Muslims around the world enjoy seafood such as fish, octopus, and shrimp, but questions arise about the permissibility of squid, particularly for those living in countries like the USA, UK, and Canada, about whether squid is considered halal like other seafood such as fish, octopus, or shrimp. Some Muslims feel uncertain about whether squid is as acceptable as other types of seafood. The Islamic perspective on this involves opinions from scholars and references to the Quran and Hadith. Let’s find out that is squid halal in Islam or not?
In my experience, discussions about whether squid is halal or not often come up when sharing meals with family or friends. Some point to Islamic scholars’ opinions to support their view, while others emphasize that the Quran and Hadith remain central in clarifying such doubts. This topic is important because it helps ensure Muslims can enjoy their meals while staying true to their faith. Stay tuned for more insights into how this matter is viewed in Islam.
What is Truly Define Squid?
A squid is a type of mollusc with a long, soft body, large eyes, and ten limbs—eight arms and two tentacles. It belongs to the orders Myopsida, Oegopsida, and Bathyteuthida, though other cephalopods in the Neocoleoidea group are also commonly called squid. Like octopuses, squid have a mantle, a bilateral symmetry, and a small internal skeleton made of chitin, known as a gladius or pen. These creatures are rapid swimmers, using jet propulsion to move through the dark water, and they are highly intelligent. I find it fascinating how their tentacles grab prey, while their beak cuts food into smaller chunks for swallowing. Duck is haram in Islam, find out?
In the Jurassic period, squid evolved as predators similar to teleost fish. Today, they play a big role in the food web, being prey for sharks, seals, cetaceans, and sperm whales. Squid is also a favorite in many kitchens. Dishes like calamari, where the squid is fried, are famous worldwide. Squid’s mild, slightly sweet flavor makes it perfect for grilling, boiling, or cooking in various ways. It is not only delicious but also a healthy choice, being high in protein and low in fat, which is why it’s so popular.
Is Squid Halal in Islam:
The question of whether squid is halal or haram is not straightforward and needs to be examined deeply. The Quran does not specifically mention squid as halal or haram, which leaves room for varying opinions among scholars. Some argue that squid is allowed because it is a type of seafood, while others believe it is not halal since it lacks scales, a feature some interpretations of Islamic dietary laws consider essential.
This uncertainty has led to differing views, making it important to refer to scholarly opinions. Personally, I have observed how people rely on their local traditions and the guidance of their community leaders to decide whether consuming squid aligns with their faith. Understanding these perspectives helps navigate this complex issue and move forward with clarity.
Is squid halal Hanafi?
According to Hanafi scholars, the ruling on seafood is clear: all sea animals are generally halal under Islamic dietary laws. This includes squid, as it falls within the category of seafood. Since squid is not explicitly prohibited in Islamic teachings, it is considered permissible to consume by those who follow the Hanafi school of thought.
The clarity provided by this ruling is helpful for individuals who strictly adhere to the teachings of Hanafi scholars. It ensures that squid and other seafood animals can be enjoyed without concerns about their halal status. Personally, I’ve noticed how this perspective allows followers to explore a variety of seafood dishes while staying within the guidelines of Islam.
Is squid halal Shia?
Some Shia scholars explain that squid is halal because it is not specifically prohibited in the Holy Quran or Hadith. They argue that since there is no explicit prohibition, squid falls into the category of permissible seafood.

However, other scholars believe that squid is haram because it is a non-fish sea creature, which is typically not allowed under Islamic dietary laws. This difference in opinion highlights the importance of understanding various interpretations within the Shia perspective.
Is squid halal Sistani?
The Sistani school of thought, a branch of Shia faith, does not provide specific guidance about squid. However, followers of Sistani often adhere to the broader Shia rulings, which are divided on the question of whether squid is halal or haram. The debate continues among scholars, leaving many seeking clarity on whether consuming squid aligns with Islamic dietary laws.
Is squid halal Sunni?
Among Sunni scholars, there is significant disagreement regarding the permissibility of consuming squid. Some issue fatwas permitting squid as part of halal seafood, while others argue it is forbidden due to the belief that only fish is halal for Muslims. This differing interpretation of Islamic dietary laws reflects the complexity of the subject.
Is Squid Good for Health?
Squid can be a healthy food choice for many, but it also comes with some potential side effects. One concern is that squid is high in cholesterol, which may not be suitable for individuals with cholesterol-related issues. Additionally, some people may experience allergic reactions to squid, ranging from mild to severe. Another important consideration is that squid can contain mercury, which could pose a risk if consumed in large amounts, especially for pregnant women. The tough texture of squid may also cause digestive discomfort for some people. Lastly, if squid is prepared with added salt, it could contribute to high sodium intake, which may increase the risk of high blood pressure.
Conclusion:
Squid is controversial amongst the scholars. Some have views that it is halal and other thing that it is haram for number of reasons. We suggest to avoid it due to its controversial stance. When it comes to squid, there are different opinions among scholars, especially regarding its permissibility in Islam.
For those following the Hanafi school of thought, squid is generally considered halal because it falls under the category of seafood, which is typically allowed in Islam. However, there are still some scholars who may have doubts and argue that since squid does not have scales, it could be haram according to specific interpretations of Islamic law.
As the matter is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran, it is important for Muslims to consider the alternative options available to them. In cases where there is uncertainty, it is recommended to lean toward caution, respecting the opinions of scholars while following a diet that aligns with Islamic principles.
Frequently Asked Questions:
This segment of post relates to short questions / answer regarding is squid halal in Islam. We have collected a collection of short questions and tried our best to facilitate our users:-
Is squid halal in Islam?
Scholars have different opinions. Some say it is halal, while others consider it haram. It’s best to choose a halal option.
Is squid halal in Quran?
The Quran does not mention squid.
Is squid healthy or unhealthy?
If squid is not halal, it may not be considered healthy to consume. There are health concerns associated with it.
Can dogs eat squid?
Yes, dogs can eat cooked squid in moderation, but it must be plain and unseasoned.
Is squid better than chicken?
Chicken is halal, while squid is doubtful, so chicken is considered better.
Does squid have more cholesterol than beef?
Yes, squid has more cholesterol than beef. A 3-ounce serving of squid has about 200 mg, while beef has around 80-90 mg.
Is squid ink halal?
No, squid ink is not halal.
Which seafood is not halal?
In the Hanafi school, only fish are halal. Other seafood like squid, octopus, crab, and shrimp are usually not halal.
Are we allowed to eat squid?
Whether squid is allowed depends on the school of thought. It’s halal in Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools but haram in Hanafi.
Is squid haram in Hanafi?
Yes, squid is considered haram in Hanafi as it is not classified as a fish.