Is an animal that lives only in water, such as fish, permissible to consume without ritual slaughter (Dhabh)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Hunting and Slaughter

Book 56 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Animals that live exclusively in water, like fish, are permissible without ritual slaughter. There is no known dispute on this matter based on the transmitted reports. This is supported by the Hadith where the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated that two types of carrion (dead animals) and two types of blood are lawful for the Ummah: the two carrions being fish and locusts. Furthermore, it is established that Abu Ubaidah and his companions ate from a dead sea creature called 'Anbar for a month after finding it on the seashore, and when they informed the Prophet (peace be upon him), he confirmed it was provision sent by God and asked for some of its meat to eat. This is established via agreement (Muttafaq Alayh).