Is Honey Halal?

The short answer

Honey is halal, and the schools of Islamic law do not disagree about it. The Qur'an even singles it out as a source of healing.

What does the Qur'an say about honey?

A whole chapter of the Qur'an is named An-Nahl, which means "The Bee." Verse 69 of that chapter describes honey coming from the bee and says that in it "there is healing for people." Honey is one of the few foods the Qur'an praises by name. That is part of why no one disputes that it is permissible.

Isn't honey "bee vomit"?

Many people ask this today. Scholars and scientists describe honey as a natural substance made in a special stomach that bees use to carry nectar. It is not waste or vomit in any impure sense. In Islam, honey is a pure and wholesome food.

Is there anything to watch for with honey?

The honey itself is always halal. The only caution is with flavored or processed honey products that add other ingredients. Check those for anything haram, such as a flavoring made with alcohol. Pure, raw or regular honey is simply halal.

Common questions

Is honey halal in Islam?

Yes. All four Sunni schools and the major Shia scholars agree that it is halal.

Is honey mentioned in the Qur'an?

Yes. Surah An-Nahl, verse 16:69, says that honey contains healing for people.

Is honey impure because it is "bee vomit"?

No. Scholars describe honey as a pure natural substance, not something impure.

Is honey from any country halal?

Yes. Pure honey is halal wherever it comes from. Only check flavored honey products for added ingredients.