Question:
I have recently moved to Canada. I am overwhelmed with different types of fish available here. I find it challenging to identify ḥalāl fish. What are the general rules for a fish to be ḥalāl? Some fish I have encountered at local grocery store are: cod, bass, haddock, sole, trout, salmon and tilapia. I am not sure of which fish are ḥalāl? Also is lobster and crab ḥalāl? I appreciate the help and information that your good organization provides us.
Answer:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
وصلى الله على النبي الأمي
We appreciate you contacting Mathabah for your query.
Eating what is ḥalāl, wholesome, tasty and pure is a command of the Almighty to His prophets as well, so that the followers can adopt and abide by this virtue.
According to the Ḥanafī school [the school I am trained in], any type of live fish is ḥalāl to consume.
Allāmah ʿAaynī states, “Only fish is permitted to consume from the different sea animals.” (Al-Bināya Sharḥ Al-Hidāyah)
Since crab and lobster are technically not classified as samak or fish, they are not permissible in the Ḥanafī school.
The other respected schools of fiqh (Shāfʿīe, Mālikī and Ḥanbalī) do permit some sea animals as they are considered seafood. (Fiqh ʿAlā Madhāhib al Arbaʿah)
Allāh Knows Best