Is Crawfish Halal In Islam? (Crayfish)

Crawfish, also known as crayfish or crawdads, are freshwater crustaceans that are often used in various types of cuisine. In some parts of the world, they are also referred to as “mini lobsters.”

One of the most frequently asked questions is ‘is crawfish halal?’. This article will thoroughly explain the facts, as well as answer some frequently asked questions about seafood consumption.

Is Crawfish Halal In Islam?

Yes, crawfish is Halal in Islam. As per Sunni school of thought, all the creatures which resembles the shape of fish are regarded as Halal. As per Hanafi, all the crustaceans including crawfish, crap, clam are regarded as Haram.

There is no specific mention of crawfish in the Qur’an or in sunnah, so it is necessary to examine the general principles and guidelines that govern the consumption of sea foods in Islam.

The vast majority of Islamic scholars consider all types of shellfish to be halal. So crawfish is all halal seafood in Islam.

Shellfish is considered halal by three of the four Sunni schools of thought. All non-harmful shellfish are halal to eat, according to the Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbalis. The only exception is the Hanafi school of thought. According to them, all shellfish are considered Makruh (detestable).

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Generally, all kinds of food from the sea are halal (permissible), whether they are plants or animals, alive or dead. 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 96

However, There are certain types of water animals which are forbidden such as crocodiles, frogs, otters and turtles.

In the Hanafi Madhab, fish is the only halal seafood available to consume. As a result, according to Hanafis, crawfish is not permitted, it is considered haram.

However, there are other views within the Hanafi school that suggest crawfish, prawns, crabs, lobster, and other foodstuffs in the sea that are not considered to be fish are in fact considered to be part of the category of fish from a linguistic standpoint.

Since neither Allah nor His Messenger excluded any type of fish from this permission and we know that “Allah is never forgetful“, the vast majority of scholars hold the view that all varieties of fish found in water (including the sea, lakes, rivers, ponds, wells, and so on) are permissible for us to consume.

In addition, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about the sea, and his reply was,

“Its water is pure (for the purpose of purification rites) and its fish is lawful for you to eat.” Abu Dawud

Shaikh Assim Al Hakeem, stated that unless Allah mentions a specific food in the Quran as haram, it is safe to assume that it is Halal.

He also mentions that there are foods that are obviously haram. This includes foods that were not slaughtered in accordance to Islamic guidelines.

Conclusion

It is permissible in Islam to eat crawfish and other sea foods. This is derived from what Allah and His beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW said in the Quran and Sunnah respectively.

However, everything that can cause harm as food is haram or forbidden, even if it comes from the sea, because Allah says (interpretation of meaning):

“… And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you.” Surah al-Nisa verse 29

and He also says: “… and do not throw yourselves into destruction…”Surah al-Baqarah :195