Is Seafood Permissible in Islam? - Halal or Haram?

Allah created this universe for man. With the creation of this world, Allah created fish and land animals so mankind could feed from it. Regardless, under Islamic shariah (rules and regulations) and depending on different madhabs (Hanfi), opinions vary on whether the seafood is halal or haram.

Halal seafood means permissible whereas haram seafood means forbidden. Before having a look at different sea creatures, let's analyse some hadiths mentioned in the Holy Quran (Islamic holy book).

List of Islamic verses on the law of seafood

Islamic sharia or Islamic law is a complex yet complete code of ethics and living, that answers all questions related to a Muslim's life, whether Sunni or Shia. For example, can Muslims eat seafood? For this, Islamic shariah also mentions the section of what Muslims are allowed to eat and what they are forbidden from eating. Halal seafood follows Islamic dietary laws and focuses on ethics, cleanliness, and spirituality, not just rituals.

Allah Almighty has mentioned the following verses in Holy Quran:

“Lawful to you is (the pursuit of) water-game and its use for food – for the benefit of yourselves …” [al-Maidah 5:96]

This verse from the Quran (al-Maidah 5:96) means that seafood and water animals are allowed for Muslims to catch and eat. It highlights that these foods are a blessing and benefit for people.

Allah Almighty said:

“O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good...” [Quran 2:168]

This verse (Quran 2:168) motivates everyone to consume food that is both allowed (halal) and good (pure, healthy, and wholesome). It reminds us to choose food that is not only lawful but also beneficial for our well-being.

The Quran also commands:

“Eat not (O believers) of that (meat) on which Allah’s Name has not been pronounced..." [Quran 6:121]

This verse (Quran 6:121) instructs believers not to eat meat from animals that were not slaughtered in Allah’s name. It emphasises the importance of following halal guidelines, ensuring the meat is prepared with mindfulness and respect for divine commandments.

There are a few things that Allah Almighty forbids us from eating. These foods come under the category of Haram. Islam strictly prohibits the consummation of certain dead animals, blood, and flesh of swine. A verse in Holy Quran is quoted as:

“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]

Allah Almighty knows what is best for us and the prohibition has deep wisdom. These dietary rules help protect our health by making sure that food we eat is safe and clean. These rules are kept to ensure kind behaviour towards animals and for encouraging spiritual mindfulness. Refraining from forbidden food and consuming halal food creates a balance that helps benefit both, body and soul.

Are all types of fish halal?

Although Islamic sharia clearly states which type of dead meat are halal or haram, opinions vary from one Islamic school to the other, especially when it comes to halal fish. For instance, Hanafi school only considers the fish with scales halal even if found dead in the sea. While some scholars do not consider fish with scales halal.

Another important thing that is kept under consideration is how the fish die and how it is ethically treated. Fish farms usually make sure to meet halal seafood standards but scholars debate whether the fish are raised and processed in the right way in fish farms or not.

Islamic law has clear rules about which types of dead meat are halal (allowed) or haram (forbidden). When it comes to fish, different Islamic schools of thought have different opinions.

The Hanafi school believes that only fish with scales are halal, even if they are found dead in the sea. However, fish without scales may not be considered halal by some scholars.

It's also important to consider how fish die and whether they are treated ethically. Fish farms can help ensure that fish meet halal standards, but some scholars debate whether farmed fish are raised and processed in the right way.

Is Salmon Halal?

Salmon is generally halal as long as it is alive when caught and killed quickly, such as by slicing its head or gutting it before cooking.

However, some Muslim scholars have concerns about farmed salmon compared to wild salmon. This is because farmed salmon are often raised in ways that may not be humane. Reports show that fish farms use chemicals to prevent lice growth and may involve animal mistreatment. Due to these concerns, some scholars consider farmed salmon haram.

Is Catfish halal?

Catfish is halal if it is killed quickly and humanely using a sharp knife or tool. However, if the catfish is already dead before being caught, it may not be considered halal because it was not slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines.

Is Eel halal?

Eels, also called sea snakes, are considered a delicacy in some cultures. For eels to be halal, they must be slaughtered properly, either by cutting off their heads or gutting them before cooking or eating.

Is sushi halal seafood or haram?

