Crabs, Calamari and Prawns
| Fatwa #1549 | Category: Food & Drink | Country: | Date: 11th July 2025 |
| Fatwa #1549 | Date: 11th July 2025 |
| Category: Food & Drink | |
| Country: | |
Question
Assallamualikum wa rahmatullah wa barkatuh
Is crabs and calamari and prawns halaal for hanafis ?
Jazakumullah khairan
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Crabs and Calamari are not permissible. There is a difference of opinion amongst our Ulama regarding prawns. It is safer (Taqwa) to avoid prawns.[1] If one personally refrains from eating prawns, they should not censure those who opt to consume prawns.
The Hanafi madhab only permits the consumption of sea creatures that fall under the definition of ‘samak’ (fish). Certain creatures, such as crabs, octopus, squid, etc. are definitely not ‘samak’, hence, they are not permissible. The Ulama have differed regarding prawns. Some considered it to be ‘samak’, others did not.
Amongst those who permitted it are Ml Ashraf Ali Thanvi,[2] Mufti AbdurRahim Lajpuri[3] and Ml Abdul Hayy Laknawi (Rahimahumullah).[4] Amongst those who prohibited it are Mufti Rashid Ahmed Ludyanwi,[5] Ml Khalil Ahmed Saharanpuri and Mufti Rashid Ahmed Gangohi (Rahimahumullah).[6]
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Bilal Pandor
Concurred by
Mufti Muhammad Patel
Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah
Lusaka, Zambia
[1]فتاوى دار العلوم زكريا ج6 ص270
كما في فتاوى محمودية ج18 ص212