The use of cricket powder in food is debated within Islamic jurisprudence, focusing on whether insects and similar creatures are considered halal (permissible) or haram (forbidden). According to the majority of Islamic scholars from the Hanafi, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools, all insects, including crickets, are considered impure and their consumption is haram unless there is a clear ruling to the contrary. These scholars typically classify insects like flies, ants, bees, spiders, cockroaches, and scorpions as haram based on their classification as habais (impure).
However, some scholars, such as Imam Malik and Ibn Abi Layla, have argued that if the insect is not harmful, its consumption could be permissible. Imam Malik, while acknowledging the permissibility in certain cases, considered it makruh (disliked). According to the Maliki school, insects that do not contain blood, like crickets, may be considered halal if they undergo proper purification (tezkiah).
Despite this minority view, the prevailing opinion among Islamic scholars is that insects and insect-derived products are generally not permissible for consumption unless there is a necessity. Given the prevailing consensus, it is advised to avoid consuming cricket powder unless a clear necessity arises.