WHICH ANIMALS ARE NOT EATEN? ANIMALS CONSIDERED HARAM AND IMPURAL IN ISLAM.
WHICH ANIMALS ARE NOT EATEN? ANIMALS CONSIDERED HARAM AND IMPURAL IN ISLAM.
What Animals Are Not Permitted to Eat in Islam?
For Muslims, the fundamental criterion in nutrition is not solely based on taste or common societal norms. Whether an animal's meat is permissible to eat in Islam is determined by the Quran, the Sunnah of the Prophet, and the principles of Islamic law.
The term "unclean" or "impure," commonly used for certain animals, is not a single category encompassing all animal species in Islamic jurisprudence. Therefore, instead of the word "unclean," it is more accurate to use terms such as halal, haram, makruh, or those subject to disagreement among different schools of thought, based on religious rulings.
In Islamic law, the general principle regarding food is that things that are clean and good are considered halal unless there is an explicit prohibition. However, the Quran explicitly prohibits certain animals and certain methods of death or slaughter.
Foods Explicitly Forbidden in the Quran
The following foods are explicitly forbidden in the Quran:
Carrion, meaning an animal that died without being slaughtered according to Islamic procedures,Flowing blood,Pork,Animals slaughtered in the name of someone other than Allah.These fundamental prohibitions are stated in verses 173 of Surah Al-Baqarah, 3 of Surah Al-Maidah, 145 of Surah Al-An'am, and 115 of Surah An-Nahl.
Therefore, when considering animals whose meat is forbidden in Islam, not only the type of animal but also how it died and for what purpose it was slaughtered is considered.
For example, a sheep or cow whose meat is normally halal may be considered "meyte," meaning carrion, if it dies without fulfilling the necessary Islamic slaughtering conditions, and its meat is not permissible to eat.
1. Pork
The pig is the only animal explicitly forbidden by name in the Quran.
Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“Allah has forbidden you only carrion, blood, pork, and that which has been slaughtered in the name of other than Allah.”
The prohibition of pork is not a matter of disagreement among Islamic scholars. This ruling is not limited to pork itself, but also applies to products derived from pork that must be evaluated from a religious perspective.
2. Animals Considered Carrion
The meat of an animal that is normally halal is not always permissible to eat.
The Quran, in Surah Al-Maidah, verse 3, prohibits the consumption of animals that have died in the following ways:
Animals that die of natural causes,Animals that die by strangulation,Animals that are killed by being struck,Animals that die from falling from a height,Animals that die from being gored,Animals that are killed by being torn apart by a predator. However, the ruling may be different if the animal is slaughtered in accordance with Islamic procedures while still alive.
This situation shows that the method of slaughter and death is as important as the type of animal.
3. Predatory Animals That Hunt with Canine Teeth
In the Sunnah of the Prophet, there are prohibitive rulings regarding the consumption of the meat of predatory animals.
According to the vast majority of Islamic jurists, the meat of predatory animals that catch and tear apart their prey with sharp teeth in both their upper and lower jaws is not permissible to eat.
Examples of this group include:
Lion,Tiger,Leopard,Wolf,Dog,Cat,Bear,Jackal, and similar predatory animals.However, there may be different interpretations among the schools of thought regarding some animal species. For example, there are different opinions in the jurisprudence literature regarding the ruling on hyenas.
Therefore, it may not be correct to say that "there is definitely the same ruling in all schools of thought" for every animal.
4. Birds of Prey That Hunt with Claws
The ruling on birds of prey has also been specifically evaluated in Islamic law.
The consumption of the meat of birds that catch and tear apart their prey with their powerful talons is not considered permissible by the vast majority of Islamic scholars.
Examples of birds of prey in this group include:
Eagles,Falcons,Falconers,Sparrowhawks,Vultures,
and similar birds of prey.
In contrast, the meat of non-predatory birds such as pigeons, sparrows, quails, and the like is considered halal (permissible).
5. Some Animals Known for Feeding on Filth and Carrion
Some animals are evaluated in Islamic jurisprudence books because, by their nature, they feed on carrion, filth, or substances considered repulsive and contrary to human nature.
