Saffron in The Quran

Quran mentions a variety of foods, plants, and natural phenomena. By mentioning the name of drinks and edibles, Quran highlights the boundaries and benefits. Yet, saffron is not specifically mentioned by name in this holy book. In Islamic teachings, there are some hadiths, in which saffron is mentioned for its healing properties, fragrance and perfume, and symbolic use. Saffron in Islam resources is known as a flower with many benefits, yet some hadiths forbid the use of it for dying clothes and perfume. Some religious users would like to know Islamic Fatwa on eating/using saffron. This blog post takes a look into several hadiths and fatwas to know Islamic opinion on using saffron in different ways.

Saffron color in other religions

Saffron is more accepted in other religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism in terms of culinary use, perfume, and cloth dye.

For example, in Hinduism, saffron is known as a sacred color of sunset or fire, which has a symbolic meaning of salvation, quest, light, and sacrifice. In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, the saffron color is the symbol of detachment from material life. Sikhism also acknowledges the saffron color as a symbol of sacrifice and spirit.

Is saffron halal to eat?

Islamic hadiths allow for eating saffron only if it does not cause harm or intoxication. Muslim jurists forbid consuming large amounts of saffron as it is considered to be intoxicating. There are many eating saffron Fatwas, most of which approve normal use of saffron in food.

Is saffron haram in Islam?

The use of saffron-dyed clothes, especially by men, is prohibited in many Islamic resources, such as the Book of Dress, Sahih al-Bukhari, and many others.

Al-Bukhaari in his Saheeh (5846) and Muslim in his Saheeh (2101) mentions that Mohammad, the Muslim prophet forbids wearing saffron perfume by men, too. This is considered to be imitating women’s actions. A perfume with a strong fragrance and no color is accepted for men to wear. (Sharh ‘Umdat al-Fiqh (p. 383) Many religious resources have prohibited saffron perfume due to its color for men users. This highlights the fact that wearing saffron perfume or saffron-dyed clothes by women is allowed.

Is saffron Holy?

As discussed above, in some cultural and religious contexts saffron holds a significant and holy role, while in some contexts, such as saffron in Islam, some of its applications are forbidden. On the other hand, Hindu and Budha monks wear saffron-colored robes representing symbols of purity and renunciation or detachment from worldly desires.

The spiritual and religious significance of saffron varies in different cultures and religious practices

Saffron in Arab countries

Muslim countries, such as Arab ones, have special cultural, and legal rules and regulations based on Shariat or Islam tradition. This means people search for the Islamic fatwa before using anything or taking any approach in their lives. Saffron is no exception to this cultural habit. Saffron Fatwa in Arab Islamic countries indicates that it is halal to eat saffron in moderate ways, yet men are forbidden to wear saffron-based perfumes or clothes.

What is saffron ink and its usage in Islamic talismans?

Saffron, being a valuable and expensive spice, is not commonly used for ink production due to its cost and limited availability. In Islamic traditions, Quran or the Hadith, the use of saffron ink specifically for amulets is not explicitly prescribed or widely recognized practice. Yet some cultural and belief systems use saffron ink for so-called “religious-based amulets and talismans.”

Those who are in the business of claim to have spiritual connection and power to make changes in this material world. Some of these talismans are written calligraphically in a valuable ink made from herbs' solutions (most commonly saffron ink), claiming to gain more power.

Finally, it is important to note that cultural differences have a crucial role in specific market demand rates. Religious people act upon their religious beliefs and are committed to them. Apart from religious beliefs and laws of Sharia, saffron has proved to be effective in many ways and has found many applications in different industries such as medicine, perfumery, paper, and textile, etc. Partly, this is why this product has become the most valuable one among other spices.