Is seafood halal?

Fish with scales is unanimously considered halal across all schools of thought. The Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools consider ALL seafood halal (shrimp, crab, lobster, squid, octopus, etc.). The Hanafi school considers only fish halal and considers shellfish and other sea creatures makruh or haram. Follow your school of thought.

The halal status of seafood varies because formulations and sourcing differ between countries and regions. A product may be halal certified in Muslim-majority countries but not in Western markets. Manufacturing processes, ingredient suppliers, and local regulations all affect whether a specific product meets halal requirements in your area.

For detailed Islamic rulings, consult qualified scholars or established fatwa bodies such as the European Council for Fatwa and Research, Darul Ifta, or your local mosque's imam. Different schools of thought may have varying positions, so it is important to follow the guidance of scholars you trust.