Eating Fisikh

Q 5: What is the ruling of Islam on eating Fisikh (salted fish) and sardines? We understand or have heard that they are Maytah (unslaughtered dead meat) as they absorb the blood from one another and are exposed to the sun until they become inflated. The same applies to sardines. Is eating them Halal (lawful) or Haram (prohibited)?

A: It is permissible to eat Fisikh, sardines, and other sea creatures, (Part No. 22; Page No. 322) even they are Maytah and stored over each other causing fluids from one to run over another. This is because it was authentically reported that, when the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about the sea water, he said, “Its water is a purifier and its Maytah (dead sea creatures) are Halal.” May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.