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Is Crocodile Meat Halal? What the Schools Say

Short answer Depends

Scholars disagree. The Maliki school allows crocodile, and Jordan's fatwa board also cites one narration in the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools that permits it [2]. The Hanafi school lists crocodile as haram [1]. Other scholars forbid it because it is a predator with fangs [3][5]. Egypt's Dar al-Ifta presents both views without choosing one [3].

Last verified: If you're unsure, ask a scholar you trust.

What the schools of thought say

SchoolViewSource
Hanafi Crocodile is listed among haram animals. The school allows only fish from the water and forbids predators with fangs. [1]
Maliki Crocodile is permitted. Jordan's Board of Iftaa relied on the Maliki school to allow products made from crocodile flesh or bone. [2]
Shafi'i and Hanbali Jordan's Board of Iftaa cites one narration in each school that permits crocodile. Other scholars forbid it as a predator with fangs. [2][3]
Permissive reasoning Crocodile is compared to fish under the general permission of water animals, and things are treated as permitted until shown otherwise. [3][4]
Prohibitive reasoning Crocodile has fangs and preys on other animals, including people, so it falls under the hadith forbidding fanged predators. [3][5]

Why scholars disagree

Crocodiles live both in water and on land, and they are hunters with large teeth. Two principles pull in different directions.

On one side, the Qur'an makes the game of the water and its food lawful [4]. Egypt's Dar al-Ifta describes a view that treats crocodile like fish on this basis, and holds it permitted until shown otherwise [3].

On the other side, hadith in Sahih Muslim forbid eating beasts of prey that have fangs [5]. Dar al-Ifta describes the opposing view: crocodile is unlawful because it has fangs and is considered repulsive, since it can eat people [3]. Dar al-Ifta lays out both views and does not settle on one [3].

Where each school stands

  • Hanafi. A Hanafi list of halal and haram animals by Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam names crocodile as haram [1]. The same list says water animals are haram except fish [1].
  • Maliki. The Maliki school permits eating crocodile. Jordan's Board of Iftaa relied on it in its ruling [2].
  • Shafi'i and Hanbali. Jordan's board cites one narration in each of these schools that permits crocodile [2]. That wording implies other narrations differ. Scholars who forbid crocodile point to its fangs [3].

If you follow one school closely, ask a scholar from that school which position is relied on today.

Jordan's ruling on crocodile products

In 2010, Jordan's Board of Iftaa, Research and Islamic Studies answered a question about a food supplement made from crocodile bones. In Resolution No. 149, it ruled that products containing substances from crocodile flesh or bone may be consumed [2]. It based this on the Maliki school and the narrations in the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools that allow eating crocodile [2].

This matters because crocodile shows up less often as a steak and more often in supplements, oils and skincare.

Crocodile vs alligator

Alligators and crocodiles are close relatives. Egypt's Dar al-Ifta answered one question about both together and gave the same two views for each [3]. In the US, alligator meat is sold in parts of the South, so see our alligator page too.

If you're thinking of trying it

Crocodile meat is sold as an exotic meat in some specialty shops and restaurants. Before you try it:

  • Know your school's view. It is haram for Hanafis [1], permitted for Malikis [2], and disputed in the other schools.
  • Ask how it was killed. If you follow a view that permits it, ask a scholar whether it needs Islamic slaughter, since crocodiles also live on land.
  • Check supplements. Capsules and oils may list crocodile on the label.

For other unusual meats, see frog, kangaroo and seafood.

Frequently asked questions

Is crocodile halal for Hanafis?

No. A Hanafi list of halal and haram animals names crocodile as haram [1]. The Hanafi school allows only fish from the water, and forbids land predators with fangs. Crocodile is not a fish, so it falls outside what Hanafis allow.

Which school allows eating crocodile?

The Maliki school permits it, and Jordan's Board of Iftaa also cites one narration in the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools that allows it [2]. Other scholars forbid it because it has fangs [3].

Are crocodile oil and supplements halal?

Jordan's Board of Iftaa ruled in 2010 that products made from crocodile flesh or bone may be consumed, based on the Maliki school and narrations in the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools [2]. Hanafis, who list crocodile as haram, may see it differently [1].

Is crocodile the same as alligator in Islamic law?

They are usually discussed together. Egypt's Dar al-Ifta answered one question about both and gave the same two views for each [3]. If you're unsure, ask a scholar you trust.

Sources

  1. What Animals Are Halal and Haram to Eat in the Hanafi School? · SeekersGuidance · accessed
  2. Resolution No. 149: Ruling on Consuming a Product Extracted from Crocodile Bones · General Iftaa' Department, Jordan · accessed
  3. Is it permissible to eat the meat of alligators and crocodiles? · Dar al-Ifta al-Missriyyah · accessed
  4. Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:96 · Quran.com · accessed
  5. Sahih Muslim 1932a (beasts with fangs) · Sunnah.com · accessed