I was out fishing with some of my friends at the coast of Florida Keys, Florida, USA known as the fisherman’s paradise. There I was asked a series of questions by one of my Jewish friends.
Is fishing halal or haram in Islam? And are there any circumstances where fishing would be haram (impermissible) like fishing just for sport and fun? Or fishing on a Saturday?
So I thought I’d write this helpful guide on ‘is fishing halal in Islam’? And how do we sacrifice the fish in an Islamic manner (zabiha)? Are there any specific duas (invocations) we must recite before and after fishing? And is fishing for sport acceptable in Islam?
Is Fishing Halal or Haram in Islam?
Fish are sea creatures that come under the category of halal. Meaning they are permissible to eat for Muslims. And the act of catching fishes from the sea known as fishing is also halal (permissible) in Islam.
The evidence for this is the verse of the glorious Qur’an:
“Lawful to you is what you catch from the sea and (use) it for food as provision for yourselves and for the travelers…” – [Qur’an 5:96]
Source: https://quran.com/5/96
In this verse Allah Almighty mentions both catching fish from the sea (i.e. fishing) and also eating fish for food. Both are halal (permissible) in Islam.
What are the Conditions for Fishing to be Halal?
The conditions for fishing to be halal are the following:
1. Fishing for food – Where one intends to fish to consume the fish for food and nutrition.
2. Fishing to earn a living – Where fishermen sell the fish they have caught for an income.
If you would like to know more about what types of fish and seafood that are halal in Islam. Such as whether Crabs, Sushi, Shrimps, Salmon, Prawns, Tuna, Sharks, Octopus are halal. I have written a detailed analysis on what fishes and seafood are halal in Islam here.
When can Fishing become Haram?
Fishing can become haram when unnecessary pain is afflicted on the fish. The purpose of fishing should be to catch the fish and then to slaughter it with as less pain afflicted on the fish as possible.
Suffocating the fish when it is out of water and unable to breath. Teasing it in and out of water, skinning it alive etc. should all be strictly avoided.
Injustice and unnecessary pain to any creation of Allah is a major sin in Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) strictly warned us against causing pain to any living creation. Especially those that are weak and vulnerable and cannot defend themselves. A fish out of water is at our mercy and so as Muslims we should treat it with kindness and mercy.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) informed us of a woman who was condemned to the fire of hell for mistreating an innocent helpless cat.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A woman entered the (Hell) Fire because of a cat which she had tied. She neither gave it food nor set it free to eat from the vermin of the earth.”
[Collected by Sahih al Bukhari]
Always remember Allah is watching at all times. Every innocent creature we harm will complain to Allah on the Day of Judgement of the harm we did to it. Allah forgave all the sins of a man that treated a dog with mercy and showed it kindness. So when you go fishing fish with mercy and treat every creature with kindness. Allah will have Mercy on you and forgive all your sins.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A man felt very thirsty while he was on the way, there he came across a well. He went down the well, quenched his thirst and came out. Meanwhile he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. He said to himself, “This dog is suffering from thirst as I did.” So, he went down the well again and filled his shoe with water and watered it. Allah thanked him for that deed and forgave him. The people said, “O Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon)! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?” He replied: “Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate (living being).”
[Collected by Sahih al Bukhari]
Source: https://sunnah.com/bukhari/46/27
Is Fishing for Sport Haram?
Fishing may be considered haram if it is done for merely sport or play and the fish is not used for food or selling. The scholars of Islam are divided on this issue. Some say fishing for sport is disliked (Makruh) others say it is impermissible (haram).
Allah knows best but it appears that fishing for sport is haram if you fish without the intention of using the fish for food or selling it. The evidence for this is the authentic hadith of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Here we see that if an innocent bird’s life is ended for no beneficial reason it will complain to Allah on the Day of Judgement.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: ‘Whoever ends the life of a small bird for no reason, it will beseech Allah on the Day of Resurrection. Saying: “O Lord, so and so ended my life for no reason. And he did not end my life for any beneficial purpose.“‘
[Collected by Sunan an-Nasa’i]
Source: https://sunnah.com/nasai/43/86
Our Prophet (upon whom be peace) was sent as a Mercy to all the creation. And he commanded us to show mercy in all matters. It is not befitting of a believer to kill a living animal just for sport and target practice. So fear Allah and do not go fishing to catch fish and then throw it away just for fun or sport.
