Q: Is it permitted to use bone meal as a compost when planting trees etc.? Bone meal is made from dry crushed or powdered animal bones. It could be any animal. When planting, it is thrown on the roots with manure and then covered. It could be sprinkled on the plant as well.
A: Since bone meal consists of pieces of bone with meat, it will be permissible for one to purchase it in the case where it is from animals that were slaughtered according to the Shar’ee method of slaughter. If it is from animals that were not slaughtered according to the Shar’ee method of slaughter, it will not be permissible as the meat will be regarded as carrion. It is not permissible for a believer to purchase carrion. However, if the meat content is less than the pieces of bone, and mixed in a way that it is inseparable from it, it will be permissible to purchase it for compost.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)