For example:
Ravens and some crow species,Some birds that feed heavily on carrion,Mice and similar animals,the vast majority of Islamic scholars have stated that they should not be eaten.
The important point here is that when determining the ruling on an animal, not only its common name but also its species, structure, and the religious evidence found about it are taken into consideration.
6. Reptiles, Harmful Pests, and Insects
The vast majority of Islamic scholars do not consider it permissible to eat animals such as snakes, scorpions, mice, and similar harmful or naturally repulsive creatures.
However, it is not accurate to say that there is exactly the same ruling for all insects among the schools of thought.
For example, locusts are one of the animals specifically considered halal in the Sunnah.
This shows that the general statement "every living creature, whether small or insect-like, is haram" is incorrect.
7. Domestic Donkey Meat
There are prohibitive narrations in the Sunnah regarding domestic donkey meat.
Therefore, in Islamic law, domestic donkey meat is generally considered among the animals whose consumption is not permissible.
However, the rulings for animals such as horses, mules, and wild donkeys are treated differently.
Especially regarding horse meat, there are differing interpretations among the schools of thought. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that all Islamic scholars share the same opinion when discussing the ruling on horse meat.
Ruling on Marine Animals
Sea products are one of the areas with the most disagreement among the schools of thought in Islamic law.
The Quran states that hunting and eating from the sea is halal (permissible). However, the schools of thought have put forward different interpretations regarding which marine creatures fall within this scope.
According to the Hanafi School of Thought
In the Hanafi school of thought, fish species are generally considered halal. However, the ruling for some marine creatures other than fish is evaluated differently.
Therefore:
The ruling on creatures such as mussels, crabs, squid, octopuses, and lobsters may differ in Hanafi jurisprudence compared to other schools of thought.
Compared to Other Schools of Thought
The Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools of thought have a broader understanding of permissibility regarding seafood.
Therefore, statements such as "it is absolutely forbidden for all Muslims" or "it is absolutely permissible in all schools of thought" regarding seafood may disregard the differences between schools of thought.
Is the Ruling the Same for Every Predatory Animal?
No. While there is consensus on the ruling of some animals in Islamic jurisprudence, there is disagreement among schools of thought regarding others.
Therefore, it is necessary to consult Islamic jurisprudence sources, especially for the following types of animals:
Horses,Hyenas,Some wild animals other than rabbits,Marine animals,Animals that can live both on land and in water,Some bird species.It is not sufficient from a religious point of view to say that an animal is "impure" or "forbidden" based solely on its appearance.
Which Animals Are Permissible to Eat Halal Meat?
Examples of animals that Islamic scholars generally agree are halal include:
Cattle,Buffalo,Sheep,Goat,Camel,Chicken,Turkey,Duck,Goose,Rabbit,Deer,Gazelle,Mountain goat,Wild cattle,Zebra,Pigeon,Sparrow,Quail,Starling,Locust.However, if these animals are land animals, they must meet the slaughter or hunting conditions accepted by Islam in order to be eaten.
Is a Halal Animal Always Halal to Eat?
No.
Even if an animal's species is halal, the following situations can affect the ruling on its meat:
The animal dying without being slaughtered according to Islamic procedures,The animal becoming carrion,Slaughtering in the name of someone other than Allah,The slaughtering conditions being contrary to religious rulings,Whether the animal was alive or not at the time of slaughter,In some special cases, the animal being fed impure or harmful substances.Therefore, it is not sufficient to say, "This animal is a sheep, therefore its meat is halal in all cases."
The animal's species may be halal; however, the manner of slaughter or death may render the meat haram.
Is the word "mundar" a religious ruling?
Among the people, the word "mundar" is often used for animals whose meat is considered impure, unclean, or haram, and therefore not edible.
However, in Islamic jurisprudence, there is no single classification of "unclean" for every animal.
An animal may:
Haram (forbidden),Makruh (disliked),Halal (permitted),
Halk (respected).
Therefore, when providing religious information, instead of general expressions like "unclean" used by the public, it is more accurate and explanatory to say things like "its meat is considered haram in Islamic law" or "there is a difference of opinion among the schools of thought."
