Based on traditional Islamic law, the term “Is seafood halal” means it is okay to do. It is often used to talk about food and drinks that Muslims can eat and drink according to Islamic eating rules.
Halal food has to meet certain standards. For example, it can’t have any haram (forbidden) ingredients, like pork or booze, and it has to be made and cooked according to Islamic rules.
The idea of halal includes more than just food. It also includes money, clothes, and behaviour. The goal is to promote purity, cleanliness, and moral living in line with Islamic ideals.
Is seafood Halal?
Allah gave us many types of land and sea animals to eat so that we could stay alive and eat food that is allowed by Islam. But different schools of thought in Islamic law, like the Hanafi school, have different ideas about what kinds of seafood and fish are kosher. Before getting into the details of each sea life, it’s important to remember what Allah said in the Holy Quran, which is the Islamic holy book.
“All types of seafood, including plants and animals, whether alive or dead, are allowed (halal) in Islam.” That being said, some animals are not allowed (haram), like crocodiles, frogs, otters, and turtles. Please read the full description for more details.
All types of seafood are generally considered permissible (halal) for consumption, as stated in verse 5:96 of the Qur’an, which allows the consumption of seafood caught from the sea for sustenance, both for oneself and for travellers.
"Lawful to you is what you catch from the sea and use for food as provision for yourself and the travelers". [Al Quran Verse 5:96]
List of Verses of the Quran about Seafood
“Sharia, or Islamic law, is a very detailed set of rules that Muslims must follow in every part of their lives, no matter if they are Sunni or Shia.” Laws about what is acceptable (halal) to eat are part of this. It’s not enough to follow rituals to make food halal; it also has to follow moral, cleanliness, and spiritual rules.
Is Seafood Halal in the Quran?
It is written in the Holy Qur’an that Allah gives advice on what to eat.
"O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good..." [Quran 2:168]
In another place the Quran also commands:
"Eat not (O believers) of that (meat) on which Allah’s Name has not been pronounced... "[Quran 6:121]
And there are certain things that Allah has made it clear are not halal. This includes certain dead animals, blood, and the flesh of pigs, which are strictly banned in Islam.
"He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah" [Quran 2:173]
Is Seafood Halal in Islam?
There are two main ways of thinking in Sunni Islam. The majority of Sunni Muslim schools of law, including the Shafi’i, Hanbali, and Maliki schools, usually consider all “sea game” (sea animals) acceptable to eat, with a few exceptions. For example, the dish Laksa, which includes fish such as shrimp and squid, along with a soup base made from shrimp paste, is considered acceptable in the Shafi’i Sunni Muslim majority nations of Indonesia and Malaysia, where it is frequently eaten.
Is seafood Halal in the Hanafi School of Thought?
In the Hanafi school of thought, accepted by the majority of Sunni Muslims, only fish are considered acceptable to eat. This includes species like eel, croaker, and hagfish. Other sea or water creatures that are not fish are called makruh (detestable or vile).
This includes crustaceans like prawns, lobsters, and crabs, as well as molluscs such as clams, octopus, mussels, and squid. Additionally, animals like sea turtles, sea snakes, dolphins, whales, penguins, saltwater crocodiles, seals, and frogs, which are not fish and take oxygen from the air through the lungs or are semi-aquatic, are also called makruh.
According to Imam Ahmed Ibn Hanbal and Imam Shafi, all live animals in the sea are halal, whether they are fish or not. Imam Malik, on the other hand, claimed that all live animals are halal except for eels. Based on this, mussels, shrimp, lobsters, and crabs are acceptable to eat. Their proof is the text in the Quran that says, “The game of the sea and its eating has been made lawful for you.”
Additionally, Abu Hurairah reports that the Prophet Muhammad was asked about using seawater for washing while moving at sea, to which he answered that seawater is pure and what dies in it is legal food. In the Hanafi school, animals born and living in water are usually illegal to eat except for fish.
Regarding prawns, there are differences of thought in the Hanafi fiqh. Some believe them to be from the fish family, making them acceptable to eat. However, modern zoologists do not consider prawns as fish because they lack a spine. Despite this, the decision is based on the understanding of experts in the Arabic language, who consider shrimp to be fish and therefore legal to eat.
