In Islamic jurisprudence, the permissibility of consuming seafood, including octopus, is subject to differing opinions among scholars from the various schools of thoughts.
Hanafi School
The Hanafi school generally holds a stricter view regarding seafood. They consider only fish to be halal and exclude other sea creatures such as octopus. This opinion is based on the interpretation of certain hadiths and the emphasis on the term “sayd al-bahr” (catch of the sea) referring specifically to fish.
Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali School
The Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools of thought take a more lenient approach. They consider all sea creatures, including octopus, to be halal. This opinion is based on the broad interpretation of the Quranic verse:
"Lawful to you is the catch from the sea and its food as provision for you and the travelers."
Civilizational Example
In some Muslim-majority countries like Malaysia, a diverse range of seafood, including octopus, is commonly consumed. This reflects the prevailing Shafi’i opinion, which is widely practiced in the region.
In conclusion, the permissibility of consuming octopus varies among different Islamic schools of thought. The Hanafi madhab generally prohibits it, while the Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali madhabs allow it.