Which Species of Fish Are Forbidden to Eat in Islam? Understanding the Difference Between Farmed and River Fish

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Author: S. M. Masud | Published on: {{31-10-2025}}

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Which Species of Fish Are Forbidden to Eat in Islam? Understanding the Difference Between Farmed and River Fish

Introduction

Fish is one of the most nutritious and commonly consumed foods across the world. In Islam, seafood holds a special place because it is mentioned in the Qur’an as a blessing from Allah — a lawful and beneficial source of sustenance. However, many Muslims wonder: Are all fish halal (permissible)? Which types are forbidden? And with modern fish farming becoming widespread, another question arises: Is there any difference between farmed and river fish in Islamic law?

In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore which species of fish are considered haram (forbidden) in Islam, the scholarly differences of opinion, and the Islamic view on farmed vs. wild fish — all supported by Qur’anic verses, Hadiths, and scholarly interpretation.

1. The Qur’anic Foundation for Eating Fish

The Qur’an clearly allows Muslims to eat seafood. Allah says:

> “Lawful to you is the game of the sea and its food as provision for you and for travelers...”

(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:96)

This verse establishes that sea creatures — particularly fish — are lawful to consume. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also encouraged eating fish. In one Hadith, he said:

> “Two types of dead meat are made lawful for us: fish and locusts.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah, 3218; Sahih al-Bukhari, 2484)

These texts confirm that fish, even if found dead in water (not slaughtered), are halal. However, not all aquatic animals are treated equally in Islamic jurisprudence.

2. General Islamic Rule on Fish

According to the majority of Islamic scholars, fish with scales are halal, while creatures that do not fit the definition of “fish” — such as frogs, snakes, turtles, crocodiles, or shellfish — are not permissible, depending on the school of thought.

Let’s examine the opinions of the four major Sunni schools:

a. Hanafi School

Only fish (meaning true aquatic species with fins and scales) are halal.

Aquatic creatures like frogs, snakes, turtles, lobsters, crabs, and shrimps are haram or makruh (disliked).

Reason: The Qur’an’s permission applies to “the game of the sea” but is limited to species that fall under the definition of “fish.”

b. Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali Schools

They are more lenient. These schools consider all sea creatures lawful unless there is clear evidence to prohibit them.

According to these scholars, fish, shellfish, shrimp, lobsters, crabs, and even octopus or squid are permissible.

However, harmful or poisonous sea creatures remain forbidden.

Thus, the Hanafi school is the strictest, while the other three are broader in their interpretation.

3. Which Species of Fish Are Forbidden in Islam?

Although fish are generally halal, certain species or situations can make them haram (forbidden) or makruh (disliked). Let’s go through them one by one.

(1) Fish That Die Naturally and Float on Water

If a fish dies naturally and floats before being caught, it is haram to eat.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

> “Whatever the sea throws up and is eaten is halal; whatever dies in it and floats is haram.” (Abu Dawud 3815)

Therefore, dead, floating fish are considered impure because they died without being caught.

(2) Poisonous or Harmful Fish

Islam forbids any food that causes harm.

Poisonous fish like pufferfish (fugu), or fish that cause allergic or toxic reactions, are haram to eat.

Allah says:

> “Do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:29)

(3) Fish Fed with Filth or Impure Substances

If a fish eats najis (impure or filthy substances such as human waste or blood), it becomes makruh or haram until it is purified.

The rule: such fish must be kept in clean water for a few days so that it naturally purifies itself before being eaten.

(4) Amphibious Creatures (Live in Water and Land)

Animals like frogs, crocodiles, turtles, and snakes are not halal according to most scholars.

The Prophet ﷺ specifically forbade killing frogs, indicating they are not meant to be eaten.

(Sunan Abu Dawud 5269)

(5) Mutant or Deformed Fish (Genetically Modified)

Modern genetically altered species that suffer from deformities or are artificially created may fall under makruh depending on how they were bred.

The guiding principle is that anything involving cruelty or unnatural tampering may make it doubtful or impermissible.

