only Allah has the authority to decide what is halal and haram. he said
Allah Ta’ala says, Do not slander Allah with lies that usually come out of your mouths, saying that this is halal and that is haraam. Indeed, those who invent a lie against Allah will not fare well. (Surah Nahl: 116)
Allah Ta’ala says, Forbidden to you are carrion, blood, pork, animals sacrificed in the name of other than Allah, those killed by strangulation, those killed by blows, those killed by falls from high places, those killed by horns, and those who Wild beasts have eaten, but whom you have sacrificed.
The animal that is sacrificed on the sacrificial altar and that is distributed by the fortune-determiner Sara. These are crimes. Today the disbelievers have become disillusioned with your religion. So do not fear them but fear me. Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed my contribution to you and chosen Islam as your religion. Therefore, the person who suffers from intense hunger; But if there is no inclination towards sin, surely Allah is Forgiving. (Surah al-Maida: 3)
Allah Ta’ala says, He has forbidden to you dead animals, blood, pork and animals sacrificed in the name of anyone other than Allah. Of course, there is no sin for a person who becomes independent and does not disobey and transgress. Indeed, Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah Baqarah: 173)
Quranic verses on fruits, vegetables and herbs
Then eat of every kind of fruit and walk in the open paths of your Lord. Various colors of drink emanate from his stomach. It contains cures for people. Surely there are signs in it for the people who think. (Surah Nahl: 69)
He spread the earth for you and made paths for you, sent down rain from the sky, and thereby We produced various kinds of plants. (Surah Tawa-ha: 53)
In another verse Allah says, Eat and graze your livestock. Surely there are signs in it for the wise. (Surah Tawa-ha: 54)
These verses have basically declared as halal the forest plants and foliage which we know by different names like vegetables etc.
Benefits of Ashwagandha
- Ashwagandha works very well in sperm production. The juice of this plant also helps to increase energy.
- Consume Ashwagandha powder for good sleep.
- It can relieve the problem of cold and cough.
- It is especially useful in relieving eye pain.
- Ashwagandha is very useful to get rid of digestive problems. Ashwagandha fruit is very beneficial for the liver along with curing flatulence and abdominal pain. However, raw ashwagandha powder or powder can cause digestive disturbances.
- Ashwagandha contains anxiolytic properties that help reduce stress.
- Ashwagandha can increase the amount of testosterone and progesterone in the body. Ashwagandha has been used since ancient times to cure male sexual problems.
- Ashwagandha has anti-oxidant properties which help in boosting the immunity of the body.
- Ashwagandha is used to eliminate this problem of hypothyroid people, i.e. those whose body has low amount of thyroid hormone. Ashwagandha increases the amount of thyroxine hormone in the body.
- Ashwagandha powder is very useful in reducing the intensity of arthritis pain. Ashwagandha is used in Ayurveda to treat arthritis.
Ways to use ashwagandha in a halal way
The roots, leaves and orange-red fruits of the Ashwagandha plant have been used medicinally in Indian Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times to treat various ailments. You can use Ashwagandha in a halal way to boost vitality, endurance, stamina, longevity and strengthen the immune system without stimulating the body.
The main condition for using Ashwagandha in a halal way is that no haram ingredients can be mixed with it. Especially while preparing ashwagandha powder or tablets or any other food it should be kept in play so that alcohol or anything haram is not mixed with it.
Ashwagandha is beneficial for various ailments ranging from male infertility to chronic vaginal disorders. This herb makes the most powerful aphrodisiac tonic in the entire plant kingdom. No tonic has been found to act simultaneously as anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-anxiety, sedative and aphrodisiac.
Currently, the roots, leaves, seeds and even fruits of Ashwagandha plant are used commercially in India and some other countries of the world as active ingredients of various medicines and are also used to cure various diseases. So ultimately keeping it halal intact is a big challenge.
FAQs
Ashwagandha itself is halal?
Ashwagandha is a plant-based herb, and as such, it is generally considered halal. Herbs themselves are not inherently forbidden in Islam.
Is ashwagandha processing halal?
Ashwagandha products are no longer halal if the processing methods used to make them violate Islamic dietary laws in any way. So it must be ensured that no haram substance is used during processing.
Are Ashwagandha supplements halal?
Taking Ashwagandha supplements is halal, as long as no haram ingredients are added to it. Checking product ingredients and manufacturing practices is essential to ensure compliance with Islamic dietary laws.
Have any concerns about Ashwagandha and Halal status?
A potential concern is if ashwagandha supplements contain gelatin capsules, which may be derived from haram sources such as pork. If this is a concern, it is recommended to look for halal-certified capsules.
Can Ashwagandha be used for medicinal purposes in Islam?
Yes, using ashwagandha for medicinal purposes is halal in Islam, but it does not involve consuming haram substances or violating Islamic principles.