In conclusion, the advice given is that it is permitted to eat lobsters, crabs, etc., but this rule is specific to this case and may not apply to everyone.
Refrences:
Hidayah p.442 v.4 & Al Lubab p.533 v.7
Sunan Abi Dawud p.13 v.1
Sunan Ibn Majah
Dars Tirmizi p.280 v.1
Imdadul Fatawa p.103 v.4
Fiqhi Maqalat p.217 v.3
Did Prophet Muhammad ever Eated the Seafood?
There are several examples in hadith writings that describe the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) eating fish.
One such hadith is found in Sahih al-Bukhari, where it is related that the Prophet ate some fish that had been cooked for him.
Another mention is in Sahih Muslim, where it is told that the Prophet once ate some barley bread and salt with olive oil, and then ate some dried dates, suggesting a simple but varied diet that likely included seafood at times.
Is seafood Halal in the Shia School of Thought?
In Shia Islam, the eating of certain fish is allowed. Fish without scales are called haram (forbidden), but fish with scales are allowed. Shia experts usually hold that no other aquatic creatures are halal, except for certain edible aquatic crustaceans, such as shrimps (but not crabs), which are also considered halal, similar to scaled fish.
Are all Seafood halal to Islam?
In Islam, fish is usually considered halal (permissible) to eat. However, there are some exceptions and special rules that need to be followed. For example, fish that is dangerous or deadly is called haram (forbidden). Additionally, there are differences of opinion among Islamic teachers regarding certain types of fish, such as prawns crabs, and lobsters. Overall, the majority of fish is considered halal in Islam.
The answer to this question can be approached in two ways:
- In Islam, everything is considered kosher (permissible) unless specifically banned. Therefore, if there is no specific text banning the eating of a particular food, then it is considered acceptable.
- On the other hand, some scholars prefer to err on the side of caution and avoid eating things that are in a grey area of permissibility.
Are All Types of Fish Halal in Islam?
Firstly, Islamic law, or Sharia, offers specific rules regarding the permissibility of dead meat, including dead fish. The meaning of these principles changes among different schools of thought.
In the Hanafi school of thought, fish with scales are usually considered kosher, even if found dead in the sea. However, there are different views on the state of fish without scales.
It is important to consider natural reasons and the social handling of marine animals. Fish farms can play a role in ensuring that dead fish meet halal standards.
In Islam, the general opinion is that all types of fish are considered halal (permissible) to eat. This includes both freshwater and ocean fish.
However, there are specific rules regarding the consumption of fish, such as ensuring the fish is dead before eating it and that it was caught using acceptable ways. Additionally, certain types of fish that are dangerous or deadly are considered haram (forbidden) to eat. Overall, the vast majority of fish are considered halal in Islam.
Why is Fish Halal without Slaughter?
Fish are considered kosher without the need for specific killing because they are not land animals. In Islamic law, the rule for killing (dhabihah) refers to land animals that are acceptable to eat.
Since fish are from the sea and are not considered part of the group of animals that require killing, they are usually considered kosher without the need for religious slaughter. This difference is based on the lessons of the Quran and the customs of the Prophet Muhammad.
Is Dead Fish Halal or Haram?
In Islamic food rules, dead fish are usually considered kosher (permissible) to eat if they were alive when caught and died as a result of natural causes, such as being caught in a fishing net. However, if the fish was already dead when caught, it is called haram (forbidden) to eat. This difference is important in determining the permissibility of eating dead fish according to Islamic beliefs.
Dead fish refers to fish that have died for natural reasons or were killed by another animal before being caught.
Some experts believe that dead fish, similar to carrion from land animals, are haram (forbidden) to eat. This view is based on a verse from the Quran in which Allah Almighty states:
"He has only forbidden to you dead animals (carrion), blood, the flesh of swine…" [Quran 2:173]
However, there are numerous narrations from the Prophet Muhammad showing that dead fish are an exception to this rule. This is because, unlike land animals, fish do not require killing according to Islamic law.
