What Has Been Related About Eating Locust — Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1822

Overview & Central Theme

This hadith, recorded by Imam at-Tirmidhi in "The Book on Food" (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1822), narrates the testimony of Ibn Abi Awfa (may Allah be pleased with him) that he participated in seven military expeditions alongside the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and that they consumed locusts during these campaigns. The central theme is the permissibility (ibahah) of eating locusts without requiring ritual slaughter (dhabihah), affirming that locusts are lawful food for the Muslim community. It also subtly illustrates the simplicity and resourcefulness of the Prophet's companions in the field, demonstrating that Islam does not impose undue hardship in matters of sustenance, while simultaneously highlighting the blessing of provision from Allah even in challenging circumstances.

Context & Linguistic Insights

The hadith is a direct companion narration (sahabi) from Abdullah ibn Abi Awfa (may Allah be pleased with him), a distinguished companion who participated in several expeditions including the conquest of Mecca and the campaign of Khaybar. The Arabic term used is "الجراد" (al-jarad), meaning locusts, which are a type of grasshopper. The Prophet (ﷺ) explicitly permitted the consumption of locusts, as recorded in other narrations, and this permission is understood to be unconditional—locusts do not require slaughtering in the name of Allah, unlike other animals. The phrase "we ate locust" (فأكلنا الجراد) indicates direct consumption without any prescribed ritual, and classical scholars have noted that locusts are considered "game" (said) that one may eat without formal slaughter. The context of military expeditions (ghazawat) underscores that this was a practical necessity and a normal part of their diet, not an exceptional or forbidden act. Linguistically, the hadith also reflects the Bedouin familiarity with locusts as a food source, which was common in the Arabian Peninsula.

Key Scholarly Insights & Legal Benefits

• Jurisprudential ruling: Locusts are lawful to eat without ritual slaughter, as they are explicitly exempted from the requirement of dhabihah. This is a consensus (ijma') among the majority of scholars, based on this hadith and the explicit saying of the Prophet (ﷺ): "Two dead things have been made lawful for us: fish and locusts" (Sunan Ibn Majah).
• Ethical principle: The hadith teaches the virtue of contentment (qana'ah) and gratitude for whatever provision Allah provides, even in times of scarcity or travel. The companions did not disdain this simple food but accepted it with gratitude, reflecting the Prophetic guidance to eat from lawful sustenance without extravagance.
• Practical benefit: The narration demonstrates that Islam accommodates the circumstances of its followers, allowing flexibility in dietary laws while maintaining the core principles of halal and haram. It also highlights the importance of preserving the Sunnah through precise transmission, as seen in the multiple chains of narration reported by Shu'bah and Abu Ya'fur.

"Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (may Allah have mercy on him) said in Fath al-Bari: 'Locusts are lawful without slaughter, and there is no disagreement among the scholars regarding their permissibility. This is because the Prophet (ﷺ) explicitly permitted them, and they are not considered carrion in the same category as other dead animals.'"

Daily Life & Spiritual Application

In our daily lives, this hadith encourages us to adopt a spirit of simplicity and gratitude for the provision Allah grants us, whether in times of abundance or scarcity. It reminds us that Islam is a religion of ease (yusr) and not hardship ('usr), and that we should not overcomplicate matters of permissible food. When traveling, during emergencies, or in situations where conventional food is unavailable, we can take comfort in the broad scope of Allah's mercy, which permits lawful alternatives. Spiritually, the hadith calls us to reflect on the blessings of nature—such as locusts, which are a source of protein and sustenance—and to recognize that Allah provides for His creation in diverse ways. Moreover, it inspires us to emulate the companions' unwavering trust in Allah and their ability to adapt to any circumstance with patience and gratitude, transforming even the simplest meals into acts of worship through the remembrance of Allah and the intention to strengthen ourselves for obedience to Him.