IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Bangsamoro Darul Ifta, the highest Islamic advisory body in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), has issued a religious ruling (fatwa) declaring coffee made from beans extracted from animal dung as haram or forbidden for Muslims.
In a statement released this week through its official social media pages, the Darul Ifta said coffee sourced from beans that have passed through an animal’s digestive tract – such as civet or “luwak” coffee – is prohibited because the beans directly come into contact with impurity (najasah).
Despite modern processes that wash, sanitize, or roast the beans, the Darul Ifta said the impurity “does not go away,” and therefore the final product remains religiously unacceptable for consumption.
The advisory emphasized that the ruling was issued after “thorough research,” including a review of classical Islamic jurisprudence and contemporary scientific insights on how the beans are processed.
Aligned with global Islamic bodies
According to the Darul Ifta, its ruling aligns with the positions of major Islamic institutions in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the Islamic Fiqh Council of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which earlier ruled that products sourced from animal excrement fall under prohibited categories.
The office said the fatwa is meant to provide clear guidance for Muslims in the region amid the rising popularity of specialty coffees produced through animal digestion.
Diverging global views
While the BARMM’s Darul Ifta took a strict position, some Islamic scholars abroad have issued more flexible rulings. Scholars in Malaysia and the United Kingdom have said civet coffee may be permissible if the beans retain their original form and are thoroughly cleaned.
However, the Bangsamoro advisory maintains that the level of impurity involved cannot be religiously purified, making the product off-limits for Muslims in BARMM.
The Darul Ifta has yet to release a full written document of the fatwa, but said those who wish to access the complete text may contact their office.
What is civet coffee?
Civet coffee, known globally as kopi luwak, is made from coffee beans eaten and excreted by civet cats. Farmers collect the beans from the animal’s droppings, wash them, and roast them. The process supposedly enhances flavor and aroma, making it one of the world’s most expensive coffees.
Why is it controversial in Islam?
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The beans come into direct contact with impurity (najasah) inside the animal’s intestines.
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Some Islamic scholars say washing and roasting do not remove the impurity.
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Others argue it can be permissible if the beans retain their original structure and are cleaned thoroughly.
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The Bangsamoro Darul Ifta has taken the strict position: the impurity remains, making the product haram.
Muslims in the region are advised not to consume any coffee derived from animal excrement — including civet, bat, or other dung-fermented varieties.
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