Are Snails Halal? What You Need To Know

Are snails halal? Snails are a common food source in many cultures and have been consumed for centuries.

However, for those following a halal diet, the question of whether snails are considered halal or not is not always clear.

In this blog, we will explore the Islamic laws and guidelines surrounding the consumption of snails and provide a better understanding of whether they are considered halal or not.

Whether you are a practicing Muslim looking for information on halal food choices or simply curious about the topic, this blog will provide valuable insight into the subject of snails and halal dietary restrictions.

Are Snails Halal?

Yes, snails are generally halal. The consumption of snails is permitted for both land and sea snails. There is nothing wrong with cooking them alive because land snails have no blood and sea snails fall under the general permissibility of sea game and food.

Sea snails are halal, because of the general permission with regard to eating seafood. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Lawful to you is (the pursuit of) water game and its use for food — for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel.”

Surah al-Maidah 5: 96

Al-Bukhari narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Water game means what is hunted, and its food is what the sea throws out (onto the shore).”

Al-Bukhari narrated from Shurayh, the Companion of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), that he said: “Everything in the sea is madhbuh (slaughtered).”

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Are Land Snails Halal?

According to IslamQA, land snails come under the ruling on eating “insects”. The majority of scholars are of the view that it is haram.

Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “The view of the scholars concerning land insects … our view is that it is haram. This was the view of Abu Hanifah, Ahmad and Dawud. Malik said: it is halal.”

Ibn Hazm (may Allah have mercy on him) said: It is not permissible to eat land snails or any other “insects and vermin ”, such as geckos, cockroaches, ants, bees , flies, wasps, worms, lice, fleas, bedbugs, mosquitoes or anything else of that type, because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Forbidden to you (for food) are: Al-Maitah (the dead animals)” and “unless you are able to slaughter it (before its death)”

Surah al-Ma’idah 5: 3

And there is sound proof that slaughter can only be done in the neck or upper chest, so if it is not possible to slaughter it, then there is no way one can eat it unless it is dead i.e., not slaughtered properly, so it is haram.” (Al-Muhalla, 6/76, 77)

The Malikis did not stipulate that a creature which has no flowing blood should be slaughtered, rather they included it under the same ruling as locusts, and its slaughter is by boiling, roasting, or piercing it with a stick or needle until it is dead, whilst saying the name of Allah over it.