Furthermore, the same verse in the Qur’an that states fishing is halal also states “and (use) it for food as provision“. Meaning Allah made fishing halal only if the fish is being used for food.
“Lawful to you is what you catch from the sea and (use) it for food as provision for yourselves and for the travelers…” – [Qur’an 5:96]
Source: https://quran.com/5/96
If you enjoy fishing as a sport but have the intention to later use the fish you have caught to eat, sell or give to someone. Then this is halal as the fish is being used for a beneficial purpose even if you’re fishing for fun. Otherwise do not kill a living creature of Allah for your entertainment and throw it away.
Is Fishing Haram in the state of Ihram (during Hajj and Umrah)?
No, unlike hunting land animals which is haram (impermissible) to hunt while in the state of Ihram. Fishing is completely permissible (halal) even in the state of Ihram. Ihram is when a Muslim goes to the sacred land of Makkah (Mecca) to perform Hajj (pilgrimage) or Umrah (minor pilgrimage).
The evidence for this is the verse of the Qur’an. Allah the most High mentions catching fish as lawful but hunting land animals as prohibited while in the state of Ihram.
“Lawful to you is what you catch from the sea and (use) it for food as provision for yourselves and for the travelers. But forbidden to you is what you catch from the land as long as you are in the state of ihram. And be conscious of Allah to whom you will be gathered.” ~ [Qur’an 5:96]
Source: https://quran.com/5/96
Fishing mentioned in Bible and Torah
Fishing is something that was also prescribed in the previous revelations of God. In the Old Testament in the Book of Leviticus God Almighty mentions:
“These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters. Whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat.”
[Book of Leviticus, verse 9]
Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+11%3A9&version=KJV
Such verses from the previous revelations of Allah show us that fishing is halal. The nations of the previous Prophets of Allah would also fish. Throughout time Allah has created a great source of food for us through fishing.
What is the Dua for Catching Fish in Islam?
There are no narrations in the Qur’an and Sunnah where Muslims are instructed to make dua (supplicate) before fishing. However, as Muslims we always start every good action by saying Bismillah (In the Name of God). This is to bring blessings and acceptance from Allah of every action. So remember Allah before fishing and glorify His mention by starting with ‘Bismillah’.
We also learn from the ahadith (narrations) of our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). That saying Alhamdulillah before starting any matter of importance makes the matter blessed. And if we do not say Alhamdulillah the matter remains defective and is deprived of blessings.
So always remember to praise Allah and show gratitude to Him. Say Alhamdulillah before starting any good work, including fishing. Allah will bless your catch for the day and reward you for fishing.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Any matter of importance which is not begun with Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah) remains defective.”
[Sunan Abu Dawud]
To learn more about the true meaning of Alhamdulillah click here.
What is the Halal way of Fishing and Slaughtering Fish?
There is no mention in the Qur’an and Sunnah of a specific method to catch and slaughter fish in a halal way. Out of His Divine Mercy and Wisdom Allah has made fish halal without the need of any ritual slaughter.
Unlike land animals that have to be slaughtered in a halal way. Meaning you have to say ‘Bismillahi Allahu Akbar’ (In the name of God, God is Greater) before slaughter. Fish and other seafood like Crabs and Lobsters do not require Zabiha.
So you can catch fish whether using a fishing rod or fishing net – both are halal ways to catch fish. And you can slaughter fish without doing Zabiha.
What is required is showing mercy to the animal when slaughtering. So when you slaughter the fish have a sharp blade and slaughter the fish quickly and mercifully. Do not use a blunt blade that you have to rub against the animal to cut through it and cause it unnecessary pain.
The evidence for this is the hadith of the Prophet of Allah:
Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: Verily Allah has enjoined goodness to everything. So when you slaughter, slaughter in a good way. Every one of you should sharpen his blade, and let the slaughtered animal die comfortably.