Sushi may be halal or haram. It totally depends on the type of fish used and how it is prepared. Ingredients like rice, seaweed, and vegetables are always halal. But keep in mind that some types of seafood in sushi may not be halal, so halal certification makes sure that all ingredients, including fish, are sourced and prepared according to Islamic guidelines. The name of Allah must be mentioned when slaughtering fish that require it. Additionally, if someone has a seafood allergy, they should avoid certain sushi ingredients, as Islam encourages avoiding harm to oneself.

Is lobster halal or haram?

The question of whether lobster is halal or haram is debated among Muslim scholars. According to Shia Muslims, lobster is haram because they believe that only fish with scales are permissible to eat.

Some scholars also argue that lobsters are scavengers, feeding on dead animals and waste, which makes them questionable for consumption. However, other scholars note that crabs, which also scavenge, are considered halal by many.

In general, some Muslims believe lobster is halal as long as it is killed in accordance with Sharia law. Since lobsters feel pain, humane slaughtering is important in determining whether it is permissible to eat.

Is crab halal or haram?

There are different opinions on whether crab is halal or haram in Islam. Some stricter scholars classify crab as non-halal because, like lobster, it is a type of shellfish.

In Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), crabs are known as "al-hayawan al-barma'i," meaning they live both on land and in water, which creates confusion about their permissibility.

Hanbali scholars generally believe that crabs are halal, while Shafi’i and some Hanafi scholars argue that only halal fish should be considered lawful muslim seafood.

Is Whale or Shark Halal or Haram? 

The permissibility of whale and shark meat is a subject of debate among Islamic scholars.

Whale meat is generally considered halal seafood because it is a sea creature. However, some scholars discourage its consumption due to conservation concerns and the ethical issues surrounding whale hunting.

The halal status of shark meat is also debated. Some scholars allow it, as sharks are classified as fish, while others argue that sharks are predatory creatures, making them questionable for consumption. The discussion about whale and shark meat highlights the importance of environmental responsibility and ethical considerations in Islam.

Is Tuna Halal or Haram?

Tuna is widely considered halal and is a nutritious muslim seafood. It does not meet the criteria for being haram, making it permissible for consumption.

There are many types of tuna, including Skipjack, Bluefin, Bigeye, and Yellowfin, all of which are halal. However, some Shia scholars argue that dog-tooth tuna is not permissible, but this remains a minority opinion.

Is Prawn or Shrimp Halal or Haram?

The status of halal shrimp and prawns varies among different Islamic schools of thought.

The Hanafi school is more restrictive and considers some types of shellfish like crab cakes haram.

However, Imam Malik and Imam Ahmad’s schools classify shrimp and prawns as halal, as most aquatic animals are permissible in their view.

Despite being bottom dwellers, the concept of halal shrimp and prawns are widely accepted since they come from the sea, which Allah has permitted.

Are Oysters Halal or Haram?

Oysters are generally halal, as most Islamic scholars classify all shellfish as permissible. However, some Hanafi scholars argue that only fish are halal and other sea creatures, like oysters and crabs, should be avoided. This remains a debated issue, but the majority opinion allows oysters as part of a halal diet.

Are Frogs Halal or Haram? 

Many Islamic scholars consider frogs haram, and this ruling is supported by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who instructed his followers not to kill frogs. Since they are prohibited from being killed, they are also forbidden to eat.

If we look at the scientific perspective, frogs are very important for maintaining ecological balance. They help control insect populations and are a food for birds and fish. If the go extinct, it could disrupt the food chain, which is another reason why they should not be eaten.

Are Alligators and Crocodiles Halal or Haram? 

Crocodiles and alligators are haram in Islam because they are predators with fangs and live in both water and on land. The Quran states that animals that may cause harm are considered haram, even if they come from the sea. Since crocodiles and alligators are dangerous and carnivorous, their consumption is forbidden.

Are Octopus and Squid Halal Seafood or Haram? 

Is squid halal? Is octopus halal? Well, The halal status of octopus and squid differs among Islamic scholars.

Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali scholars state that squid and octopus are halal, as all sea creatures are generally permissible.

Hanafi scholars classify them as makruh (discouraged but not haram) since they do not fit the typical fish category. Since Allah has allowed many sea creatures for consumption, most scholars permit eating squid and octopus, and they do not require slaughtering like land animals.

Conclusion

So according to Islam, most seafood is permissible like shellfish and predatory sea creatures, but scholars might have varying opinions. If you find yourself in a doubtful position, it is advised to take guidance from the teaching of Holy Quran, Hadith books, and trusted scholars.