QA-ID-0050
QUESTION
Is it by hadith that fish and milk can’t be eaten together? If so, what is the reference for this please.
ANSWER
﷽
There does not seem to be a hadīth prohibiting the consumption of fish and milk together. Likewise, the books of fiqh in particular, which highlight rulings on what is permissible and prohibited, do not mention this prohibition.
Any references found in certain books suggesting this prohibition are likely rooted in cultural traditions rather than being based on hadīth. For instance, the practice of avoiding the combination of fish and milk appears to be particularly prevalent in the subcontinent, possibly influenced by Unani medicine traditions.
Some Arabic grammar books do mention the statement: “Do not eat fish and drink milk.” This phrase is used to illustrate grammatical concepts only.
Therefore, in the absence of any prohibition, individuals have the freedom to choose. They may decide to avoid the combination if they so desire.
والله تعالى أعلم
And Allāh Knows Best
Muhammad Kalim Misbahi
