Consuming whale meat isn’t very common, but still, you might be wondering if it’s halal or haram. Read on to find out.
Is whale halal?
Yes, the whale is most likely halal. It’s because it can be classified as seafood, something living in the seas. And as we know, The Prophet Muhammad said: “Seafood is halal for you.”
Now let’s discuss this thing a little bit more in detail.
Is whale meat halal to eat in Islam?
It is a common misconception that whales are haram (forbidden) to eat in Islam. This is likely due to the fact that whales are often considered to be “sea mammals” and thus fall under the same category as other animals like pigs and dogs which are clearly forbidden for Muslims to consume.
However, the reality is that there is no evidence to support the claim that whales are haram. In fact, many scholars have even argued that they are most likely halal (permissible).
The main reason why there is some confusion on this issue is because of the debate surrounding the classification of whales. Some people argue that they should be classified as fish, while others contend that they should be classified as mammals.
If we consider whales to be fish, then much like dolphins, there is no doubt that they are halal to eat. This is because the Quran specifically permits the consumption of seafood: “He has only forbidden you dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah .” (Quran 2:173)
However, if we consider whales to be mammals, then the ruling becomes a bit more nuanced. This is because some Muslims contend that all mammals which live in the water are haram, while others argue that only those which have certain characteristics are haram.
The most common opinion amongst scholars is that only those mammals which have certain characteristics are haram. These characteristics include: having a neck, having fur, and giving birth to live young (as opposed to laying eggs).
Since whales do not have necks and they give birth to live young, it is most likely that they would be considered halal under this opinion.
So, in conclusion, there is no clear evidence that whales are haram. The most likely opinion is that they are halal, but some Muslims may choose to avoid eating them as a precautionary measure.
Are there any Muslims that believe whales are haram?
Yes, there are some Muslims who believe that whales are haram. This is likely due to the fact that they are considered to be “sea mammals” and thus fall under the same category as other animals like pigs and dogs which are clearly forbidden for Muslims to consume.
However, it should be noted that there is no clear evidence to support this claim. In fact, many scholars have even argued that they are most likely halal (permissible).
What is the Islamic ruling on eating whale meat?
The Islamic ruling on eating whale meat is that it is most likely halal (permissible).
Is whale halal in Hanafi Islam?
The Hanafi school of thought is that whale is halal.
Is whale halal in Shia Islam?
There is no clear evidence on this issue. The most likely opinion is that it is halal, but some Shia Muslims may choose to avoid eating it as a precautionary measure.
Is whale halal in Sunni Islam?
Sunni Islam has no clear ruling on this issue. The most likely opinion is that it is halal.
Is whale halal in Maliki Islam?
The most likely opinion is that it is halal, but some Maliki Muslims may choose to avoid eating it as a precautionary measure.
Is whale halal in Hanbali Islam?
The most likely opinion is that it is halal.
Is whale halal in Shafei Islam?
Most Shafei Muslims believe that whale is halal.
Comments from our readers…
“It’s difficult to decide, but I think that whales are halal.” – Abd al-Uzza
“I’m not sure, but I think they might be halal.” – Ahmad
“I don’t know for sure, but I would avoid eating them just to be safe.” – Fatima
Conclusion: Is eating whale halal or haram?
In conclusion, there is no clear evidence that whales are haram. The most likely opinion is that they are halal, but some Muslims may choose to avoid eating them as a precautionary measure.
