Are Mussels Halal?

Mussels are one of the most popular sea foods, which are mostly used in European and Asian dishes. If you are a Muslim, you would have definitely come across the question: “Are mussels halal?” So, we will try to understand the halal status of mussels, so that you can eat halal things in your diet.

What are Mussels?

Mussels are a kind of shellfish that survive in water. They are mainly found in saltwater and freshwater environments. Eating mussels is a treat for people, but if you are conscious about halal food, then you must know what is the halal status of mussels.

Mussels have a hard shell, which protects them, and their meat is quite soft and delicate. They are mainly protein-rich and are good for health.

Halal Status of Mussels:

The status of mussels can be a little confused in Islam as well. The ruling regarding sea-food and shell-fish becomes different from different scholars in Islam.

Ruling about Seafood in Quran and Sunnat:

Quran has declared the permission towards seafood. Allah declared regarding sea-foods,

_In Surah Al-Ma’dah (5:96) Allah said,

_”Lawful to you (for food) are all the water creatures.

This verse gives clear guidelines for seafood, but it specifically talks about fish. The halal status of creatures like shellfish and mussels can be different according to the views of scholars.

Different Schools of Thought:

Islamic scholars have different opinions on mussels and shellfish. It depends on your fiqh (school of thought).

Hanafi School of Thought:

– According to the Hanafi scholars, shellfish and mussels are considered haram. This school says that sea creatures that are different from fish (like mussels, oysters, crabs) are considered haram.

Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali Schools of Thought:

– These three schools of thought say mussels are halal. These scholars say that overall sea creatures are halal, whether it is fish or shellfish. So if you follow Shafi’i, Maliki, or Hanbali fiqh then mussels are halal for you.

Halal Mussels Tips:

Check Halal Certification:

If you are going to eat mussels, then first of all you should check their halal certification. If mussels are halal certified, then you should eat them without any doubt.

You can take advice from local scholars:

If you don’t know then you ask your local scholars or imams for the status of being halal mussels for you. You can even read from them that are mussels permissable for you by following Hanafi fiq.

Purchase Mussels through Halal Seafood Manufacturers:

If you are looking at buying halal mussels. You can find mussels at your local halal seafood manufacturer. In doing this, you can end up with a certified set of halal seafood.

– Hanafi School: If you belong to Hanafi fiqh, you have to abstain from mussels because they are forbidden in your fiqh.

Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali Schools: If this is your fiqh, then you have nothing wrong in consuming mussels, and they are permissible in your fiqh.

Conclusion:

Your fiqh declares mussels as:

– Hanafi School of Thought: Haraam.

– Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali Schools of Thought: Mussels are halal.

You must decide with your school of thought and according to what you feel in your heart. In case of doubts on any point, please consult your local scholar for guidance.

Ameen! Allah should give us guidance to eat pure and hale food.