Shark is a fearsome sea animal. Many horror stories and myths exist about it. Sharks, on the other hand, are pretty tasty as food. So, countless people around the world are eating sharks every day. But the question that arises in our mind as a Muslim is – is shark halal?
At the root of this question is another question: whether sharks are a species of fish or a predatory marine animal. More importantly, is it halal to eat sharks according to Islamic food laws? This article will explore the answer to that question in detail.
Is shark halal?
Yes, the shark is halal. Islam is allowed to eat all kinds of marine animals except those harmful to human health in medical science and animals Haram in the Quran and Hadith.
So, the shark is halal. We have no difficulty eating sharks. Marine solid animals like whales, crabs, turtles, octopuses, snails, etc., are all halal. It is haraam to eat certain marine animals like frogs, crocodiles, etc., because there are clear restrictions on these.
Shark eating is halal in the Quran.
The Holy Quran does not directly make eating shark halal, but some verses prove it halal from a semantic point of view. The Qur’an and Hadith state that it is permissible to eat all kinds of marine animals:
In the Holy Quran, Allah Ta’ala says:
Translation: “The prey of the sea and the food of the sea have been made lawful for you.” (Surat al-Ma’idah: 96)
In another verse, Allah Ta’ala says –
Translation: “Tell me – there is no haram food except the dead animal or the flowing blood or the flesh of the pig that has been revealed to me. Because it is unclean.” (Surat an-Nam – 5)
In Hadith
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
هو الطهور ماؤه الحل ميتته
Translation: “The water of the sea is sacred, and the dead animals that live in the water are also halal.” (Tirmidhi – 69)
Shark-eating Halal in Hadith.
There are some hadiths where the Prophet – may Allah bless him and grant him peace – declares marine animals as halal – we present some such hadiths below.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
Translation: “What Allah Ta’ala has made lawful in His Book is lawful. And what He has made unlawful is unlawful. And what He has remained silent about is forgiveness.”
So accept God’s forgiveness because Allah Tayala does not forget anything. Then he recited this verse, “Do not forget your Lord” (Maryam – 74). (Silsilatus Sahihah – 2256)
The famous Companion Shuraih said, “It is lawful to eat all living things that live in water.” (Sahih Bukhari 5/2091)
Moreover, one of the basic principles of Islam is that all worldly things are valid unless they are Haram in Islam.
And eating sharks or other marine animals, such as crabs, turtles, octopuses, snails, oysters, etc., is not forbidden in the Qur’an-Sunnah. So these are halal.
From the above discussion, it has been proved that the halal eating of marine animals does not impede halal eating. Calling them Makrooh is not subject to proof.
But if one does not like eating it, it is his matter. But there is no reason to call them Haram or Makrooh.
FAQs
What about the method of catching sharks? Does it affect the halal status?
Yes, the method of catching sharks is an important factor. Islam encourages the humane and ethical treatment of animals. If the shark is caught using methods consistent with Islamic principles, this may contribute to its halal status. Consult scholars to ensure that fishing practices comply with Islamic guidelines.
Are there any specific guidelines for preparing shark meat to be halal?
The same principles for preparing any halal meat apply to shark meat. Animals should be slaughtered by a Muslim using the correct Jabiha. It is essential to ensure that the meat is free from contamination and complies with Islamic food laws. However, it does not apply to fish.
Is it better to consult the local Islamic authorities about the halal status of shark meat?
Yes, it is recommended to consult a local Islamic authority or scholar. They can provide region-specific guidelines considering cultural practices and differences in the interpretation of Islamic dietary laws.
Is sea frog Halal?
No, sea frog is not Halal. It is Haram to eat sea frogs. Because in the Hadith, there is a prohibition on killing frogs.
Narrated by Abdur Rahman Ibn Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) –
“Which physician asked the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) about frogs and whether they would apply it in medicine? He forbade it to be killed.” (Ahmad 15330)
One of the basic principles of the Shari’ah is that it is Haram to kill an animal and eat it. It would be legal to kill if it was halal to eat.
Is crocodile eating Halal?
No, crocodile eating is not Halal. The imams disagreed about the crocodile. According to Imam Abu Hanifa, Shafi’i, Ahmad bin Humble, and most Imams, eating crocodiles is Haram. Only halal, according to Imam Malik.
Because a crocodile is an amphibian, as it lives in water, it also lives inland and in the forest. At the same time, he is a ferocious animal with big teeth.
Haram has been declared to eat wild animals with big claws in the Hadith. Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said:
“It is haraam to eat the flesh of all wild animals with long teeth.” (Sahih Muslim 1933)
Summary
The shark is halal in Islam. According to the Quran and Hadith, it is permissible to eat all kinds of marine animals except those that are harmful to human health and Haram in Islamic scriptures.
Therefore, sharks are halal to eat. The article cites verses from the Quran and Hadith that permit consuming marine animals.
While some people may not like eating certain marine animals, calling them Haram or Makrooh is not based on Islamic teachings. However, it is Haram to eat sea frogs, and most Islamic scholars forbid the consumption of crocodiles.