In the following reliable hadith, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
“Two kinds of dead meat and two kinds of blood have been permitted for us. The two kinds of dead meat are fish and locusts, and the two kinds of blood are the liver and spleen.“
Sunan ibn Majah
This story from the Prophet Muhammad is clear proof that dead fish are halal and do not fall under the same rule as eating carrion from land animals.
Another true report from the Prophet Muhammad says that not only fish but all dead animals from the sea are halal and acceptable for Muslims to eat.
“A man came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and said. “O Messenger of Allah, we travel by sea and carry a small amount of water with us. If we use it for ablution, we will become thirsty. Can we perform ablution with seawater?’ The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Its water is a means of purification, and its dead meat is permissible.”
Sunan ibn Majah
Is Sushi Halal or Haram?
The permissibility of sushi in Islam relies on the type of fish used and the cooking ways. Ingredients like rice, seaweed, and veggies are usually considered kosher.
Individuals with seafood allergies may choose to avoid sushi to stick to Islamic rules of not hurting oneself.
For sushi to be called halal, it must be recognized as such, ensuring that all seafood items, including fish, are found and made according to Islamic standards. The name of Allah must also be mentioned during the killing process.
Overall, Muslims are allowed to eat sushi, a Japanese food, provided it is made properly. Sushi usually consists of vinegared rice, sugar, salt, fish such as salmon, and veggies. The products used in sushi are often healthy and add to its health benefits.
Is Shellfish Halal or Haram? (Prawns, Crabs, Shrimps, Lobsters, Oysters)
Although the text allows Muslims to eat any wild animal, there are different views among Islamic schools of thought. The Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools agree that all shellfish, including mussels, oysters, and crabs, are halal.
However, the Hanafi school disagrees, saying that only animals classified as fish are acceptable for eating.
In a ruling, the top mufti named shrimp as “Makruh” (abominable).
Are Prawns Halal or Haram?
The permissibility of oysters in Islam varies on the school of thought. In the Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools, oysters are considered halal (permissible) because they are listed under shellfish, which is usually allowed.
However, in the Hanafi school, oysters are considered haram (forbidden) because they do not fall under the category of fish, which is the only sea animal acceptable for eating according to this school of thought.
It’s important to note that readings may change among different experts and people should speak with their local faith leaders for advice.
Are Crabs Halal or Haram?
Under Islamic food rules, crabs are usually considered haram (forbidden) to eat. This is because they are considered seafood, which is usually not allowed in the Hanafi school of thought.
However, other schools of thought, such as the Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali, believe crabs to be halal (permissible) to eat. As meanings may vary, it is recommended to speak with a knowledgeable faith expert for specific advice.
Are Shrimps Halal or Haram?
In Islamic food rules, the permissibility of eating shrimp (prawns) can change based on different schools of thought.
- The Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools usually believe shrimp to be halal (acceptable) because they group them as part of the bigger category of permissible fish.
- However, the Hanafi school of thought believes shrimp to be makruh (disliked) or haram (forbidden) because they do not fall under the category of fish, which is the only sea animal deemed acceptable for eating according to this school.
- According to Shia Islam, Shrimps are considered Halal unambiguously.
As views may vary, people should seek advice from their local faith leaders.
Are Lobsters Halal or Haram?
Lobsters are considered Haram in the Hanafi sect. This is because they are classed as seafood, which is usually not allowed for eating in the Hanafi school of thought.
Other schools of thought, such as the Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali, believe lobsters to be halal (permissible) to eat. As meanings may vary, it is recommended to speak with a knowledgeable faith expert for specific advice.
Are Oysters Halal or Haram?
In Sunni Islam, oysters are usually considered halal (permissible) to eat, as they fall under the group of shellfish, which is allowed according to the Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools of thought.
In Shia Islam, the eating of oysters is considered halal as long as they are classed as fish with scales, which are acceptable to eat according to Shia experts.
It’s important to remember that views may change among different experts within each group.
Is Whale Halal or Haram?
Whale meat is considered safe and acceptable to eat in Islam. All four Sunni schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali) agree on this decision.
Although whales are listed as mammals in the current biological classification, they are still considered kosher in Islam as they are creatures from the ocean.
This decision is backed by an accurate account in Sahih al-Bukhari, where the followers of the Prophet Muhammad ate a giant fish (whale). When the Prophet was told about this, he approved of it and ate some himself.
We were struck with severe hunger and the sea threw out a dead fish (whale) the like of which we had never seen. It was called Al-`Anbar. We ate of it for half a month. Abu Ubaida took (and fixed) one of its bones and a rider passed underneath it (without touching it). (Jabir added:) Abu ‘Ubaida said (to us), “Eat (of that fish).” When we arrived at Medina, we informed the Prophet (peace be upon him) about that. He said, “Eat, for it is food Allah has brought out for you, and feed us if you have some of it.” So some of them gave him (of that fish) and he ate it.
Sahih al-Bukhari
Is Shark Halal or Haram?
In Sunni Islam, sharks are usually considered halal (allowed) to consume, as they are classed as fish, which is permissible to eat according to the four Sunni schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali).
Although sharks are bloodthirsty fish that mainly consume meat, this does not make them haram (forbidden) to eat in Islam. The rule that bans the eating of dangerous animals, such as tigers and lions, applies only to land animals.
Many halal fish in the water also eat other small fish and insects as part of their food. For example, bluefin tuna consumes squids and shrimps, and salmon eat herrings, amphipods, and krill. Despite this, they are not considered haram for Muslims to eat.
In Islam, all fish from the water, including tuna, salmon, shark, and whale, are considered safe to eat. This rule holds regardless of whether they eat other small fish as part of their food or whether they are fish with or without scales. This view is held by the majority of Islamic thinkers.
In Shia Islam, the eating of sharks is also considered halal, as long as they are classed as fish with scales, which are acceptable to eat according to Shia experts.
How can Sharks be Halal while they eat Humans?
Despite the bad image of sharks in Hollywood monster movies, sharks do not usually prey on people as part of their food. According to the National Ocean Service, sharks may bite people out of misunderstanding or interest, but they do not feed on them.
Their usual food consists of smaller fish and creatures found in the ocean, not people. Even if a shark were to bite a person, it would not make the shark haram (forbidden) to eat.
Monitoring a shark’s diet throughout its life is difficult, and rare events do not change Islamic rules. No specific text in the Qur’an or hadith prohibits the eating of sharks in Islam. For something to be called haram, there must be proof from the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Is Squid, Calamari, and Octopus Halal or Haram?
Octopus is usually considered halal and acceptable to eat, although some experts, especially those of the Hanafi school, may consider it makruh (disliked) or even impermissible.
Similarly, the status of squid, including calamari, is subject to different views among experts regarding whether they fall within the bounds of halal fish. Calamari, which is salted and deep-fried squid, is also considered halal since it lacks fins and comes from the sea.
The majority of Islamic thinkers, including the Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools, believe squid, octopus, and calamari to be halal. However, the Hanafi scholars view them as makruh.
Since these sea creatures are not directly listed in the limitations to halal seafood in Islamic law, the majority of experts agree that octopus, calamari, and squid are acceptable to consume. Like fish, they can be eaten without the need for religious killing (Zabiha).
Are Sea Turtles Halal or Haram?
Sea turtles are considered halal according to the Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali thinkers. However, these experts state that sea turtles must be slaughtered gently, similar to the way halal meat is killed, because they have running blood in their bodies. Additionally, since sea turtles are partly terrestrial animals that come on land to lay eggs, the rules applying to land animals also apply to them.
The majority of Islamic experts consider sea turtles to be legal fish. However, the Shafi’i and Hanbali authors add an extra phrase, asking that sea turtles be killed in an Islamic way (Zabiha) for them to be considered halal. This is because sea turtles, unlike fish and crabs, have blood running through their bodies and spend time on land.
On the other hand, the normal Hanafi stance is that sea turtles are considered haram as fish.
Is Seahorse halal?
