What fish can Muslims not eat? A guide to Islamic seafood laws

November 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Islamic jurisprudence, interpretations on permissible seafood differ significantly among schools of thought, with a key factor being what fish can Muslims not eat. This theological diversity means that a sea creature considered forbidden by one group may be allowed by another, depending on their source interpretation.

Quick Summary

The permissibility of eating seafood in Islam is subject to various interpretations among legal schools, particularly concerning creatures other than traditional scaled fish, leading to different rulings.

Key Points

Differing Rulings: The permissibility of seafood varies significantly across different Islamic schools of thought.
Scaled vs. Non-scaled Fish: Hanafi and Shia Muslims generally only permit fish with scales, while other Sunni schools allow all aquatic life.
Shellfish Debate: The consumption of shrimp, crab, and lobster is prohibited by Hanafi and Shia schools but permitted by Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools.
Amphibious Animals: Creatures living on both land and in water, like crocodiles and frogs, are typically considered impermissible by all major schools.
Source of Rules: Divergence in rulings stems from varying interpretations of the Quran and Hadith regarding the definition of 'water-game' and 'fish'.

Understanding the Islamic Framework for Seafood

Islamic dietary laws are derived primarily from the Quran and the Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad). For seafood, a key verse is in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:96), which states: “Lawful to you is the pursuit of water-game and its use for food – for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel…”. A Hadith also mentions fish and locusts being lawful among dead animals. However, the interpretation of what constitutes 'water-game' or 'fish' is where the schools of thought diverge, leading to different lists of what fish can Muslims not eat.

Rulings by Sunni Schools of Thought

Within Sunni Islam, there are four major schools of jurisprudence (madhhabs), which hold different views on the permissibility of seafood beyond traditional fish. The majority of Sunni Muslims follow the more lenient schools.

The Stricter Hanafi School

Followers of the Hanafi school, a large Sunni sect, hold the strictest view regarding seafood.

Permissible: Only true fish with scales are considered halal. This includes fish like salmon, cod, and tuna.
Impermissible (Makruh or Haram): All other sea creatures that are not strictly classified as 'fish' are considered makruh tahrimi (forbidden but not as severe as haram) or even haram. This list includes most invertebrates and some vertebrates.
- Crustaceans: Prawns, shrimp, crabs, and lobsters are generally not permissible. While some older Hanafi scholars historically permitted shrimp due to cultural classification, most modern Hanafi scholars view them as impermissible based on modern scientific classifications.
- Mollusks: Octopus, squid, clams, mussels, and oysters are forbidden.
- Amphibious/Land-Based Animals: Creatures that live on both land and in water, such as turtles, crocodiles, and frogs, are haram.
Floating Carrion: Hanafi scholars also prohibit fish found floating dead on the water's surface, considering it carrion.

The Lenient Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali Schools

The other three major Sunni schools—Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali—take a broader view, generally considering all sea creatures to be permissible (halal).

Permissible: This includes all types of fish, shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster), and mollusks (squid, octopus, clams).
Exceptions and Nuances: There are a few minor exceptions. Some Maliki scholars exclude eels, and some Hanbali scholars exclude frogs and crocodiles. The Shafi'i school allows all sea creatures unless they are found to be harmful.
Land-based animals: Animals that live both on land and in the water (like crocodiles and frogs) are often considered impermissible due to being predators or based on specific prophetic prohibitions.

The Shia (Ja'fari) School Rulings

Shia Muslims, particularly those following the Ja'fari school, have rules similar to the Hanafi school but with specific allowances.

Permissible: Only fish with scales are halal. This is a clear, defining rule. However, shrimp are explicitly included in the permissible category, a distinction often based on authoritative Hadith within the Shia tradition.
Impermissible: All other aquatic animals are forbidden. This includes non-scaled fish like catfish, eels, and sturgeon, as well as all other shellfish (crab, lobster, clams, oysters), and cephalopods (squid, octopus).

