Oysters and Crabs Halal or Ha’ram According to Shariah

Question

Is it true that oysters are not halal to consume? Also, are crabs and other sea creatures without scales not halal?

Bottom Line

All seafood is halal unless it is harmful. Scales are not a requirement in Shariah.

Quick Answer

The Qur’an and Sunnah clearly establish that all sea creatures are halal to eat, whether they have scales or not. Oysters, crabs, shrimp, and other seafood fall under this general permissibility, unless harmful or poisonous.

Key Takeaways

• The Qur’an permits all seafood as a lawful provision
• The Prophet ﷺ said: “Its water is purifying and its dead are lawful”
• Oysters, crabs, and non-scaled creatures are included in this ruling.

Detailed Answer

In Islamic law, the rulings for land animals are detailed and specific, but seafood has been given general permissibility. This shows ease and mercy in the Shariah regarding marine life.

The Qur’an says:

“Lawful to you is the pursuit of water-game and its use for food, for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel.” Surah al-Ma’idah 5:96

The Prophet ﷺ also said regarding the sea:

“Its water is purifying and its dead (animals) are lawful.”
Sunan Abu Dawood 83

This establishes that all seafood is halal, regardless of whether the creature has scales or not. Thus, oysters, crabs, lobsters, and shrimp are permissible. The only exception would be harmful or poisonous species.

This wide permissibility is a reflection of divine mercy, allowing the sea to be a vast source of provision for Muslims without unnecessary restrictions.

What This Means for You

You may eat oysters, crabs, and all non-scaled sea creatures freely as long as they are safe and not harmful to health.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Al-Ma’idah 5:96: All seafood is made lawful as a provision.

Hadith

2. Sunan Abu Dawood 83: “Its water is purifying and its dead are lawful.”

Secondary Sources

3. Ibn Qudamah, al-Mughni: Explains the general permissibility of seafood in fiqh.
4. Al-Nawawi, al-Majmuʿ: Confirms consensus that sea creatures are halal except if harmful.