Shariah Rulings about Aquatic Animal Feed: An Analytical Study

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.