Comparison of Seafood Rulings by School


Sea Creature Type	Hanafi (Sunni)	Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali (Sunni)	Ja'fari (Shia)
Scaled Fish (e.g., Salmon, Tuna)	Halal	Halal	Halal
Non-Scaled Fish (e.g., Catfish, Eel)	Haram/Makruh	Halal	Haram
Shrimp/Prawns	Haram/Makruh (disputed)	Halal	Halal
Crab/Lobster	Haram/Makruh	Halal	Haram
Squid/Octopus	Haram/Makruh	Halal	Haram
Clams/Mussels/Oysters	Haram/Makruh	Halal	Haram
Amphibious Animals (e.g., Crocodile, Frog)	Haram	Haram (with some debate)	Haram
Floating Carrion	Haram	Halal (unless harmful)	Haram (must be caught alive)

The Role of Modern Interpretation

Modern scholarly opinions sometimes present more nuanced approaches, particularly concerning the rationale behind past rulings. Some modern Hanafi scholars, for instance, acknowledge the difference of opinion regarding shrimp and its traditional classification. However, adherence to one's specific school of thought remains the standard practice for many Muslims. The availability of halal certification for seafood products also helps to clarify the permissibility status for consumers.

How Muslims Navigate Seafood Choices

For a Muslim trying to determine which seafood is acceptable, the first step is to know which madhhab they follow. If adhering to the Hanafi school, the approach will be very cautious, primarily restricting consumption to true, scaled fish. In contrast, a follower of the Shafi'i school can generally enjoy a much wider variety of sea creatures, including shellfish and mollusks. For those who find themselves in regions where seafood permissibility is unclear, seeking guidance from knowledgeable local scholars is advisable. It is also essential to consider how the food was prepared and avoid cross-contamination with non-halal items. Islamic teachings emphasize ease, so while there are differences, the core principle is to follow one's informed conscience and the teachings of one's school of thought.

Conclusion

The question of what fish can Muslims not eat is complex, with the answer depending heavily on one's adherence to a particular Islamic school of thought. While all major schools permit scaled fish, the Hanafi and Shia (Ja'fari) traditions enforce stricter criteria, often prohibiting creatures without scales, as well as shellfish and cephalopods. The other major Sunni schools (Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali) generally permit all seafood, with minor exceptions. By understanding the differing interpretations rooted in Islamic jurisprudence, Muslims can confidently make dietary choices that align with their religious principles, respecting the diversity of opinions that exist within the Muslim community. For further information and detailed rulings, one can consult resources from respected Islamic organizations, such as the Islamic Services of America.

Frequently Asked Questions

The differing rulings on seafood stem from varied interpretations of key Islamic texts, such as the Quran and Hadith. Scholars disagree on the precise definition of 'fish' (samak) and 'water-game,' leading to different conclusions about which aquatic creatures are permissible.

The halal status of shrimp and prawns is a point of contention. The Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools consider them halal. In contrast, the Hanafi school generally considers them makruh (detestable) or haram, while the Ja'fari (Shia) school permits them, but not other shellfish.

Yes, many Muslims can eat squid and octopus, particularly those following the Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools of thought, which permit all seafood. However, followers of the Hanafi and Shia (Ja'fari) schools generally consider them haram or makruh because they lack scales.

No, not all fish are permissible according to all schools of thought. While schools like Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali allow all fish, the Hanafi and Shia (Ja'fari) schools only permit fish that have scales. This means non-scaled fish like catfish and eel are forbidden in these stricter traditions.

Animals that live both on land and in water, such as crabs, turtles, and crocodiles, are generally considered impermissible (haram) across most schools of thought. This is often because the rules for land animals, which require proper slaughter, are given precedence.

The permissibility of shark meat is debated among scholars. Some consider it halal as a type of fish, while others find it questionable due to its predatory nature or because it lacks traditional scales. The Hanafi and Shia schools, which prioritize scales, would typically deem it impermissible.

When in doubt, a Muslim should seek guidance from a trusted and knowledgeable religious scholar within their own school of thought. They can also look for products with halal certification from a reliable organization, which helps to ensure the food meets specific religious guidelines.