Crabs are being eaten by many people around the world, in different cultures, due to its flavorful meat, it is also a source of lean protein and rich in vitamins.
It is also one of the sea living entities widely present in the seas and oceans, which arises the permissibility question about it.
As Muslims; we need to check its Halal status before consumption.
So, Is Crab Halal ? Yes, it is Halal. Here is why;
Is Crab Halal or Haram ?
Halal food is the type of food allowed for a Muslim to eat, as it follows the Islamic law ( Shariaa), and other type of food is considered prohibited and not allowed to consume.
Islamic scholars helping people living accordinatly with the Islamic principles had stated that seafood is okay for Muslims to eat, this is as a green light for all kinds of seafood that can be eatable and not crocodile!
Nobody as I know eats crocodile, because eating is so poisonous to the human body beside its Haram status.
What about Crab?
Crab is another seafood, and it is permissible to eat. The majority of the Islamic Scholars are of the opinion to eat Shrimps, Crabs, and lobsters as they are Halal.
Since all food that comes from the sea is Halal and can be eatable for Muslims. And can consume it without any restrictions.
Sheikh Muhammad Salah were asked if eating Crab is permissible, and its answer confirms that is Halal to eat crab.
In addition to this, another Fatwa from Cheikh Maulana Moinul Abu Hamza had gone with the same opinion backing this up with several verses about seafood.
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah
Is crab halal?
Their answer comes as follows:
Assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh
In the Hanafi madhab, fish is the only seafood that is halal to consume. Therefore, crab would not be permitted according to Hanafis (1).
However, there are other views within the Hanafi school that suggest prawns, crabs and lobster and other foodstuffs in the sea not considered to be fish are in fact considered to be part of the category of fish from a linguistic perspective.
Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (RA) has said it is permissible to consume prawns (2) so the same would apply to Crab.
(1)“The game of the sea and its eating has been made lawful for you.” (Surah Maaidah v.96)
(2)(Imdadul Fatawa p.103 v.4)
Only Allah (SWT) knows best
Is all seafood Halal?
Islamic scholars have agreed of the four Sunni Schools of Islamic law that all seafood is Halal for consumption.
And according to IslamQA:
, All kinds of food from the sea are permissible, whether they are plants or animals, alive or dead. There are certain types of water animals which are forbidden such as crocodiles, frogs, otters and turtles. For more, please see the detailed answer.
IslamQA
This Halal status refers to the Quranic verse; that affirms that all seafood is Halal for Muslims. Hence, all types of food from the sea are permissible, whether they are plants or animals, alive or dead.
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Lawful to you is (the pursuit of) water-game and its use for food – for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel…” [al-Maidah 5:96].
Ibn 'Abbas said: “ Sayduhu (lit. hunting, pursuit) refers to whatever is taken from it alive, and ta’amuhu (lit. its food) means whatever is taken dead.”Conclusion
Most Islamic scholars from the four Madhah schools had agreed that eating crab is Halal and permissible for Muslims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is crab and prawn halal in Islam?
It is permissible to eat crab and prawns for Muslims as they are considered from seafood.
Can Muslims eat shrimp and crab?
Most of Islamic scholars considered shrimp and crab permissible to eat, as it comes from the sea and all seafood is permissible to eat.
Other interested questions: