FatwaFederal TerritoriesSocial & Contemporary Issues
IRSYAD AL-HUKUM SIRI KE-962: HUKUM MENGGUNAKAN PENYEPIT MAKAN (CHOPSTICK)
Is it permissible for Muslims to use chopsticks if they are said to have originated in the worship rituals of the Chinese Emperor?
Short answer
Muslims may use chopsticks, as they are a general eating utensil regarded as custom and culture rather than the symbol of any particular religion.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Federal Territories Mufti Office
- Date
- Status
- Opinion (irsyad)
- Series
- Irsyad al-Hukum (Umum)
- Topic
- Social & Contemporary Issues
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
Muslims may use chopsticks, as they are a general eating utensil regarded as custom and culture rather than the symbol of any particular religion. The prohibition of tasyabbuh (imitation) applies only to imitating matters that form the identity or specific practice of another religion. The permissibility stands as long as there is no authentic proof of a link to worship rituals, and on the condition that the chopsticks are not made of gold or the bones of prohibited animals.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Hukum menggunakan penyepit makan (chopstick) adalah harus kerana ia merupakan alat yang bersifat umum tanpa diniatkan sebagai simbol atau syiar mana-mana agama.
Read the full fatwa on the Federal Territories website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Federal Territories Mufti Office. “IRSYAD AL-HUKUM SIRI KE-962: HUKUM MENGGUNAKAN PENYEPIT MAKAN (CHOPSTICK)”, 28 July 2026. https://muftiwp.gov.my/ms/artikel/irsyad-hukum/umum/6624-irsyad-al-hukum-siri-ke-962-hukum-menggunakan-penyepit-makan-chopstick. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-on-using-chopsticks-for-eating/