I was thinking of starting a business that would not only be a source of income for me, but would also be beneficial to the society. I came across “Worm Composting” and “Bokashi”, two different methods of quickly turning garbage into compost (fertilizer).
The following website has details on worm composting:
http://compost.css.cornell.edu/worms/basics.html
On Bokashi:
http://bokashicomposting.com/
Some of the microorganisms used to carry out Bokashi (microorganisms other than those listed here might also be used):
http://www.emrojapan.com/about-em/microorganisms-in-em.html
The problem is: I have read that it is not permissible to “deliberately” provide haram food to animals, and obviously, garbage does contain haram items. In both the methods described above, we deliberately add worms or microorganisms to the pile of garbage. The worms/microorganisms use the garbage as food. The worms consume the garbage, and their excrement is used as fertiliser. In Bokashi, the process of fermentation is used by the microorganisms to derive energy from garbage. I am not sure if this is the only process that occurs during Bokashi; for example, putrefaction (rotting) might occur in certain conditions.
Please let me know whether each of these methods is permissible or not. Since I intend to start a business, I would appreciate (inshaAllah) if you could give me a clear ruling so that I do not fall into any confusion.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
You state that the garbage has Haram items which will be consumed by the worms. In order for us to advise you, explain to us what Haram items are in the garbage.
We have researched the method of composting. As far as we have learnt, the main garbage items used in composting are leaves, plant trimmings, fruit and vegetable scraps, straw and twigs etc[1].
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Arshad Ali
Student Darul Iftaa
Trinidad
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.