One of the most common dietary questions in Islam concerns the permissibility of seafood beyond standard fish. Muslims are encouraged to consume what is lawful (Halal) and pure (Tayyib). While fish is universally accepted, questions often arise regarding other sea creatures such as lobsters, whales, shrimp, turtles, and even sea snakes.
The Majority Opinion: General Permissibility
According to the majority of Islamic scholars (Jumhur), the general rule for the sea is comprehensive permissibility. This view holds that all sea creatures—including lobsters, whales, crawfish, sharks, turtles, and sea snakes—are lawful to eat, provided they are not harmful to the consumer.
Scholars support this view, stating that the majority opinion is closer to the linguistic and legal spirit of the Quran. While some jurists restrict seafood only to “fish” (Samak), the majority define it as anything that lives in the water and is edible. Therefore, lobster, shrimp, shark, and other aquatic life fall under this permission.
Evidence from the Quran
The primary evidence for this ruling is found in Surah Al-Ma’idah, where Allah Almighty says:
“Lawful to you is game from the sea and its food as provision for you and the travelers…” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:96)
Scholars analyze the word “Ta’amuhu” (its food) in this verse.
- Restrictive View: Some jurists interpret this to mean only fish.
- Majority View: Most jurists interpret this to mean anything that lives in the water, maintaining the general permission granted by the verse.
Evidence from the Sunnah
The Prophetic tradition provides explicit clarity on this matter through two famous narrations.
1. The Purity of the Sea When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about using sea water for purification, he established a foundational rule regarding the sea’s nature:
“Its water is pure and its dead are lawful (Halal).” (Reported by Ahmad and others)
This Hadith confirms that animals that die in the sea (without ritual slaughter) are permissible to eat, unlike land animals which require specific slaughter (Dhabihah).
2. The Expedition of the Whale A practical example occurred during the lifetime of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It is reported on the authority of Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet sent Companions on an expedition. During their journey, they found a massive dead whale (often referred to as Al-Amber) by the shore. They subsisted on its meat for more than twenty days.
Upon their return to Madinah, they informed the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) about eating the dead sea creature. He approved of their action, saying:
Eat the food which Allah has brought forth for you and feed us from it if you have any left.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
The Companions then presented him with some of the whale meat, and he ate it. This incident serves as a clear precedent for the consumption of sea creatures other than small fish.
Conclusion
Based on the Quranic verse and the explicit approval of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), the strongest scholarly opinion is that all seafood is permissible. This includes diverse creatures such as lobsters, turtles, sharks, and whales, provided they are safe for consumption.
