If you are curious about whether lobster is halal or haram, keep reading because we will answer it here! When contemplating seafood, one cannot overlook the prominence of lobster.
However, questions arise regarding its halal status. Is lobster deemed halal or haram according to Islamic principles?
In this article, we delve into the Islamic perspective to discern whether consuming lobster aligns with halal guidelines.
Is Lobster Halal?
Yes, lobster is halal in Islam. Both Allah and His Prophet (Blessings and peace be upon him) have granted permission for its consumption. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stated that two categories of deceased animals and two types of blood are permissible to eat.
Among the deceased animals are various seafood options, including lobster, crab, shrimp, and locusts. The permissible blood types include liver and spleen.
Regarding the halal or haram status of lobster, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a distinguished lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, highlights that Allah Almighty says:
“The game of the sea and its food are lawful unto you.”
Surah Al-Ma’idah verse 96
He further emphasizes that as Allah and His Messenger have not excluded any fish species from this permission, and considering that “Allah is never forgetful,” the majority of scholars assert that all water-dwelling fish varieties—be it from the sea, lakes, rivers, ponds, or wells—are permissible for consumption.
Exploring Islamic Scholars’ Opinions: Imams such as Imam Malik, Imam Ash-Shafi`i, and Imam Ahmad, along with Imam Abu Hanifah and his two eminent disciples, Abu Yusuf and Muhammad, share the view that fish, including shellfish, fall within the realm of lawful sea creatures.
Scholars who exclude shellfish from this category lack substantial evidence. Thus, the former perspective holds greater strength.
Shaikh Assim Al Hakeem, an Imam of a masjid in Jeddah and a graduate of Umm al-Qura University in Makkah, asserts that unless Allah explicitly designates a food item as haram in the Quran, it can be assumed to be halal.
However, he emphasizes that certain foods are clearly haram, particularly those not slaughtered in accordance with Islamic guidelines.
Mufti Abdur Rahman ibn Yusuf affirms the halal status of lobster in a YouTube video. He explicitly states that lobster is halal and permissible for consumption in Islam.
Nonetheless, he notes that Hanifis are the only group that holds reservations and considers lobster consumption to be impermissible.
Is Lobster Haram?
No, lobster is not Haram. It is permissible in Islam to eat lobster and other sea foods. It is derived from what Allah and His beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW said in the Quran and Sunnah respectively.
For further clarification, please refer to the preceding explanation.
Can Muslims Eat lobster?
Yes, Muslims can confidently partake in consuming lobster as it is halal and permissible according to Islamic teachings.
To err on the side of caution, the rule applied here is that when dealing with animals that inhabit both land and sea, the regulations concerning land animals take precedence. Therefore, land animals must be slaughtered correctly, with the exception of crabs, which do not require specific slaughtering rituals due to their lack of blood.
Any food item that poses harm is considered haram or forbidden, regardless of its origin in the sea. This notion aligns with the following Quranic interpretations:
“… And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you.”
(Surah al-Nisa, verse 29)
“… and do not throw yourselves into destruction…”
(Surah al-Baqarah, 2:195)
Conclusion
In summary, lobster, along with various other seafood such as crabs and shrimps, is halal and permissible for consumption. This ruling extends to all marine flora and fauna, be they alive or dead.
However, specific water-dwelling creatures such as crocodiles, frogs, otters, and turtles are considered haram or forbidden.