Is Crow halal? The question of whether or not crows are halal has long been a subject of discussion and debate among Muslims. In this article, we will explore the Islamic teachings and principles surrounding the permissibility of eating crows.
By delving into both halal and haram concepts, as well as the Quran and Sharia laws, we will attempt to provide a comprehensive answer.
Key Takeaways
| ✅ Halal and haram are fundamental concepts in Islam that determine the permissibility and prohibition of various actions, including food consumption. |
| ✅ The Quran provides specific guidance on halal and haram foods, and the consumption of crow meat is not encouraged due to the nature of crows as scavengers. |
| ✅ Based on hadiths and interpretations, crows are generally considered haram to eat, as they possess characteristics that align with the definition of haram animals. |
Table of Contents
About Crow
The crow is a species of bird that is commonly found in various parts of the world. They are known for their intelligence and adaptability, which often leads to them being seen as both intriguing and unpredictable.
When it comes to their classification in Islamic teachings, the crow falls into a grey area. The Quran does not explicitly mention crows as being halal or haram, which has led to diverse opinions on the matter.
Some scholars argue that since crows are not explicitly mentioned as forbidden in the Quran, they may be considered halal. However, others contend that crows fall under the category of birds with talons, which are deemed haram according to some interpretations of Islamic teachings.
Furthermore, crows are scavengers, often feeding on dead animals and refuse, which may contribute to their potential classification as haram.
Understanding Halal and Haram
Halal and haram are two essential concepts in Islam that dictate the permissibility and prohibition of various actions and practices. Halal refers to anything that is permissible according to Islamic laws, as outlined in the Quran and Sharia.
On the other hand, haram refers to anything that is forbidden or sinful in the eyes of Allah. These guidelines cover various aspects of a Muslim’s life, including food, clothing, relationships, and financial transactions.
Zabiha, or the Islamic method of animal slaughter, is one way to ensure that the food consumed by Muslims is halal. This practice involves the animal being slaughtered in a specific manner, invoking the name of Allah, and ensuring that the animal’s blood is entirely drained before it is consumed.
General Ruling About Food
Islamic teachings generally consider all food types to be halal (permissible) by default. The Quran encourages Muslims to eat food that is both lawful and beneficial for their well-being.
However, when it comes to haram (forbidden) foods, Allah has given specific guidance in the Quran and through the hadiths, which are the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. These instructions provide clear details on what foods should be avoided by Muslims.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ كُلُوا۟ مِمَّا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ حَلَـٰلًۭا طَيِّبًۭا وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ خُطُوَٰتِ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّۭ مُّبِينٌ
“O humanity! Eat from what is lawful and good on the earth and do not follow Satan’s footsteps. He is truly your sworn enemy.”
[Al-Baqarah/2:168]
We can find detailed explanations about prohibited food in Surah Al-Maidah verse 3 as follows :
حُرِّمَتْ عَلَيْكُمُ الْمَيْتَةُ وَالدَّمُ وَلَحْمُ الْخِنْزِيرِ وَمَا أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ بِهِ وَالْمُنْخَنِقَةُ وَالْمَوْقُوذَةُ وَالْمُتَرَدِّيَةُ وَالنَّطِيحَةُ وَمَا أَكَلَ السَّبُعُ إِلَّا مَا ذَكَّيْتُمْ
“It is forbidden for you (to eat) carrion, blood, pork (and what) slaughtered in the name of other than Allah, those who are suffocated, those who are beaten, those who fall, those that are gored and are eaten by wild animals, except those that you could slaughter”
[Al-Maidah/ 5 : 3]
Prohibited food includes carrion, blood, pork, and meat slaughtered in the name of other than Allah. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also describes very well about prohibited animals.
كُلُّ ذِي نَابٍ مِنَ السِّبَاعِ فَأَكْلُهُ حَرَامٌ
Narrated Abu Hurairah that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon Him) said :
“Every beast with fangs is forbidden to eat”
[Hadith Muslim no. 1933].
عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ نَهَىرَسُولُ اللَّهِ -صلى الله عليه وسلم- عَنْ كُلِّ ذِى نَابٍ مِنَ السِّبَاعِوَعَنْ كُلِّ ذِى مِخْلَبٍ مِنَ الطَّيْرِ
“From Ibnu Abbas said: “The Messenger of Allah, may God bless him and grant him peace, forbade from every wild animal that has sharp teeth and claws”
[Hadith Muslim no. 1934]
Hadith About Crows
عن عائشة رضي الله عنها أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: «خمسٌ من الدَّوَابِّ كُلُّهُنَّ فَاسِقٌ، يُقْتَلنَ في الحَرَمِ: الغرابُ، وَالحِدَأَةُ، وَالعَقْرَبُ، وَالفَأْرَةُ، وَالكَلْبُ العَقُورُ». وفي رواية: « يقتل خَمْسٌ فَوَاسِق في الْحِلِّ وَالْحَرَمِ
From Aisyah -raḍiyallāhu ‘anhā-, that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ (peace be upon Him) said, “There are five kinds of animals which are all wicked (evil), it is permissible to be killed in the Mecca and Medina: crows, eagles, scorpions, rats and al-kalbul ‘aqūr (fierce dog).
[Mutafaq ‘alaih]
Is Crow Halal?
Based on the arguments above, it is clear that crow is categorized as haram to eat. It has sharp claws, it is bird of prey and it is sunnah to kill it in Mecca and Medina as stated in the hadith above.
Find out more : Is chicken halal?
Final Thought
In summary, it is imperative for Muslims to comply with rigorous regulations pertaining to meat consumption, and make certain that the meat they intake is halal. By doing so, Muslims can sustain a wholesome and morally sound way of living, which is aligned with Islamic teachings.
Wallahu a’lam (Allah knows best)
FAQ
What is the difference between a raven and a crow?
Ravens and crows belong to the same family (Corvidae) and look quite similar, but there are some differences. Ravens are larger in size than crows and have a wingspan of about 4 feet, while crows have a wingspan of about 3 feet. Ravens also have wedge-shaped tail, while crows have a fan-shaped tail.
Is crow meat halal?
Crow meat is haram to eat according to hadiths.
Is it halal to kill a crow?
Yes, it is halal to kill a crow in Mecca and Medina. But in another region, it depends on many things, like your goal and the emergency of killing it. Muslims should avoid any harm to humans and animals.
What does Islam say about crows?
In Islam, crows are not explicitly praised or condemned in the religious texts, but there are references to them in various contexts.
In some hadiths (sayings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ ), crows are mentioned as part of a list of animals with negative qualities. For instance, it’s mentioned that crows are among the animals that are considered “wicked” and can be killed in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
وَعَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اَللَّهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اَللَّهِ - صلى الله عليه وسلم -{ خَمْسٌ مِنَ اَلدَّوَابِّ كُلُّهُنَّ فَاسِقٌ, يُقْتَلْنَ فِي [ اَلْحِلِّ وَ ] اَلْحَرَمِ: اَلْغُرَابُ, وَالْحِدَأَةُ, وَالْعَقْرَبُ, وَالْفَأْرَةُ، وَالْكَلْبُ اَلْعَقُورُ } مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ 1 .
A’ishah (RAA) narrated ‘The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Five kinds of animals are vicious and harmful, and they may be killed outside or inside the sacred area of Ihram (Sanctuary). These are the scorpion, the kite, the crow, the mouse, and the rabid dog.”
[Mutafaq ‘alaih]
In the Quran, birds are mentioned in different contexts, but crows specifically are not singled out. Birds are seen as part of the natural world created by Allah, and their existence is considered a sign of His creative power.
I spend three enriching years at Darul Ulum Islamic Boarding School. Under the guidance of knowledgeable scholars, I delved into various aspects of Islamic studies.
From clarifying dietary guidelines and financial transactions to addressing ethical dilemmas, my content will be tailored to serve as a reliable resource for Muslims striving to align their lives with Islamic principles.
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