Conclusion: What is the Basic Criterion Regarding Animal Meat in Islam?
Not all animals are subject to the same ruling in Islam. The following criteria are considered when determining whether an animal's meat is permissible to eat:
The type of animal,Whether there is a specific ruling on it in the Quran or authentic Sunnah,Whether the animal possesses predatory or harmful characteristics,How it was killed,Whether it was slaughtered according to Islamic procedures,Whether it was slaughtered in the name of someone other than God,Whether there is a difference of opinion among the schools of thought.Therefore, the issue of halal and haram in Islam is not merely a matter of daily assessments of "clean" or "unclean." Religious rulings are evaluated according to the principles established by Islamic jurists based on the Quran and Sunnah.
Especially in matters such as sacrifice, vows, aqiqah, and commercial meat production, not only the type of animal but also the conditions of slaughter, the animal's vitality, and the method of slaughter are of great importance.
Correct religious knowledge is important both for the peace of mind of the consumer and for the sensitivity of halal production.
Article Sources and Author Information
This section can be used at the end of the article under the heading "Bibliography":
Religious Affairs High Council of the Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, "Which Land Animals Are Permissible or Permissible to Eat?" Fatwa text, current access source.
Turkish Religious Affairs Foundation Islamic Encyclopedia, "Animal" entry. The entry discusses the halal and haram rulings on animals within the framework of the Quran, hadith, and fiqh literature.
Quran: Al-Baqara 2/173, Al-Maidah 5/3-4 and 5/96, Al-An'am 6/121 and 6/145, Al-Nahl 16/115, Al-A'raf 7/157. Hadith sources: Sahih Muslim, Sayd section; Sunan Abu Dawud, Et'ime section; Sunan Tirmidhi, Sayd section; Sahih al-Bukhari, Zaba'ih section.
Article author: Anadolu Birlik Content and Research TeamReligious source review: Prepared based on the Holy Quran, hadith sources, the Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, and the TDV Islamic Encyclopedia.
Editorial note: This article aims to provide general religious information. Regarding animal species where there is disagreement among different schools of thought, it is appropriate for individuals to consult the reliable jurisprudential sources of their own school of thought or competent religious authorities.
For Muslims, the fundamental criterion in nutrition is not solely based on taste or common societal norms. Whether an animal's meat is permissible to eat in Islam is determined by the Quran, the Sunnah of the Prophet, and the principles of Islamic law.
The term "unclean" or "impure," commonly used for certain animals, is not a single category encompassing all animal species in Islamic jurisprudence. Therefore, instead of the word "unclean," it is more accurate to use terms such as halal, haram, makruh, or those subject to disagreement among different schools of thought, based on religious rulings.
In Islamic law, the general principle regarding food is that things that are clean and good are considered halal unless there is an explicit prohibition. However, the Quran explicitly prohibits certain animals and certain methods of death or slaughter.
Foods Explicitly Forbidden in the Quran
The following foods are explicitly forbidden in the Quran:
Carrion, meaning an animal that died without being slaughtered according to Islamic procedures,Flowing blood,Pork,Animals slaughtered in the name of someone other than Allah.These fundamental prohibitions are stated in verses 173 of Surah Al-Baqarah, 3 of Surah Al-Maidah, 145 of Surah Al-An'am, and 115 of Surah An-Nahl.
Therefore, when considering animals whose meat is forbidden in Islam, not only the type of animal but also how it died and for what purpose it was slaughtered is considered.
For example, a sheep or cow whose meat is normally halal may be considered "meyte," meaning carrion, if it dies without fulfilling the necessary Islamic slaughtering conditions, and its meat is not permissible to eat.
1. Pork
The pig is the only animal explicitly forbidden by name in the Quran.
Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“Allah has forbidden you only carrion, blood, pork, and that which has been slaughtered in the name of other than Allah.”
The prohibition of pork is not a matter of disagreement among Islamic scholars. This ruling is not limited to pork itself, but also applies to products derived from pork that must be evaluated from a religious perspective.
2. Animals Considered Carrion
The meat of an animal that is normally halal is not always permissible to eat.
