Is olive classified as 'fruit' (Fakihah)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Expiations

Book 60 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Olives are not considered fruit because the primary purpose of consuming them is for their oil, and what is eaten of the flesh is consumed as a condiment (*ta'addum*), not for enjoyment/pleasure (*tafakuh*). The same ruling applies to the pistachio tree (*al-battum*) because its primary purpose is oil extraction.

Supporting text

There is an alternate view that the olive is considered fruit because it is tree produce which is eaten both fresh and dried according to its nature, thus resembling mulberries.