Fatwa ID: 05023

Answered by: Imam Abdul-Malik Sheikh

Question 

Can Muslims eat dolphin meat

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

Among the aquatic creatures, only fish is halal to consume. This is because Allāh said:

“and (Allāh) prohibits them as unlawful Al-impure things…” (Al-A’raf: 157)

The scholars explained that anything other than the fish is impure things (khabaith). There is no objection to eating hagfish and eel. However, it is reprehensible to consume dead floating fish which has naturally died. Based on this, the dolphin is a fish and there is no objection to consuming the meat of the dolphins.

Reference:

Al-Lubab Fi Sharh al-Kitab, Vol.2, p.203, Dar al-Ma’rifah

Only Allah knows best

Written by Imam Abdul-Malik Sheikh

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham