The International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) has issued a groundbreaking religious ruling allowing Muslims to consume lab-grown meat, potentially opening this emerging food technology to approximately two billion people worldwide.

The Ruling Authority

The IIFA, which operates under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, represents one of Islam’s most authoritative legal bodies. Comprising Muslim legal scholars, academics, and experts from various disciplines, the Academy provides guidance on how Islamic principles apply to modern developments in science, technology, medicine, and economics.

Conference Details

During the 26th IIFA Conference held in Doha in early May 2025, 230 experts from more than 60 nations gathered to discuss contemporary issues including artificial intelligence, video games, genetically modified foods, and cultivated meat production.

Requirements for Halal Cultivated Meat

The Academy established several mandatory criteria that must be satisfied before Muslims can consume cultivated meat products:

Source Material Requirements

• The initial cells must originate from animals that are permissible for consumption under Islamic law
• These animals must be slaughtered according to Islamic religious requirements
• Pork-derived products remain strictly forbidden

Production Process Standards

• The cellular cultivation must occur in a medium completely free from prohibited substances, particularly blood products
• Fetal bovine serum, which comes from unborn calf blood, cannot be used in the production process
• Manufacturing must take place under reliable regulatory oversight

Additional Stipulations

• Complete transparency regarding ingredients and production methods must be provided to consumers
• Products must meet established food safety standards
• Cultivated meat should serve as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, traditional meat sources

Broader Food Technology Approval

Beyond cultivated meat, the IIFA also sanctioned the consumption of genetically modified foods, provided they:

• Come from animals permissible under Islamic law
• Are processed safely
• Comply with Sharia law requirements
• Include full disclosure of relevant information about the foods and their preparation methods

Growing Religious Acceptance

This ruling represents the third significant Islamic legal opinion supporting cultivated meat consumption. Previous endorsements include:

• The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore’s 2024 fatwa recognizing these proteins as halal
• The Korean Muslim Federation’s similar decision earlier in 2025
• Support from three prominent Saudi Arabian Shariah scholars in 2023, who confirmed to Good Meat that cultivated chicken could be considered halal
• The Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America’s 2022 ruling deeming it provisionally permissible when halal criteria are followed

Market Implications

The global halal meat market is projected to experience 7% annual growth, reaching $1.6 trillion by 2032. Industry recognition of this opportunity is evident, with 87% of cultivated meat companies in a 2023 survey identifying halal compliance as a priority.

However, companies have faced challenges due to limited resources explaining how to achieve religious certification compliance.

Industry Response

The Good Food Institute APAC, an alternative protein advocacy organization, characterized the decision as a significant advancement in harmonizing food innovation with cultural and religious values. The ruling provides clarity for Asia-Pacific companies developing these products and may encourage similar approvals from Muslim organizations in other countries.

Understanding Fatwas

A fatwa represents a non-binding legal opinion based on Islamic law (Sharia) that serves as important guidance for Muslims on matters not explicitly addressed in the Quran. While not legally enforceable, fatwas carry significant influence in Muslim communities worldwide.

Original Article:

Green Queen. (2025, July 14). Lab-grown meat & Islam: Can Muslims eat it? Halal scholars issue ruling. https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/lab-grown-cultivated-meat-islam-can-muslims-eat-halal-ruling/