Is Shark Halal or Haram in Islam?

Is Shark Halal

As Muslims, we frequently encounter questions about the halal status of different types of meat, especially seafood. One of the most common questions that arises is whether shark meat is halal.

In this article, we will thoroughly explore the Islamic perspective on consuming shark and provide insight into its halal status based on the Quran, Hadith, and scholarly opinions from the four major Sunni schools of thought.

Understanding the halal (permissible) and haram (forbidden) rulings on food is an essential part of Islamic practice.

The halal status of different types of meat, including that of sea creatures like sharks, must be determined based on guidance from Islamic law. Let’s dive into this topic and see what the Quran and Hadith say about the permissibility of eating shark.

Is Shark Halal?

Yes, shark meat is considered halal according to the majority of Islamic scholars, including all four major Sunni madhhabs: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali. This consensus stems from interpretations of Quranic verses and Hadith, which grant a special dispensation allowing the consumption of fish, including sharks, without the need for Islamic slaughter (Zabiha).

The permissibility to consume all types of fish without following the Islamic method of slaughter is a special blessing granted by Allah, Most High, the All-Wise and All-Knowing.

This exception applies to all sea animals that are classified as fish, which includes sharks, according to most scholars.

Quranic Evidence Supporting Shark’s Permissibility

The basis for this ruling is found in the Quran. Allah Most High says:

Lawful to you is the pursuit of water-game (fishing) and its use for food, for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel
(Surah Al-Ma’ida, 5:96)

This verse clearly emphasizes the permissibility of eating animals that live in water. The phrase “water-game” (or “fishing”) is a general term that includes all creatures living in the sea.

Scholars have interpreted this verse as granting broad permission for Muslims to consume sea creatures, including sharks.

This ruling is also a reflection of Allah’s mercy, as hunting and fishing have been made easy for Muslims, even without the need to follow specific slaughtering guidelines, which is a requirement for land animals.

READ ALSO: Is Rabbit Halal? What You Need To Know

Hadith on the Consumption of Fish

In addition to the Quranic verse, there is a hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that further supports this ruling. AbdAllah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

Two types of dead meat and two types of blood have been made lawful for our consumption: The two dead meats are fish and locust, and the two types of blood are liver and spleen.
(Sunan Abu Dawud, Musnad Ahmad, Sunan Ibn Majah)

This hadith emphasizes that fish, even if found dead, is permissible to eat. Therefore, Islamic slaughter does not apply to fish, further supporting the permissibility of eating shark meat. This is a unique exception to the general rule that forbids the consumption of dead animals.

Ruling from the Four Sunni Madhabs

All four major Sunni schools of Islamic law—Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali—agree that fish, including sharks, are halal for consumption. This consensus is based on the clear evidence found in the Quran and Hadith.

In the Hanafi school of thought, there is a stricter view on sea creatures, as only fish are considered halal. However, since sharks are classified as fish, they are permissible to eat according to Hanafi scholars.

The Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools are more lenient when it comes to sea creatures, permitting the consumption of all sea animals, including sharks.

This ruling makes it clear that Muslims from all schools of thought can consume shark meat without concern.

Can Sharks Be Harmful?

While the general rule is that all fish are halal, there is an important exception to this: the principle of harm.

If consuming a particular fish or sea animal poses harm to the body, such as poisoning or severe allergic reactions, then it is considered haram to eat. This is in line with Islamic teachings that prohibit self-harm.

The Quran instructs Muslims:
Do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:195)

Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm
(Sunan Ibn Majah)

Thus, if there are known risks associated with eating certain species of sharks, Muslims are advised to avoid them. The general rule remains, however, that shark meat is permissible unless proven harmful.

Historical Example: The Hadith of Al-Anbar

There is a well-known hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari that mentions the consumption of a large fish, potentially a shark or whale, by the Prophet’s companions. Jabir ibn AbdAllah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) sent troops to the sea-coast, and they found a fish as large as a small mountain. The troops ate from it for 18 days. When they returned, they informed the Prophet, and he said: ‘Eat from it, for it is food Allah has brought out for you.’
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith 4361)

This narration illustrates that large sea creatures, such as sharks or whales, were consumed by the Prophet’s companions and approved by the Prophet (peace be upon him). This reinforces the permissibility of consuming such creatures.

Is Shark Halal in the Hanafi Madhab?

Yes, shark is halal in the Hanafi madhhab. Although the Hanafi school is more restrictive with regard to sea creatures, only allowing the consumption of fish, sharks are categorized as fish. Therefore, they are considered halal in the Hanafi school.

This aligns with the broader consensus of the other madhhabs, where all sea creatures are permissible, and sharks are no exception.

Is Eating Shark Halal?

Yes, eating shark meat is halal and permissible in Islam. All sea animals are considered halal unless explicitly prohibited in the Quran or Hadith.

Since sharks are not included in any list of prohibited animals, they are permissible to eat.

It’s important to note that the permissibility of eating sharks does not depend on whether they eat other animals or even human flesh; it depends solely on the rulings from the Quran and Hadith.

Islamic dietary laws are guided by the principles of ease and mercy, and this is evident in the permissibility of consuming sea creatures without requiring Islamic slaughter.

Practical Considerations for Eating Shark

For Muslims who wish to consume shark, it is important to source the meat from a reliable and halal-certified market.

Always ensure that the species of shark being consumed is safe and not harmful. Additionally, if in doubt about the specific type of shark or its preparation, seek guidance from a knowledgeable scholar or local halal authority.

Conclusion

In conclusion, all four Sunni schools of Islamic law agree that all types of fish, including sharks, are halal for consumption. This ruling is based on clear evidence from the Quran and Hadith, which emphasize the permissibility of consuming fish and other sea creatures.

Shark, being a type of fish, falls under this general rule, making it permissible for Muslims to eat.

However, as with all matters in Islam, safety and health should always be considered. If consuming a particular type of shark is harmful, it would be haram. Otherwise, shark meat is a permissible food that Muslims can enjoy in accordance with Islamic dietary laws.

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