['Aalim Network QR] Lobster - Halal or Haram?

[sukaina panju <sukaina.panju@utoronto.ca>]

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My sincere thanks to Dr Takim for answering the following question

Salaams,

Zahir Panju
Moderator abdg-a


QUESTION:

 I am interested in the reasons why in Shi'i fiqh shrimp are halal but
 lobsters and crabs are haram.  [All three belong to the order Decapoda.]
 I have read that shrimp are regarded as "locust" of the sea, which
 makes them halal for food.  From a  biological point of view, this
 idea does not make any sense to me.


ANSWER:

 Salaamun 'Alaykum,

 As far as sea food is concerned, only that fish which has scales may be
 consumed. In addition, it must be alive when caught from the water. Crabs
 are not classified as fish and may not be consumed. There is some
 differences amongst certain ulama' regarding lobsters but the general
 consensus seems to be that it should not be consumed.
  
 See Ayatullah Seestani's Islamic Laws p. 489
 
 Allah knows best
  
 LIyakatali