Yes, most Sunni Muslims can eat catfish.
The majority of Sunni Islamic schools of jurisprudence (including Shafi'i, Hanbali, and Maliki) generally consider all types of "sea game" or aquatic animals permissible (halal) for consumption, with very few exceptions. Catfish falls under the broad category of "sea game," as it lives in water, even though it can be found in rivers and lakes.
Explanation:
- General Rule: The foundational principle is that anything from the sea is permissible unless specifically prohibited by the Quran or Sunnah.
- Schools of Thought: While there may be minor differences in interpretation between different Sunni schools, the overwhelming consensus is that seafood is generally halal. Catfish is not typically an exception to this rule.
- Hanafi School Exception: It's important to note that the Hanafi school of thought, another major Sunni school, has a more restrictive view on seafood. They generally permit only fish to be eaten. Whether catfish is permissible under the Hanafi view depends on the specific interpretation and definition of "fish." Some Hanafi scholars may permit it, while others may not. However, this view is specific to followers of the Hanafi school.
Summary:
For the vast majority of Sunni Muslims following the Shafi'i, Hanbali, or Maliki schools of thought, eating catfish is permissible (halal). Adherents of the Hanafi school may have differing opinions depending on their specific interpretation.