The Quran, in Surah Al-Maidah, verse 3, prohibits the consumption of animals that have died in the following ways:
Animals that die of natural causes,Animals that die by strangulation,Animals that are killed by being struck,Animals that die from falling from a height,Animals that die from being gored,Animals that are killed by being torn apart by a predator. However, the ruling may be different if the animal is slaughtered in accordance with Islamic procedures while still alive.
This situation shows that the method of slaughter and death is as important as the type of animal.
3. Predatory Animals That Hunt with Canine Teeth
In the Sunnah of the Prophet, there are prohibitive rulings regarding the consumption of the meat of predatory animals.
According to the vast majority of Islamic jurists, the meat of predatory animals that catch and tear apart their prey with sharp teeth in both their upper and lower jaws is not permissible to eat.
Examples of this group include:
Lion,Tiger,Leopard,Wolf,Dog,Cat,Bear,Jackal, and similar predatory animals.However, there may be different interpretations among the schools of thought regarding some animal species. For example, there are different opinions in the jurisprudence literature regarding the ruling on hyenas.
Therefore, it may not be correct to say that "there is definitely the same ruling in all schools of thought" for every animal.
4. Birds of Prey That Hunt with Claws
The ruling on birds of prey has also been specifically evaluated in Islamic law.
The consumption of the meat of birds that catch and tear apart their prey with their powerful talons is not considered permissible by the vast majority of Islamic scholars.
Examples of birds of prey in this group include:
Eagles,Falcons,Falconers,Sparrowhawks,Vultures,
and similar birds of prey.
In contrast, the meat of non-predatory birds such as pigeons, sparrows, quails, and the like is considered halal (permissible).
5. Some Animals Known for Feeding on Filth and Carrion
Some animals are evaluated in Islamic jurisprudence books because, by their nature, they feed on carrion, filth, or substances considered repulsive and contrary to human nature.
For example:
Ravens and some crow species,Some birds that feed heavily on carrion,Mice and similar animals,the vast majority of Islamic scholars have stated that they should not be eaten.
The important point here is that when determining the ruling on an animal, not only its common name but also its species, structure, and the religious evidence found about it are taken into consideration.
6. Reptiles, Harmful Pests, and Insects
The vast majority of Islamic scholars do not consider it permissible to eat animals such as snakes, scorpions, mice, and similar harmful or naturally repulsive creatures.
However, it is not accurate to say that there is exactly the same ruling for all insects among the schools of thought.
For example, locusts are one of the animals specifically considered halal in the Sunnah.
This shows that the general statement "every living creature, whether small or insect-like, is haram" is incorrect.
7. Domestic Donkey Meat
There are prohibitive narrations in the Sunnah regarding domestic donkey meat.
Therefore, in Islamic law, domestic donkey meat is generally considered among the animals whose consumption is not permissible.
However, the rulings for animals such as horses, mules, and wild donkeys are treated differently.
Especially regarding horse meat, there are differing interpretations among the schools of thought. Therefore, it is not accurate to say that all Islamic scholars share the same opinion when discussing the ruling on horse meat.
Ruling on Marine Animals
Sea products are one of the areas with the most disagreement among the schools of thought in Islamic law.
The Quran states that hunting and eating from the sea is halal (permissible). However, the schools of thought have put forward different interpretations regarding which marine creatures fall within this scope.
According to the Hanafi School of Thought
In the Hanafi school of thought, fish species are generally considered halal. However, the ruling for some marine creatures other than fish is evaluated differently.
Therefore:
The ruling on creatures such as mussels, crabs, squid, octopuses, and lobsters may differ in Hanafi jurisprudence compared to other schools of thought.
Compared to Other Schools of Thought
The Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools of thought have a broader understanding of permissibility regarding seafood.
Therefore, statements such as "it is absolutely forbidden for all Muslims" or "it is absolutely permissible in all schools of thought" regarding seafood may disregard the differences between schools of thought.
Is the Ruling the Same for Every Predatory Animal?
No. While there is consensus on the ruling of some animals in Islamic jurisprudence, there is disagreement among schools of thought regarding others.
