Question:
Answer:
The whale as you have mentioned is Halaal. It was consumed by the Sahabah (R.A.) while on an expedition under the leadership of Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah (R.A.) after running out of provisions on their journey. (Khaane Peene ki Halaal aur Haraam Cheezain, Page 74, Hayaatul Hayawaan, Vol. 2, Page 79-81)
According to the Ahnaaf only fish is Halaal from amongst the marine animals. Imam Jassaas in Ahkaamul Qur’an’, Vol. 2, Page 479 has mentioned the same ruling of the Ahnaaf but has not classified the shark as being the dog and the dolphin as being the pig of the sea. The shark in the Arabic language is called Al-Qirsh’ whereas the dog of the ocean is called Al-Qundus’ as mentioned in “Hayaatul Hayawaan”. The author of “Hayaatul Hayawaan” after defining both these animals has stated that the shark is Halaal and not the dog of the sea. (Hayaatul Hayawaan, Vol. 2, Page 206-207 and Page 298)
This shows that the dog of the sea is something other than the shark.
As for the dolphin the author of “Hayaatul Hayawaan” when making mention of dolphins has stated it to be Halaal after classifying it to be a fish. But he mentions in another place that the dolphin is the pig of the sea. (Hayaatul Hayawaan, Vol. 1, Page 436, 481 and 482) In light of the above one should refrain from eating dolphins Ihtiyaatan (as a precautionary measure)
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Qasim bin Hashim Limbada
Attested to as correct by:
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
17 June 2004
28 Rabee’ul Aakhir 1425