Is Snake Halal? What You Need To Know

Is snake halal? Snakes have been a topic of interest and debate among many communities, especially when it comes to their dietary status.

In Islam, the concept of halal food plays a significant role in determining what is considered fit for consumption. Given this, it is natural for people to wonder whether snakes are halal or not.

In this blog, we will delve into the Islamic perspective on eating snakes and provide a comprehensive answer to this intriguing question.

Is Snake Halal?

No, snake meat is not halal. It is not permissible to eat the meat of snakes, whether for medicinal purposes or for any other purpose. The majority of scholars are of the view that it is not permissible to eat the meat of vipers and snakes.

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

The views of the scholars regarding the vermin of the earth such as snakes, scorpions, black beetles, woodlice, mice and the like, our view is that they are haram. This is the view of Abu Hanifah, Ahmad and Dawud. Malik said: They are halal.

al-Majmu‘ (9/16-17)

According to IslamQA fatwa, the correct view is the view of the majority, for several reasons:

Snakes are among the animals that catch prey with their fangs, and the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) forbade eating any wild animal that has fangs.

Snakes are among the animals that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) instructed us to kill.

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that he heard the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) delivering a khutbah from the minbar in which he said: “Kill snakes…

They are regarded as repulsive. Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

And makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the bad things

Surah al-A‘raf 7:157

• Read also: Is Frog Halal Or Haram To Eat? Quick Facts

The scholars of the Permanent Committee said:

It is not permissible to eat mice, snakes, venomous insects or monkeys, because they catch prey with their fangs, and the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) forbade eating any wild animal that has fangs, and because they are regarded as repulsive,

and Allah, may He be exalted, says describing the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him):

{and [he] makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the bad things} [Surah al-A ‘raf 7:157].

End quote. Fatawa al-Lajnah ad-Da’imah (22/292).

Is Snake Meat Halal Hanafi?

According to the Hanafis, it is prohibited to eat snakes because of their foul evil nature. Al-Ikhtiyaar Li-Ta‘leel Al-Mukhtaar reads:

The creatures that do not have liquid blood, such as flies, wasps, and scorpions, are unlawful for human consumption, except for locusts.

The same applies to the rest of the vermin and insects that live above or below the surface of the earth, such as the mouse, gecko, jerboa, porcupine, snake, and the like because all of these creatures fall into the category of Khabaa’ith (foul/evil),

and Allah, the Exalted, says (what means): {…and prohibits for them the Khabaa’ith…} [Quran 7:157].”

Sources: IslamQA and Islam Web

Allah knows best.