Is it permissible to eat prawns?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
There are two views of the scholars on the permissibility of eating prawns. Some scholars say that it is makrooh tahreemi (i.e. prohibited), whereas other scholars say that it is permissible. Both sides have valid arguments to support their view.
Therefore, if a person abstains from eating prawns to be on the safe side, it is a praiseworthy and virtuous act. If, on the other hand, a person eats prawns, he should not be condemned.
(See: Fiqhi Maqalaat: 3/217-221)
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Faizal Riza
9/9/2011