Eating Slaked Lime in Betel

Question

Since slaked lime comes from earth (clay), what is the ruling on eating it? Also, catechu (an astringent acacia extract added to betel) is likewise prepared by mixing it with earth — what is the ruling on eating it?

Answer

Eating earth (clay) is prohibited, but this prohibition is not because of impurity; it is because it is harmful to health. Therefore, an amount that is not harmful is permissible. So it is in “al-‘Alamgiriyya” (vol. 5, p. 341).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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