Looking for a delicious seafood option that adheres to your religious beliefs? Wondering whether Pollock is Halal? If you’re trying to maintain a Halal lifestyle, then finding suitable sources of protein that align with your values can be challenging at times.
But don’t worry! Read on to discover everything you need to know about whether pollock is halal or not. Trust us, by the end of this article, you’ll have all the answers you seek. So let’s dive right in and find out once and for all : Is Pollock Halal?
About Pollock
Pollock is a common name used for either of the two species of North Atlantic marine fish in the genus Pollachius. Pollachius pollachius is referred to as pollock in North America, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, while Pollachius virens is usually known as saithe or coley in Great Britain and Ireland.
This whitefish is traditionally a popular source of food in some countries, such as Norway. It is also a high-protein fish that provides 40% of your daily protein requirement and contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids which provide several health benefits⁴.
Pollock can be compared to other fish such as cod, haddock, and trout. Like these fish, pollock is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, it is important to note that the nutritional value of fish can vary depending on factors such as their diet and environment.
You can use it in a variety of recipes. For example, you can coat it with potato flakes to create an irresistibly crispy exterior and serve it with mashed potatoes and roasted broccoli, along with a classic tartar sauce for dipping. Pollock can also be baked with a cheddar and herb crust, which is bursting with fresh herb flavors and comes together in just about 20 minutes.
Determining Halal or Haram
In accordance with Islamic doctrine, any food can be consumed (halal) as long as there is no proof that it is unlawful. This idea stems from the understanding that Allah has made everything purified and fit for human consumption, except for specific items which He has deemed impure or harmful.
Allah said in the Holy Quran :
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]
Two particular scriptures in the Quran serve as the basis for determining what constitutes haram (unlawful) sustenance in Islamic law: Surah al-Baqarah [2:195] and Surah al-Maidah [5:3].
وَأَنفِقُواْ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تُلۡقُواْ بِأَيۡدِيكُمۡ إِلَى ٱلتَّهۡلُكَةِ وَأَحۡسِنُوٓاْۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ
“And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for Allah loves those who do good.
[Al-Baqarah/ 2 : 195]
This verse advises Muslims against causing their own downfall through their choices (including food), instead focusing on positive actions as they are favored by God due to these righteous deeds.
Prohibited forms of sustenance consist of spoiled cuts of meat, swine flesh, blood and animals which contravene dietetic restrictions according to scriptural injunctions as stated in the verse :
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]
But there are exceptions to the rule when it comes to sea creatures and critters like grasshoppers. Our guide Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him) shows us okay to eat any kind of fish and grasshoppers, so long we follow his leadings.
It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Two kinds of dead meat and two kinds of blood have been permitted to us. The two kinds of dead meat are fish and locusts, and the two kinds of blood are the liver and spleen.”
Shahih Sunan Ibnu Majah
A different hadith shares insights directly from the Prophet Muhammad on the permissibility of certain sea life consumption :
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah, that the Prophet (said), concerning the water of the sea :
“Its water is pure (and Purification) and its ‘dead meat’ is permissible (to eat).”
Shahih An Nasa’i
We know that eating fish can be allowed based on teachings received thus far. However, questions remain about other forbidden substances. According to Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ (peace be upon him) directive, several types of animals were deemed unlawful as sustenance.
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 (predators)”
[Hadith Muslim no. 1934]
Is Pollock Halal?
Yes, eating pollock is halal according to current understanding. Nonetheless, Always use approved condiments with your meals and ensure they don’t contain anything forbidden by sharia.
Find out more :
Is Flounder halal?
Is Putterfish halal?
Final Thought
Eating raw seafood appears generally acceptable, with caution around ensuring proper handling practices and being aware of local regulations. It is advisable to verify with reliable scholars or consult trusted halal guidance before engaging in any questionable activity to minimize risk.
Wallahu a’lam (Allah knows best)
FAQ
Is Pollock healthy?
Pollock shares similar nutritive qualities with other commonly consumed marine life, including healthy portions of essential nutrients like Vitamin B12, selenium and phosporous.
Is Pollock a white fish?
Yes, Pollock has a delicate flavor compared to other ocean dwellers, the texture of pollock resembles that of more neutral options like cod or haddock.
Does Pollock have scales and fins?
Yes, pollock typically has both scales and fins like other kinds of fish.
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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