Q 8: Is it Halal (lawful) to eat the meat of the following creatures: turtles, seahorses, crocodiles, and hedgehogs, or not?

A: It is Halal to eat the meat of the hedgehog, as understood from the general meaning of the Ayah (Qur’anic verse): Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "I find not in that which has been revealed to me anything forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be Maitah (a dead animal) or blood poured forth (by slaughtering or the like), or the flesh of swine (pork); for that surely is impure or impious (unlawful) meat (of an animal) which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allâh (or has been slaughtered for idols, or on which Allâh’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). Also, the basic ruling is permissibility unless something is confirmed that changes it to prohibition. As for the turtle, some scholars say it is permissible to eat, even if it is not slaughtered, as understood from the general meaning of Allah’ Saying: Lawful to you is (the pursuit of) water-game and its use for food Also, when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about the sea water, he said, “Its water is a purifier and its Maytah (dead sea creatures) are Halal.” However, it is preferable to slaughter them to avoid the difference among scholars. As for the crocodile, it is said that this can be eaten like fish, according to the general meaning of the Ayahs (Part No. 22; Page No. 320) and the Hadith mentioned above. Some say that it is not lawful to eat it as it is a predatory animal with fangs, but the preponderant opinion is the first one. As for the seahorse, it is lawful to eat according to the general meaning of the Ayahs and the Hadith mentioned above. There is no opposing opinion on this, and, as it is Halal to eat horses that live on the land, it is even more so for those that live in the sea.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.