Seahorses, despite their look, are classed as fish. They are known for their head, which mimics that of a horse, hence their name. These creatures are fully aquatic and can be found in small parts of the sea. Both the seahorse and its carcass are considered halal according to general Islamic principles drawn from the Holy Quran and Sunnah.
There is a narration from Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) where he said:
“Two types of animals which have died a natural death and two types of blood have been made allowable to us, the two which die a natural death being the fish and the locust, and the two types of blood being the liver and the spleen.”
Are Crocodiles and Alligators Halal or Haram?
It is not allowed to take the meat of crocodiles or alligators in Islam. These animals are considered ground animals with fangs, similar to snakes and hippos, which are also banned in Islam. Despite spending some time in the water, crocodiles and alligators mainly occupy land. The majority view among Islamic experts is that eating these animals is forbidden due to their claws and grassy environment.
The ban of eating animals that may cause harm is stressed in the Holy Qur’an. Although they are watery creatures, crocodiles and alligators are considered dangerous predators, and their eating is prohibited.
While the majority of Islamic experts agree that crocodiles and alligators are haram, the Maliki school of thought views them as halal. This view is backed by some experts, including the previous Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Shaykh Bin Baz, who also deemed alligators kosher.
Are Frogs Halal in Islam?
The majority of Islamic thinkers believe frogs to be haram, or illegal to eat. However, the Maliki school of thought is an exception, as they believe frogs to be halal, or acceptable. The reason for frogs being haram is drawn from a story where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) banned the killing of frogs. This ban applies to their intake as well.
Narrated by AbdurRahman ibn Uthman:
“When a physician consulted the Prophet (peace be upon him) about putting frogs in medicine, he forbade him to kill them.”
Bu Sunan Abu Dawud
The reason why the Prophet (peace be upon him) banned the killing of frogs is not directly stated, but current biology shines a light on their value.
Frogs play an important part in controlling bug numbers, acting as a major food source for birds and fish. Their presence is vital for keeping a healthy environment, as their departure can upset the complex food chain, leading to widespread effects throughout the ecosystem.
Is Otter and Seal Halal?
These animals, despite their environment in both sea and on land, are not considered halal in Islam. This is due to their possession of teeth, which are used for killing food. Islamic custom forbids the eating of meat from animals with claws, such as snakes and hippos.
In Islam, otters and seals are not considered halal. This is because they are aggressive animals with fangs, and Islamic food rules ban the eating of animals with fangs.
Is Salmon Fish Halal?
Yes, Salmon Fish is usually considered halal for eating by most Islamic experts, as it is a type of fish with scales. However, it’s always wise to ensure that the salmon is cooked according to Islamic food rules.
Is Jellyfish Halal to eat?
In both Sunni and Shia Islam, jellyfish are usually considered haram (not allowed) to eat. This is because they do not fall into the group of fish, which is the main type of seafood allowed for eating in Islamic dietary rules. Since jellyfish are not fish and do not have scales, they are usually not considered halal.
Is Eel halal?
Eels, also known as sea snakes, are considered a treat in certain countries. To be called kosher, eels should be killed quickly by either taking their heads or cutting them before cooking or eating.
The permissibility of eating eel in Islam rests on the school of thought. In the Hanafi school, eel is called makruh (disliked) but not haram (forbidden). However, in the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools, eel is considered halal.
Is catfish halal?
Catfish is considered acceptable (halal) to eat if it is killed quickly and gently using a sharp knife or tool. However, if the catfish is already dead, it may not be called kosher as it would not have been killed according to Islamic standards.
Conclusion
In Short, most seafood is considered halal, such as croaker, but not all. Allah has provided us with various animals for consumption, both on land and in water, and it is important to adhere to halal options. Islamic scholars have outlined the characteristics of halal animals, including no fangs and scales for fish.
The diversity of opinions on seafood like dead fish, sushi, whale, shark, shellfish, squid, octopus, crocodile, and sea frogs highlights the adaptability of Islamic dietary laws. Following local scholars, seeking halal certification, and considering ethics and health is key. These discussions reflect Islam’s wisdom in addressing human needs, respecting creation, and promoting a balanced life.
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