Scallops are a type of shellfish that have a white, mild-flavored muscle attached to two beautiful fan-shaped shells. They are popular in cuisines around the world, from East Asia to Europe to North America. But an important question arises for Muslims who follow the Islamic dietary laws: are scallops halal?

There is some debate within Islamic scholarship about whether scallops are permissible to eat. According to IslamQA:

“Seafood is halal for Muslims except that which has a toxic or poisonous nature.”

The main point of contention is that scallops, like other shellfish, do not have scales or fins. Some scholars consider anything from the sea without scales or fins to be haram:

Type of Seafood Permissibility
With scales/fins Halal
Without scales/fins Haram

However, others argue that scallops should be considered from “the fish of the sea” which are explicitly allowed in the Quran. Overall there are a range of opinions:

  • Mainstream Sunni opinions consider shellfish including scallops to be halal
  • Some scholars say all shellfish without scales/fins are haram
  • Others specifically permit scallops as halal

So in summary, there is evidence on both sides of the debate. The mainstream view leans toward scallops being halal, but there is no absolute consensus. Muslims should research this issue themselves and come to their own informed conclusion.

 

Are Scallops Halal or Haram? The Debate

There is disagreement among Islamic scholars about the permissibility of eating scallops. This stems from the criteria set out in the Quran and hadiths regarding seafood consumption:

“Lawful to you is game from the sea and its food as provision for you and the travelers, but forbidden to you is game from the land as long as you are in the state of ihram.” (Quran 5:96)

The debate arises because scallops, like other shellfish, do not have scales or fins. Some scholars point to this verse from the Quran prohibiting sea creatures without scales:

“Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which has been invoked the name of other than Allah, that which has been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by being gored to death, that which has been (partly) eaten by a wild animal, unless you are able to slaughter it (in due form), that which is sacrificed on stone (altars), (forbidden) also is the division (of meat) by raffling with arrows: that is impiety…” (Quran 5:3)

They argue that just as pigs are haram for being expressly prohibited, shellfish without scales are also prohibited.

However, others counter that scallops can be considered from “the fish of the sea” which are explicitly allowed. Some point to hadiths that permitted other types of shellfish at the time of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) صلى الله عليه وسلم. Overall there are three main positions:

  • Mainstream Sunni opinion: Most shellfish including scallops are halal
  • Some scholars: All shellfish without scales/fins are haram
  • Others: Scallops are specifically halal

The debate continues because no absolute consensus exists on the matter.

 

Key Positions on Scallops

There are several perspectives from Islamic scholars and schools of thought on the permissibility of eating scallops:

Mainstream Sunni Opinion

The predominant view in the Sunni tradition is that all types of seafood are halal, including shellfish such as scallops, shrimp, lobster and crabs. This is based on the general permissibility of “the food of the sea” mentioned in the Quran and Hadith. As IslamWeb states:

Seafood of all types has been made lawful for Muslims. Allah Almighty says: “Lawful to you is game from the sea and its food.”

However, a difference of opinion exists and some caution should be exercised.

Scallops Are Haram

Some scholars, especially among the Maliki, Shafi’i and Hanbali schools, argue that anything from the sea without scales or fins is haram, including scallops. This is based on analogical deduction that just as pigs are haram among land animals, shellfish are haram among sea animals.

For example, the prestigious Al-Azhar mosque and university considers shellfish haram.

Scallops Are Halal

So in summary, mainstream opinion permits scallops but there is valid scholarly disagreement on the matter.

Frequently Asked Questions – Are Scallops Halal

Yes, scallops are considered halal according to Islamic dietary laws.

Is Scallop Halal??

Yes, Muslims can eat scallops as they are a type of seafood that is permissible to eat.

Are scallops considered halal or haram?

Scallops are considered halal and are permissible to consume by followers of the Islamic faith.

What is the ruling on seafood in Islam?

Seafood, including scallops, is generally considered halal in Islam, unless specified otherwise.

Is scallop a type of shellfish?

Yes, scallops are a type of shellfish that can be consumed by Muslims.

Are scallops haram according to the Hanafi school of thought?

No, scallops are not considered haram according to the Hanafi school of thought.

What does Islamic law say about eating scallops?

According to Islamic law, scallops are considered halal and can be eaten by Muslims.

Do scallops contain omega-3 fatty acids?

Yes, scallops contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for health.

How are scallops slaughtered?

Scallops are not slaughtered as they are mollusks and do not require Islamic slaughter like land animals.

Can scallops be classified as halal seafood?

Yes, scallops can be classified as halal seafood and can be consumed by Muslims.

Conclusion

The debate around whether scallops are halal continues between different schools of Islamic law and individual scholars. However, a few key points emerge:

  • There is no absolute consensus among Muslim scholars on the issue, given the differing interpretations of Quranic verses and hadiths related to seafood consumption.

  • The mainstream Sunni view considers shellfish including scallops to be halal. This is based on the general permission granted for “the food of the sea” and lack of a clear prohibition.

  • More conservative opinions, especially among some Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali scholars, argue that lack of scales makes scallops haram by analogy to land animals.

  • There are credible experts on both sides of the debate. Muslims are encouraged to research this issue themselves and come to their own informed conclusion.

Some key considerations include:

  • Interpretation methodology for Quranic and hadith texts
  • Strength of juristic analogies
  • Diversity of scholarly opinion
  • Local customs and cultural sensitivities

While differences exist, the foundations of Islamic law grant Muslims flexibility on issues subject to valid disagreement. This does not mean relativism, but rather applying intellect to reach God-conscious decisions. For most Sunnis, enjoying scallops in good faith should be permissible.