Question:
Assalamualaikum wbt,
What is the ruling of eating wasp larvae from their hive?
Answer:
Waalaikumussalam wrt. wbt.
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the many countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
In madhhab Syafie, it is prohibited to eat larvae if eating it is avoidable. Examples of cases where it is forgiven are insect larvae in cheese, cider and fruits. Although it is forgiven, this is only if they are eaten together with the permissible food and not when eaten separately. For example, larvae in cheese, cider and fruits. However, if the larvae and fruit, for example, is separated, then it is prohibited to be eaten. Refer Al-Majmu’ Syarh al-Muhazzab (9/15)
Syeikh Muhammad Arsayd al-Banjari said:
“The scholars have stated that every insect larva, even if it is pure when it was alive, it is prohibited to be eaten.” Refer Sabil al-Muhtadin (1/38)
In our opinion, if the larvae are eaten together with the honey in their hive, then it is permissible. The reason is, the honey is analogically deduced with fruit, cheese and cider for the larvae came together with the honey. Consequently, if the larvae are intentionally separated from the wasp hive and eaten separately, then it is prohibited. The reason is, scholars categorized all insects and the likes of it as mustakhbitsah (disgusting) and are not generally eaten by people. Allah SWT state:
وَيُحِلُّ لَهُمُ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَيُحَرِّمُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْخَبَائِثَ
“And makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil,”
Surah al-A’raf (157)
It is also prohibited to eat the larvae even if it is eaten with the honey if it is poisonous or harmful for the body. Allah SWT state:
وَأَنفِقُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَلَا تُلْقُوا بِأَيْدِيكُمْ إِلَى التَّهْلُكَةِ ۛ
“And do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining].”
Surah al-Baqarah (195)
The Prophet PBUH said:
لَا ضَرَرَ وَلَا ضِرَارَ
"There is no injury nor return of injury."
Hadith narrated by Imam Ibn Majah (2340) in al-Sunan
As a conclusion, one should ensure the harmful effects and the benefits of eating wasp larvae before eating them.
Wallahua’lam.