Therefore, it is necessary to consult Islamic jurisprudence sources, especially for the following types of animals:
Horses,Hyenas,Some wild animals other than rabbits,Marine animals,Animals that can live both on land and in water,Some bird species.It is not sufficient from a religious point of view to say that an animal is "impure" or "forbidden" based solely on its appearance.
Which Animals Are Permissible to Eat Halal Meat?
Examples of animals that Islamic scholars generally agree are halal include:
Cattle,Buffalo,Sheep,Goat,Camel,Chicken,Turkey,Duck,Goose,Rabbit,Deer,Gazelle,Mountain goat,Wild cattle,Zebra,Pigeon,Sparrow,Quail,Starling,Locust.However, if these animals are land animals, they must meet the slaughter or hunting conditions accepted by Islam in order to be eaten.
Is a Halal Animal Always Halal to Eat?
No.
Even if an animal's species is halal, the following situations can affect the ruling on its meat:
The animal dying without being slaughtered according to Islamic procedures,The animal becoming carrion,Slaughtering in the name of someone other than Allah,The slaughtering conditions being contrary to religious rulings,Whether the animal was alive or not at the time of slaughter,In some special cases, the animal being fed impure or harmful substances.Therefore, it is not sufficient to say, "This animal is a sheep, therefore its meat is halal in all cases."
The animal's species may be halal; however, the manner of slaughter or death may render the meat haram.
Is the word "mundar" a religious ruling?
Among the people, the word "mundar" is often used for animals whose meat is considered impure, unclean, or haram, and therefore not edible.
However, in Islamic jurisprudence, there is no single classification of "unclean" for every animal.
An animal may:
Haram (forbidden),Makruh (disliked),Halal (permitted),
Halk (respected).
Therefore, when providing religious information, instead of general expressions like "unclean" used by the public, it is more accurate and explanatory to say things like "its meat is considered haram in Islamic law" or "there is a difference of opinion among the schools of thought."
Conclusion: What is the Basic Criterion Regarding Animal Meat in Islam?
Not all animals are subject to the same ruling in Islam. The following criteria are considered when determining whether an animal's meat is permissible to eat:
The type of animal,Whether there is a specific ruling on it in the Quran or authentic Sunnah,Whether the animal possesses predatory or harmful characteristics,How it was killed,Whether it was slaughtered according to Islamic procedures,Whether it was slaughtered in the name of someone other than God,Whether there is a difference of opinion among the schools of thought.Therefore, the issue of halal and haram in Islam is not merely a matter of daily assessments of "clean" or "unclean." Religious rulings are evaluated according to the principles established by Islamic jurists based on the Quran and Sunnah.
Especially in matters such as sacrifice, vows, aqiqah, and commercial meat production, not only the type of animal but also the conditions of slaughter, the animal's vitality, and the method of slaughter are of great importance.
Correct religious knowledge is important both for the peace of mind of the consumer and for the sensitivity of halal production.
Article Sources and Author Information
This section can be used at the end of the article under the heading "Bibliography":
Religious Affairs High Council of the Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, "Which Land Animals Are Permissible or Permissible to Eat?" Fatwa text, current access source.
Turkish Religious Affairs Foundation Islamic Encyclopedia, "Animal" entry. The entry discusses the halal and haram rulings on animals within the framework of the Quran, hadith, and fiqh literature.
Quran: Al-Baqara 2/173, Al-Maidah 5/3-4 and 5/96, Al-An'am 6/121 and 6/145, Al-Nahl 16/115, Al-A'raf 7/157. Hadith sources: Sahih Muslim, Sayd section; Sunan Abu Dawud, Et'ime section; Sunan Tirmidhi, Sayd section; Sahih al-Bukhari, Zaba'ih section.
Article author: Anadolu Birlik Content and Research TeamReligious source review: Prepared based on the Holy Quran, hadith sources, the Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, and the TDV Islamic Encyclopedia.
Editorial note: This article aims to provide general religious information. Regarding animal species where there is disagreement among different schools of thought, it is appropriate for individuals to consult the reliable jurisprudential sources of their own school of thought or competent religious authorities.