Is Emu Halal? Everything You Need To Know

Emus are flightless birds that are native to Australia. They are known for their large size and distinctive appearance, and are becoming increasingly popular as a source of meat and eggs.

But the question is, is emu halal? In this blog post, we will explore the Islamic perspective on the consumption of emu meat and eggs, and examine whether or not it is permissible for Muslims to eat them.

Is Emu Halal?

Yes, emu is halal with no stated prohibition provided it is slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law. It is permissible to eat emu because there is nothing to indicate that it is haram. Emu meat is found to be good and it does not have fangs (non-predatory bird).

Allah says:

Say, “I do not find within that which was revealed to me [anything] forbidden to one who would eat it unless it be a dead animal or blood spilled out or the flesh of swine – for indeed, it is impure – or it be [that slaughtered in] disobedience, dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], then indeed, your Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.”

Surah An’am verse 145

Nothing is excluded from this ruling, except that which is reported as having been prohibited to be eaten.

• Recommended reading: Is Zebra Halal? What You Need To Know

Why Is Emu Halal?

Emu is halal because the basic principle with regard to food and drink is that it is permissible unless there is proof that it is haram.

An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

“Our companions unanimously agreed that it is permissible to eat ostriches , chickens… ducks, sand grouse, sparrows, larks, francolin and pigeons…” Sharh al-Muhadhdhab, 7/22

He also said:

“Whatever lives in the water and on land, including waterfowl such as ducks, geese and so on, is halal as stated above, but if any of these dies of natural causes (i.e., is not slaughtered in the proper manner) it is not halal, and there is no difference of scholarly opinion on this point. Rather it is essential that it be slaughtered properly.”

Sharh al-Muhadhdhab, 9/35

Is Emu Meat Halal?

Yes, emu meat is halal. It is permissible to eat the meat of emu, as Allah Says: Say, “Lawful for you are [all] good foods. [Surah Ma’idah: 4].

Allah further Says: …and makes lawful for them the good things. [Quran 7: 157]. So, the meat of an emu is good.

Is Emu Egg Halal?

Yes, emu egg is halal and allowed because emu itself is allowed to slaughter and eat as Halal. As it is permissible to eat emu meat, it is also permissible to eat its egg.

Note that emu should be slaughtered in accordance with Islamic guidelines.

Al-dhabh (Slaughtering Meat): when discussing that which makes the animal more at ease, scholars said:

It should be cut in the neck if it has a short neck, and at the point where the neck meets the chest if it has a long neck, such as a camel, ostrich or goose, because that makes it easier for the soul to depart.

In conclusion, emu is considered halal for Muslims to eat as long as it is slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines.