Fatwa ID: 04377

Answered by: Maulana Mustafa Umar

Question

Can you eat raw meat or raw fish?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

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

Answer:

Animals, whether land or sea creatures, which are permissible to eat when cooked are technically permissible to eat when uncooked since there is no requirement to cook them. The absence of a requirement means that as long as the meat was permissible and met all the other guidelines, the amount you choose to cook it is not relevant. [See Mukhtasar Al-Quduri p. 408, Taha Publishers, 2010]

However, it should be kept in mind that eating raw meat can often be harmful, therefore precaution must be taken so that one does not get sick. The Prophet Muhammad said, “Do not cause harm, and don’t get harmed [lā ḍarar wa lā ḍirār].” [Muwaṭṭa’ #1435] The second part clarifies that a Muslim must be careful not to get harmed, and must protect themselves appropriately. So, if it is safe to eat it raw, it may be eaten, otherwise, it should be cooked to the extent to make it safe.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Mustafa Umar

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham