Assalamu Alaikum!
(1) What is the difference between Makruh Tahrimi and Haram? How close are they to each other in terms of ruling?
(2) What is the Shar‘i status of shrimp, crab, and turtle? Please explain in detail. In my understaning, shrimp is classified as Makruh Tahrimi according to Maulana Ludhyanwi’s book.
1. Haram refers to a prohibited act whose prohibition is established through a definitive (qat‘i) text from the Qur’an or authentic Hadith. Whereas Makruh Tahrimi refers to an act whose prohibition is established through a non-definitive (zanni) proof, such as a solitary (khabar-e-wahid) narration or a text that is speculative in meaning or authenticity. In terms of prohibition, the boundaries between Haram and Makruh Tahrimi are very close, which is why in common usage, Makruh Tahrimi is often referred to as Haram as well.
2. Crab and turtle are both haram (prohibited). However, there is a difference of opinion among scholars regarding the permissibility of shrimp. Therefore, it is better and more appropriate to avoid eating shrimp.
کمافی الشامیۃ: (قوله: ومكروهه) هو ضد المحبوب؛ قد يطلق على الحرام كقول القدوري في مختصره وعلى المكروه تحريما: وهو ما كان إلى الحرام أقرب، ويسميه محمد حراما ظنيا.وذكر أنه في رتبة الواجب لا يثبت إلا بما يثبت به الواجب يعني بالظني الثبوت.اھ(1/131)۔
وفی الھدایۃ: ولایؤکل من حیوان الماء الا السمك ولنا قولہ تعالیٰ: ویحرم علیھم الخبائث وما سوی السمك خبیث ونھیٰ رسول اللہ ﷺ عن بیع السرطان اھ(4/442)۔