Are Shrimp, Lobster, Crayfish and Crab Halal?
The permissibility of eating shrimp, lobster, crayfish, and crab varies between Sunni and Shia interpretations.
According to Sunni scholarship, as reflected in Tafsir Ibn Kathir, the majority of scholars allow the consumption of seafood, including crustaceans. It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: Two types of carrion have been made lawful for us: fish and locusts.
Sunan Ibn Majah 29:19 This suggests that seafood is generally permissible, with specific exceptions noted by some scholars regarding certain types of sea creatures.
On the other hand, according to Shia scholarship, as reflected in Al-Kafi, there are stricter views. It is stated: It is not lawful to eat the 'jiri', nor turtles, nor crabs.
Al-Kafi 4:99 Additionally, there are narrations in Shia sources that suggest that only fish with scales are permissible, and it is advised not to eat those without scales.
For a ruling that applies to your specific situation, consult a qualified local scholar.
Sources
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Sunan Ibn Majah 29:19
Sunan Ibn Majah · Book 29, Hadith 19 · Narrated by Abd Allah ibn Umar
The Messenger of Allah said, "Two types of carrion have been made lawful for us: fish and locusts."
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Al-Kafi 4:99
Al-Kafi · Book 4, Hadith 99
Regarding the saying of Allah the Exalted, 'Do they envy mankind for what Allah has given them of His bounty?' He said, 'We are the envied ones.' — OR — A Christian man sneezed near Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him), and the people said to him: 'May Allah guide you!' Abu Abdullah said: Say to him, 'May Allah have mercy on you.' They said: He is a Christian. He said: Allah will not guide him until He has mercy on him. — OR — Minhal said: I asked Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him) about the time I should not perform voluntary prayers. He said: From the time of zenith (transit) until an equal length (forearm) has passed. — OR — It is not lawful to eat the "jiri", nor turtles, nor crabs. I asked him about the meat found in the shells of the sea and the Euphrates — whether it is eaten or not. He said: That is frog meat; it is not permissible to eat it. — OR — I asked Abu Ja'far (peace be upon him) about a man who killed his mother. He said: He is to be killed for her with humility, and I do not think his killing will be an atonement for his sins, nor does he inherit from her.
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