Is Eel Halal? A Complete Guide

Eels are snakelike fish with elongated bodies and shallow fins. They can be found in both fresh and saltwater, depending on the species, although all eels breed in saltwater.
Many species of freshwater eel are consumed by humans, and the fish is particularly popular in European and Asian cuisines, such as Japan’s famous Unagi dishes. However, for Muslims who follow the dietary laws of Islam, the question arises: Is eel halal, or is it haram to consume?
In this post, we will explore the Islamic perspective on eel consumption, examining the Quran, hadiths, and scholarly opinions to determine whether eating eel is permissible or not under Islamic law. We will look into the views of different Islamic schools of thought and provide a clear answer for those seeking guidance on this issue.
Is Eel Halal?
Yes, eel is considered halal in Islam. According to the basic principles of all four Sunni madhabs (schools of thought), consuming eel is permissible. This ruling stems from a general Islamic principle that most creatures that live in water are halal, based on the broad meaning of Surah Al-Ma’idah, verse 96 in the Quran.
Allah says in the Quran:
“Lawful to you is game from the sea and its food as provision for you and the travelers.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:96)
This verse serves as the foundation for the permissibility of consuming sea creatures, including eel. The Quran does not differentiate between different types of fish, and without specific evidence that prohibits any species, the general ruling applies to all.
This is why scholars across the Sunni schools agree that eel is halal, as it falls within the category of “game from the sea.”
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The Consensus Among Scholars
Islamic scholars have long maintained that seafood, including eel, is halal unless there is clear evidence from the Quran or Sunnah that prohibits a specific type of sea creature.
The evidence presented above does not distinguish between various fish species unless a particular exception is made, which is not the case for eel.
It is also narrated in hadith that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) confirmed the permissibility of consuming sea animals. This hadith is often cited in relation to the permissibility of fish:
“Two types of dead meat have been made permissible for us: fish and locusts.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
There are no opposing opinions from the Sahabah (companions of the Prophet) or other scholars regarding the permissibility of eel. This agreement further solidifies the consensus that eel, like all other fish, is halal for consumption.
Is Eel Halal in the Hanafi Madhab?
Yes, eel is considered halal in the Hanafi school of thought as well. The Hanafis have a unique criterion when it comes to sea creatures, as they only consider “fish” to be halal. However, eel is classified as a type of fish, which makes it permissible according to their interpretation of Islamic law.
Their view is supported by the aforementioned hadith, in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) allowed the consumption of fish without any specific restrictions.
Hanafis rely on this hadith, as well as the broader Quranic principles, to affirm that eel is included in the category of permissible sea creatures.
Other Sunni Schools of Thought
The Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools of thought also uphold the ruling that eel is halal. These schools apply the general permissibility of sea animals to all fish species, including eel, as long as there is no clear harm or specific prohibition associated with them.
This broad consensus among the Sunni madhabs ensures that Muslims following any of these schools can consume eel with confidence that it adheres to Islamic dietary laws.
Why Eel Is Halal?
The permissibility of eel is based on several Quranic verses and hadiths that emphasize the general halal status of seafood. For instance, the Quran states:
“Lawful to you is what you capture from the sea and use for food as provision for yourselves and the travelers.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:96)
This verse supports the view that all sea creatures, unless proven harmful or explicitly forbidden, are permissible to eat. The broad wording of this verse implies that all fish and aquatic animals, including eel, are included in this ruling.
Additionally, Abu Hurayrah reports a hadith where the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about the permissibility of sea water and its creatures. The Prophet said:
“The sea water is pure, and its dead animals are lawful to eat.”
(Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Nasa’i)
This hadith further reinforces the view that all sea creatures, including eel, are permissible. Scholars explain that the term “dead animals” refers to creatures that die in the water, indicating that there is no need to slaughter fish and other sea creatures in a specific manner for them to be halal.
Exceptions and Caution
Although eel is halal, Islamic law emphasizes avoiding harm. If a specific sea creature is proven to be harmful to human health—whether due to toxicity, allergies, or other medical concerns—it becomes haram to consume.
Islam strongly upholds the principle of avoiding harm, and this principle overrides dietary permissibility when necessary.
For example, poisonous fish or plants that cause allergic reactions are considered haram due to the harm they may cause. This principle applies to both sea and land animals, as Islam prioritizes the preservation of human health and well-being.
Forbidden Sea Creatures
While most sea creatures are halal, some exceptions exist. Crocodiles, frogs, and turtles, for instance, are generally considered haram because they spend significant time on land and are considered predatory animals.
Additionally, some scholars classify these animals as impure or harmful, which further justifies their prohibition.
Islamic scholars caution against consuming any creature that poses a risk to health or violates other principles of Islamic law. This guidance helps ensure that Muslims only consume foods that are both halal and safe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, eel and most other sea creatures are halal according to Islamic law. The Quran and hadith provide clear guidance that permits the consumption of seafood, with few exceptions.
As long as the eel is not proven harmful, it is permissible for Muslims to eat. However, as with any food, it is essential to remain mindful of potential health risks and seek guidance from knowledgeable scholars if any doubts arise.
The general rule remains: all sea animals, whether plants or creatures, are lawful for consumption unless explicitly forbidden or harmful.
For Muslims, adhering to these dietary laws ensures that their food is both halal and wholesome, reflecting the balance and wisdom of Islamic teachings.