4. Examples of Common Fish and Their Rulings

Fish Name Halal or Haram? Reason / Notes

Tilapia ✅ Halal Clean, scaly fish

Rohu / Rui ✅ Halal Common freshwater fish

Hilsa (Ilish) ✅ Halal Has scales

Catfish (Magur) ⚠️ Disputed No visible scales; haram for Hanafis

Shark ⚠️ Disputed No scales; haram for Hanafis, halal for others

Eel ⚠️ Disputed Lacks scales

Shrimp ✅ / ⚠️ Halal for most; some Hanafis call it makruh

Lobster / Crab ⚠️ Disputed Halal for Shafi’i, haram for Hanafi

Pufferfish ❌ Haram Poisonous, harmful

Crocodile ❌ Haram Amphibious and predatory

5. The Difference Between Farmed and River Fish in Islam

With the rise of aquaculture, millions of Muslims now consume farmed fish instead of wild or river-caught fish. Is there any difference in Islamic law?

a. Both Are Halal in Principle

Whether caught from rivers, seas, or farms, fish remain halal as long as:

They are genuine fish (not amphibians).

They are alive when taken out of the water.

They are not fed with impure (najis) or harmful substances.

b. Feeding Method Matters

If farmed fish are fed clean, halal feed, they are 100% halal.

However, if they are fed blood meal, pork-based waste, or animal excreta, then the fish become makruh or haram until purified.

Scholars recommend purifying such fish by keeping them in clean water for 3 days before slaughter or sale.

c. Environmental and Ethical Concerns

Islam emphasizes tayyib (pure, wholesome) food.

Even if a fish is technically halal, it must also be healthy and not raised in polluted water.

Farmed fish that grow in toxic or dirty ponds are discouraged.

River fish usually have a cleaner and more natural diet, often considered more tayyib.

d. Artificially Grown or Hormone-Injected Fish

If hormones or chemicals are used in farming that cause harm to the body, such fish may become haram due to potential harm (as per Surah Al-Baqarah 2:195).

6. The Islamic Principle: Halal and Tayyib

The Qur’an repeatedly commands Muslims to eat “halal and tayyib” — lawful and pure food.

> “O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good.”

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:168)

So, even if a fish is technically halal, if it is toxic, dirty, harmful, or unethically farmed, it cannot be considered tayyib. Muslims are encouraged to prefer fish that are:

Raised in clean water,

Caught alive,

Free of contamination, and

Not harmful to health.

7. Summary: Key Rulings on Fish in Islam

Category Status in Islam Remarks

Fish with scales ✅ Halal All schools agree

Fish without scales ⚠️ Disputed Haram for Hanafi; halal for others

Floating dead fish ❌ Haram Died naturally

Poisonous fish ❌ Haram Harmful to body

Amphibious species ❌ Haram Not pure sea creatures

Farmed fish (clean feed) ✅ Halal No issue

Farmed fish (impure feed) ⚠️ Makruh/Haram Must be purified first

River fish ✅ Halal Generally clean and pure

8. Practical Advice for Muslims Today

1. Check the source: Always confirm how your fish was farmed or caught.

2. Avoid doubtful species: When unsure (e.g., catfish, eel, shark), prefer clearly halal types like tilapia, rohu, or hilsa.

3. Ensure purity: If fish were kept in dirty or impure water, allow purification in clean water before consumption.

4. Health matters: Avoid fish exposed to heavy metals, industrial waste, or hormones.

5. Respect differences: Understand that different madhhabs (schools) have varying rulings — follow the one you practice.

Conclusion

In Islam, fish are generally halal, as the Qur’an and Hadith permit eating sea food. However, not every aquatic creature qualifies. The safest and purest choice is fish with scales that live entirely in water and are caught alive.

Farmed fish are permissible as long as they are raised in clean environments and fed halal feed. River fish are naturally favored for their purity and natural diet.

Ultimately, the guiding principle in Islam is simple yet profound — food must be halal (lawful) and tayyib (pure, wholesome). By following this divine guideline, Muslims not only obey Allah’s commands but also protect their health and wellbeing.

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✍️ Author: S. M. Masud | Source: NewsBD1964