No, hippopotamus is not halal in Islam.
Why Hippopotamus is Not Halal in Islam
The primary reason hippopotamuses are considered non-halal stems from their classification as animals that live both on land and in water. Islamic dietary laws (halal) are quite specific about the permissibility of aquatic and amphibious creatures.
Animals Living in Both Land and Water
- According to Islamic jurisprudence, animals that can live and survive on both land and in water are generally considered not halal for consumption.
- This category includes creatures like hippopotamuses, crocodiles, turtles, frogs, and toads (Department of Standards Malaysia, 2004 [8]; Department of Standards Malaysia, 2009 [9]; [3]).
Detailed Breakdown
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Classification | Hippopotamus is an amphibious animal, spending significant time in both water and on land. |
| Halal Status | Due to its amphibious nature, it falls under the category of animals explicitly deemed not halal according to Islamic dietary guidelines. |
| Islamic Reference | The Department of Standards Malaysia guidelines explicitly state that animals living in both land and water are not halal (Department of Standards Malaysia, 2004 [8]; Department of Standards Malaysia, 2009 [9]; [3]). |
In conclusion, the ruling of hippopotamus not being halal is very clear, based on its classification as an amphibian and the specific guidelines established in Islamic law.