[Collected by Sahih Muslim]
Source: https://sunnah.com/muslim/34/84
So you can catch the fish, slaughter it, cook it and eat it without Zabiha/Dhabihah (Islamic slaughter). However, as mentioned above we Muslims start every good action in the name of Allah by saying Bismillah. Saying Bismillah brings blessings and acceptance from Allah. So make it a habit to start in the name of Allah and say Bismillah before slaughtering and cooking the fish. Though saying Bismillah is not a requirement for the fish to be halal.
When eating the fish it is obligatory to start in the name of Allah. So when you eat fish or any food remember to say Bismillah (In the name of Allah) before you start eating.
If you forget to say Bismillah and have already started to eat. Then say ‘Bismillah fi awwalihi wa akhir’ (In the Name of Allah at the beginning and at the end). This is what the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah is. The evidence for this is the hadith of our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
When any one of you eats food, let him say Bismillah, and if he forgets to say Bismillah at the beginning, let him say Bismillah fi awwalihi wa akhirih (In the Name of Allah at the beginning and at the end).’”
[Collected by Sunan ibn Majah]
Source: https://sunnah.com/urn/1273720
Why is Fish Halal in Islam without Zabiha Slaughter?
Fish is halal in Islam without Zabiha (Islamic slaughter) because Allah says so. The ultimate Wisdom of Allah of making fish halal without Zabiha is only known to Him. However, the scholars of Islam discuss that this could be because fish do not have flowing blood when they die.
In Islam consuming blood is haram (impermissible/forbidden). The evidence for this is the verse of the Qur’an where along with eating pork, blood is also prohibited.
“He has only forbidden to you dead animals (carrion), blood, the flesh of swine (pig). And that (food) which has been dedicated to other than Allah” – [Qur’an 2:173]
Source: https://quran.com/2/173
Therefore, when slaughtering an animal on land in a halal way (zabiha) we have to let all the blood flow out of the body. This is because blood carries many pathogens, diseases, toxins, bacteria and germs. If we ingest this blood into our bodies it could cause us harm and make us sick. So as Muslims we let all the blood flow out of the animal after slaughter. Then we wash the meat carefully before eating. The meat that we eat slaughtered the Islamic way is much more fresh, hygienic and pure.
Fish and other seafood such as crabs and lobsters do not have flowing blood when they die. Fish have prothrombin in their blood that causes a clot reaction when they pass out and die. This means that when the fish dies the blood clots in the heart of the fish and does not flow through the body. So there is no need to slaughter it the Islamic way (Zabiha) to make it halal.
And Allah the most Knowledgeable and Wise knows best.
Can we Catch and Eat Fish on Saturday in Islam?
Yes, fishing is halal on Saturday for Muslims and it is also halal to eat fish on Saturday in Islam.
The verse in the Qur’an that prohibits catching fish on Saturday is a reference to the People of the Book in the past. It is not applicable to the Muslims today.
The verse in question is Surah Al-A’raf (Chapter 7 – The Heights) in the Qur’an. The scholars of Islam are in agreement. The verse refers to laws prescribed to Jewish believers of the previous revelation. It was prescribed upon them as a test from Allah and trading on that day was prohibited.
Many Jews still practice this law and keep the Shabbat (Sabbath) day holy as mentioned in the Talmud. They do not trade from Friday evening to Saturday evening.
“And ask them about the town that was by the sea. When they transgressed in (the matter of) the sabbath. When their fish came to them openly on their sabbath day, and the day they had no sabbath they did not come to them. Thus did We give them trial because they were defiantly disobedient.” – [Qur’an 7:163]
Source: https://quran.com/7/163
Muslims today do not need to apply this law of the previous revelation. The evidence for this is the verse is not phrased as a commandment for Muslims. Rather, it is phrased as reference to the past by saying “And ask them about (the people of) the town”.
We also don’t find any authentic ahadith of Prophet Muhammad where he prohibited fishing or eating fish on Saturday.
Conclusion
Together we have learned about the Islamic perspective on is fishing halal or haram in Islam. I have provided evidence from the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah of our Prophet where possible.
If you’ve benefited from this article on ‘is fishing halal’. Then please share it with others so they too can benefit and learn about fishing in a halal way.
And Allah The Most Knowledgeable and Most Wise knows best.
