Is Tuna Halal? What You Should Know

Tuna is a saltwater fish that belongs to the mackerel family and is widely consumed around the world. Known for its delicate flavor and tender meat, it is a popular ingredient in many dishes, ranging from sushi to grilled tuna steaks. But for Muslims, a crucial question arises: is tuna halal, meaning permissible to eat according to Islamic law?
In Islam, food is classified as either halal (permissible) or haram (forbidden). This classification is based on clear guidelines from the Quran and Hadith. Seafood, in particular, has specific rulings that apply, and in this blog post, we will explore whether tuna falls into the halal category.
We will discuss the Islamic perspective on tuna, supported by scholarly opinions, Quranic verses, and authentic Hadith.
Is Tuna Halal in Islam?
Yes, according to the majority of scholars, tuna is halal in Islam. The ruling that most sea creatures are permissible comes from the broader Islamic principle that all animals from the sea are halal unless explicitly mentioned otherwise. Islamic scholars from Sunni schools of thought—namely Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali—agree that all types of seafood, including fish like tuna, are halal and permissible to eat.
The Hanafi school of thought takes a slightly more conservative approach, permitting only fish (and not other sea creatures like shellfish), but tuna is still included in the list of permissible sea animals.
This consensus among scholars makes it clear that tuna can be consumed without any concerns regarding its halal status.
Why is Tuna Halal?
Tuna is halal because it belongs to the category of sea animals, which are generally permissible to eat in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) provided clear guidance on this matter.
He said that two types of dead animals and two types of blood are halal to eat. The two types of dead animals are all sea creatures and locusts, and the two types of blood are the liver and spleen.
This ruling is significant because it includes all sea animals, without requiring the specific halal slaughtering process that is necessary for land animals. As a result, Muslims can eat tuna whether it is caught by Muslims or non-Muslims, and even if it is dead when found.
READ ALSO: Are Scallops Halal? What You Need to Know
Evidence from the Quran and Hadith
The permissibility of eating tuna and other sea animals is further supported by the Quran. Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Ma’idah:
“Lawful to you is game from the sea and its food as provision for you.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah: 5:96)
This verse makes it clear that all creatures from the sea are halal for consumption. There is no exception mentioned, meaning that tuna, as a type of fish, falls under this general ruling.
Additionally, in a well-known Hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah, a man asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) whether it was permissible to use sea water for ablution. The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied:
“The sea water is pure, and its dead animals are lawful to eat.”
(Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi, al-Nasa’i)
This Hadith further reinforces that all sea creatures, including tuna, are halal to eat, even if they are found dead in the water.
This ruling is vital for Muslims who may be unsure about whether the fish must be alive at the time of capture for it to be permissible.
Scholarly Opinions on Tuna
Islamic scholars have also provided clear guidance on the permissibility of eating sea creatures. Imams such as Imam Malik, Imam Ash-Shafi’i, and Imam Ahmad all agree that any fish or seafood, including tuna, is halal.
Even in the Hanafi school, which has stricter guidelines on sea creatures, fish like tuna are still allowed.
Shaikh Assim Al-Hakeem, a contemporary Islamic scholar, has also addressed this issue. He explained that unless Allah (SWT) mentions a specific food as haram in the Quran, it is safe to assume that it is halal.
Since there is no mention in the Quran or Hadith explicitly forbidding the consumption of tuna, it is considered permissible by the majority of scholars.
Health Considerations and Halal Status
While tuna is considered halal, it is also important to consider health-related aspects when consuming it.
Islam emphasizes the preservation of health and forbids the consumption of anything that may harm the body.
For instance, certain types of tuna have been found to contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. In such cases, Muslims are encouraged to avoid consuming foods that could lead to illness or harm.
If medical evidence proves that eating certain types of tuna poses a health risk, it would be discouraged in line with the Islamic principle of avoiding harm. Islam always encourages Muslims to prioritize their health and well-being, and this applies to both land and sea creatures.
Tuna in Different Schools of Thought
As mentioned earlier, the permissibility of eating tuna is agreed upon by most Islamic scholars. The Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools of thought broadly permit the consumption of all sea creatures, including fish like tuna.
This ruling applies whether the fish is alive when caught or dead when found, as sea animals do not require slaughtering.
The Hanafi school has a more specific ruling, allowing only fish and excluding other sea creatures such as shellfish and squid. However, since tuna is a type of fish, it is still permissible in the Hanafi school.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tuna is considered halal for Muslims, and there is no evidence in the Quran or Hadith that explicitly forbids its consumption.
Based on Islamic teachings, all sea animals are halal, and tuna is no exception. Whether it is caught by Muslims or non-Muslims, dead or alive when found, the consumption of tuna is permissible according to most scholars.
However, as with any food, Muslims are encouraged to be mindful of their health. If certain types of tuna are found to be harmful due to high levels of mercury or other toxins, then it would be wise to avoid them.
Islam teaches that anything harmful to the body should be avoided, whether from the sea or land.
Overall, tuna is halal, nutritious, and widely accepted by scholars, making it a safe and permissible choice for Muslims to enjoy.