Which sea creatures can be consumed?

Q: The Quraan states that all underwater creatures are Halaal for Muslims. But, some Moulanas say that shark, crab and octopus are excluded. Is this correct or can we Muslims freely consume all underwater creatures?

A: All sea creatures that fall under the category of fish are halaal according to the hanafi mazhab. Shark comes under the category of fish. Octopus and crab are not fish.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)