Which foods from the sea are halal?

The permissibility of consuming seafood varies somewhat between Sunni and Shia interpretations, with both traditions recognizing specific categories of fish and other marine life as halal.

According to Sunni scholarship, as reflected in Tafsir Ibn Kathir, it is stated that hunting from the sea is lawful, and this includes the consumption of fish. The Qur'an explicitly mentions, To hunt and to eat the fish of the sea is made lawful for you. 5:96 Ibn Kathir explains that this ruling allows for the consumption of fish, including those that die naturally in the sea, which are permitted for food. Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ indicated that "Its water is pure and its dead are permissible." (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)

In Shia scholarship, Al-Mizan notes that seafood is also allowed, particularly fish that have scales. The Imam has clarified that Of fish there are those which have bad manners and they rub against everything and its scales go away, but if its two ends are different, its tail and head, then you can use it for food. Al-Kafi 12:11023 This indicates that while fish lacking scales may be problematic, there are conditions under which they could still be considered permissible based on their characteristics.

Both traditions emphasize that while many forms of seafood are halal, certain types like eel, turtle, and crab are generally prohibited in Shia jurisprudence. The consensus across both sects is that fish, particularly those that have scales, are among the primary halal options from the sea.

For specific rulings tailored to individual circumstances, it is advised to consult a qualified local scholar.