Here's a breakdown:
Jewish Dietary Laws (Kashrut)
* Leviticus 11:9-12 states: "These you may eat from all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales you may eat. But anything in the waters that does not have fins and scales you are not to eat; it is unclean to you."
* The reasoning behind this law is not clearly stated in the Bible, but some interpretations suggest it relates to distinguishing between "clean" fish that live in the water and "unclean" creatures that live on the seabed or in mud.
* This law is strictly followed by observant Jews and dictates which fish they can and cannot consume.
Islamic Dietary Laws (Halal)
* The Quran (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:96) also prohibits the consumption of fish without scales: "Lawful to you are the land animals and the birds of the air and the sea-life which is lawful for you to hunt. But forbidden to you are the carrion, blood, the flesh of swine, and the meat over which any name other than Allah has been invoked."
* While not explicitly mentioned, the Quran's general guidelines on "lawful" and "forbidden" foods are interpreted by Islamic scholars to include the prohibition of fish without scales.
* This rule is followed by observant Muslims and guides their food choices.
It's important to remember:
* These dietary laws are religious beliefs and should be respected as such.
* They are not based on scientific or health evidence.
* There are many fish without scales that are perfectly safe and nutritious to eat.
* The choice of whether or not to follow these laws is a personal one.
For those not following these religious traditions, there is no scientific reason to avoid fish without scales.