The locust is an edible insect, sold in health food stores, particularly the paprika cricket. Ibn al-Qayyim cites a hadith from a companion of the Prophet ﷺ: "We went on seven expeditions with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in which we ate locusts." And as Ibn al-Qayyim says, eating grilled fatty locusts is useful for relieving scorpion stings, and they are not harmful. They are also very effective against epilepsy and bad moods. This insect, found in abundance in Africa, is full of protein and minerals such as calcium and iron when dried. The locust is also a good source of omega-6, so children suffering from memory problems can consume it.
Furthermore, for the loss of male energy during marital relations, the locust can provide as much protein as meat. To correct vitamin deficiencies, locust is one of the best natural supplements. Locusts also contain vitamins B1, B2, and B3.
The hadiths and the ruling
Ibn Abi Awfa relates: "We went with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ on seven expeditions (one version says six) during which we ate locusts" (al-Bukhari 5495, Muslim 1952). This is the hadith cited by the professor, following Ibn al-Qayyim. A second hadith sets the ruling: "Two dead animals and two bloods have been made lawful for us: the two dead animals are fish and locust, and the two bloods are liver and spleen" (Ibn Majah, Ahmad; authenticated by al-Albani). The locust may therefore be eaten without being slaughtered, whether caught alive or found dead, which is the view of the four schools, with a nuance among the Malikis who prefer it to be killed by human hand (grilled, boiled). The scholars also specify that it is not "meat" in the sense of the rulings on ablution or the days of sacrifice: it is a food apart, like fish. Ibn al-Qayyim adds that Umar used to say he wished for "a basket of locusts to eat," and relates a weak hadith according to which Aisha was served some.
What it contains, measured
| Per 100 g | Dried locust / grasshopper | Cooked lean beef | What this means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 50 to 70 g, all the essential amino acids | 26 to 30 g | Twice as concentrated as meat, as the professor notes |
| Fat | 10 to 20 g, rich in unsaturated fatty acids including omega-6 and a little omega-3 | 5 to 10 g | The omega-6 the professor mentions; a good unsaturated-to-saturated ratio |
| Iron | 8 to 20 mg | 2 to 3 mg | A real benefit against anemia; absorption somewhat lower than the iron in meat |
| Zinc, calcium, magnesium | High (the calcium comes from the exoskeleton) | High zinc, low calcium | A natural mineral supplement |
| Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B12 | Present, B12 variable | Present | The B vitamins the professor mentions |
| Fiber (chitin) | 5 to 10 g | 0 | Specific to insects; feeds the gut flora, but can hinder digestion in excess |
- A systematic review of 98 studies on 212 insect species consumed in Africa confirms their richness in protein, unsaturated fats, iron, zinc, and calcium, with strong variation depending on species and preparation (Nutrients, 2020).
- A compilation of 236 nutritional analyses of edible insects concludes that many provide protein, amino acids, and minerals in satisfactory amounts, and discusses the risks (allergies, contaminants) (Mol Nutr Food Res, 2013).
- The European Food Safety Authority judged frozen, dried, and ground preparations of migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) safe as a novel food, while flagging the risk of cross-allergy (EFSA J, 2021). Locust has been legally sold in Europe ever since.
What belongs to tradition, and what holds up
Ibn al-Qayyim, citing the physicians of his time, says that a fatty grilled locust relieves scorpion stings and helps against epilepsy and "bad humors": this is reported as a testimony of ancient medicine, without modern evidence, and a scorpion sting is treated in the emergency room. On the other hand, what the professor draws from it for today holds up: a food very rich in protein and iron, useful for the growing child (memory depends first on iron and fatty acids), for the athlete, for the tired man, and as a supplement in deficiencies. It is not a medicine, it is dense nourishment, the kind the companions found in the desert.
Where to find it, how to eat it
- Dried or powdered: farmed migratory locust is sold in Europe (health food stores, online), plain or seasoned, often under the name "paprika locust" that the professor cites; the powder blends into a soup, bread, or smoothie.
- Fresh: in the Maghreb and the Sahel, in season, it is boiled in salted water then grilled or dried; wings and legs removed before eating, as in the permitted preparations.
- Amount: a handful (20 to 30 g dried) provides 15 g of protein; it is a snack or a side to a meal, not a meal in itself.
- The religious ruling: one names Allah, as with any food; no slaughter is needed; one does not eat a locust found dead of unknown cause, as a health precaution, which the Maliki nuance also reflects.
Contraindications and precautions
Allergy: insect proteins resemble those of shellfish and dust mites; anyone allergic to shrimp or crab should abstain, the cross-reaction is documented (Curr Allergy Asthma Rep, 2021). Insects should not be introduced to a young child without advice if the family has allergies. Origin: wild locusts may have been exposed to field pesticides; farmed or a known source is preferable, and they should always be cooked. Chitin in large amounts causes bloating. Finally, this is not a food to force down: whoever finds it distasteful is not obligated to eat it, the Prophet ﷺ himself would leave aside what he did not like.
Frequently asked questions
Is it permissible to eat locusts in Islam?
Yes, without slaughter: "two dead animals have been made lawful for us, fish and locust" (Ibn Majah), and the companions ate them with the Prophet ﷺ (Bukhari, Muslim). The farmed locusts sold in Europe are covered by this ruling.
Must a locust be slaughtered?
No, it is lawful even found dead, like fish. The Malikis prefer it to be killed by human hand, by boiling or grilling it; for hygiene reasons, this is how it is prepared anyway.
What are the benefits of locusts?
A concentrate of protein (twice that of meat), iron, zinc, calcium, and B vitamins. A good supplement for children, athletes, and iron deficiencies. The benefits against scorpion stings or epilepsy cited by the ancients are not scientifically proven.
Where can edible locusts be bought?
At health food stores or online, as dried migratory locusts, whole or powdered, authorized in Europe since 2021. In the Maghreb and the Sahel, fresh in season.
Is there a danger?
Allergy: anyone who reacts to shrimp often reacts to insects as well. And origin: wild locusts from treated fields should be avoided. Cooked, farmed, in reasonable amounts, they are a safe food.
