Question: 

Can hanafies consume the following: Squid, Prawns, Crayfish, Calamari and Crabs? 

Answer: 

According to the Hanafi Madhab, all sea animals and species that are born and live in the sea/ ocean/ water are impermissible to consume with the exception of all fish. Therefore, the enquired creatures except prawns will be impermissible to consume, since they are not fish.i As far as prawns are concerned, due to the difference of opinion in categorizing prawns (is it from fish family or not?), our ‘Ulama have advised us to exercise caution and abstain from eating prawns as this is also the demand of Taqwa (piety), which is the best and safest option for a believer.ii

However, one should not reprimand others who consume it, and should not accuse them of consuming Haram as some ‘Ulama have permitted the consuming of prawns.

AND ALLAH TA'AALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST

ANSWERED BY: Mohsin Khan 

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B. 

Islamic Date: ٢٥ جمادى الاولي ١٤٤١ 

English Date: 21 January 2020

iولا يؤكل من حيوان البحر الا السمك...هداية ص ١٥٠ ج ٧ ط:بشري نسخة قديمة )ولا( يحل )حيوان مائي إلا السمك( ... )و( إلا )الجريث( سمك أسود )والمارما هي( سمك في صورة الحية، وأفردهما بالذكر للخفاء وخلاف محمد ...)وحل الجراد( وإن مات حتف أنفه، بكسر الطاء...شامي ص » أحلت لنا ميتتان: السمك والجراد، ودمان: الكبد والطحال « بخلاف السمك )وأنواع السمك بلا ذكاة( لحديث ٣٠٦ - ٣٠٧ ج ٦ ط:سعيد