No, turtle is generally considered haram (not permissible) in Shia Islam. While there are varying interpretations within Islamic jurisprudence, the majority view among Shia scholars aligns with the broader consensus that reptiles, including turtles, are not halal. This is because turtles are amphibious creatures, living both on land and in water, and many interpretations of Islamic dietary laws exclude such animals.
Several sources reinforce this conclusion:
- ShiaChat.com forums: Discussions on ShiaChat.com regarding halal seafood explicitly mention that, aside from scaled fish, most aquatic animals are considered haram, including turtles and crabs. https://www.shiachat.com/forum/topic/234973753-seafood/
- Wikipedia: The Wikipedia entry on halal and kosher fish notes that Shia scholars generally hold that only scaled fish are halal, excluding creatures like turtles, which are reptiles. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_halal_and_kosher_fish
- LessonIslam.org: This website explicitly states that according to Hanafi, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools of thought (though not specifically Shia jurisprudence, these opinions are often influential), reptiles like turtles are considered haram. https://lessonislam.org/is-turtle-halal/
- Direct Reference: One source explicitly states that turtles are considered haram because they live on both land and water. 18-Oct-2018
It's crucial to consult with a knowledgeable scholar within the Shia faith for definitive guidance on specific dietary questions.
