The Shariah Perspective on Marine Animal Feed: An Analysis of Views from Classical and Contemporary Jurists

Abstract

Opinions about animals vary across different religions 
and cultures worldwide. As the population increases, 
people are consuming a wider variety of foods to 
achieve unique tastes and pleasures. The rising trend in 
the consumption of marine creatures as food has 
evolved over time to meet human needs. Throughout 
history, marine animals and their various components 
have consistently been part of human diets. Islam does 
not directly impose Shari'a obligations on animals. 
Instead, it recognizes that different animals are created 
with distinct natures and guides them according to these 
inherent characteristics. Consequently, animals live 
according to their instinctive and natural awareness. 
Since animals are not directly addressed by Shari'a, 
there are no specific Shari'a guidelines regarding what 
animals should eat. However, when human intervention 
in animal feed could affect the sanctity of human food 
derived from these animals, Shari'a provides guidance.
This paper aims to clarify the Shariah quality of marine 
animal feed in terms of sanctity, examining 
perspectives from both ancient and modern jurists. 
Using descriptive and analytical research methods, this 
analysis presents the views of classical and 
contemporary jurists on the subject