Is the lizard a metamorphosed animal?


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Q: I know that there is no contradiction in what the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, but I read two Sahih Hadiths (Hadiths that have been transmitted by people known for their uprightness and exactitude; free from eccentricity and blemish) and understood them, but there is a contradiction between them. The following are the two Hadiths:1. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Allah (Exalted be He) did not give progeny or descendents to those who were metamorphosed; monkeys and swine existed before that.” (Part No. 22; Page No. 311) 2. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “O Bedouin! Verily, Allah cursed or was angry with a tribe from the Children of Israel, so He metamorphosed them into animals walking on all fours on the earth. I do not know if maybe this was one of them, i.e. The lizard, so I neither eat it nor do I prohibit the eating of it.” I hope that Your Eminence will clarify this, may Allah preserve you and protect you!


A: There is no contradiction between the two Hadiths, as it was authentically reported that lizard meat was eaten in front of the Prophet (peace be upon him). As for the Prophet's saying, “I do not know if maybe this was one of the generations that was metamorphosed,” that was a thought and fear that the lizard might have been one of those who were metamorphosed, but when Allah revealed to our Prophet (peace be upon him) that He did not give progeny to those who were metamorphosed, this thought ended.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.




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