Is it permissible to consume prawns?

There is a difference of opinion amongst the Ulema regarding the reality of prawns, whether it falls under the category of a fish or not. Allamah Dimyari Rahmatullahi Alaihi (a Shafi scholar) has written in Hayaatul-Hayawan that prawns belong to the fish family. If this research proves to be correct, then prawns will be Halaal. However, according to Fataawa Rashidiyyah, in reality the prawn does not belong to the fish family, even though the popular notion amongst some people is that the prawn can be categorized as fish. According to this view, prawns will not be Halaal. Due to the difference of opinion in categorising prawns, our Ulema have advised us to exercise caution and abstain from eating prawns, and it is for the very same reason that many of our Akaabireen would refrain from consuming prawns.

In short, caution dictates that one abstains from consuming prawns.