The Scientific Nature and Shariah Status of Cultured Meat: An Analytical Study

مصنوعی گوشت کی سائنسی ماہیت اور شرعی حیثیت: تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Abstract

This study explores the scientific foundation and Shariah status of cultured (artificial) meat, a modern biotechnological innovation developed through animal cell cultivation without conventional slaughter. As a sustainable alternative to traditional livestock production, cultured meat promises to address global challenges such as food insecurity, environmental degradation, and ethical concerns over animal welfare. However, its emergence raises complex jurisprudential questions in Islamic law regarding purity (Ṭahārah), ritual slaughter (Tazkiyah), and transformation (Istihālah). This paper critically analyzes these principles in relation to the sources and processes used in cultured meat production. Findings indicate that the permissibility of cultured meat under Shariah is conditional: it is Halal only if the initial stem cells are derived from a Halal-slaughtered animal and cultivated in a pure, permissible growth medium free from impure or forbidden substances like serum or blood derivatives. Conversely, if the stem cells originate from a living animal or a Haram source, or if impure substances are used in the culture medium, the product remains impermissible. The research synthesizes opinions from contemporary jurists and bioethicists, revealing a growing trend toward conditional permissibility and emphasizing the necessity of establishing a transparent Halal certification framework for lab-grown meat. This interdisciplinary analysis contributes to the ongoing dialogue between Islamic jurisprudence, food technology, and ethical consumerism in the modern world.