Mu'jam al-Saghir

Benefits and Issues:
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The translation of «ضب» has been rendered as both "saanda" (monitor lizard) and "goh" (spiny-tailed lizard). Among what the scholars have stated regarding the ḍabb is that its tail is very knotted. (Footnote of Sunan Ibn Majah, Muhammad Fuad Abdul Baqi) And this animal does not drink water; therefore, in Arabia, if someone wants to say that he will never do a certain thing, he uses this idiom: "La af‘alu kadhā ḥattā yarid al-ḍabb"—I will not do this until the ḍabb comes to drink water. Because the ḍabb does not drink water; rather, the moisture of the cool air suffices for it. (Fath al-Bari: 9/820) In light of this explanation, the translation of ḍabb as "saanda" (spiny-tailed lizard) appears to be more correct. And Allah knows best.

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The statement of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam is: "Allah, the Exalted, did not allow the progeny of those who were transformed (into animals) to continue." (Sahih Muslim, al-Qadr, Chapter: Lifespans, Provisions, and Other Matters Are Not Increased or Decreased Beyond What Has Been Decreed, Hadith: 2663) It is possible that in the hadith under discussion, the Prophet’s sallallahu alayhi wa sallam opinion regarding the saanda (ḍabb) was before this ruling was known through revelation.

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From this, it is also established that although the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, due to his natural aversion, did not like to eat it, he did not prohibit the Companions radi Allahu anhum from eating it. Thus, whoever likes it may eat it, as it was eaten at your sallallahu alayhi wa sallam dining spread, and whoever does not like it may refrain from eating it.