A Jurisprudential and Hadith-Based Analytical Study of Conflicting Narrations Regarding the Permissibility and Prohibition of Eating Dabb (Uromastyx)

الضب (گوہ) کی حلت و حرمت سے متعلق متعارض احادیث کا فقہی و حدیثی تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Abstract

Islam provides a comprehensive framework of guidance for every aspect of human life, including dietary laws. Within Islamic dietary jurisprudence, the permissibility or prohibition of certain animals has often been based on Qur’ānic injunctions and Prophetic traditions. One such debated animal is the Dabb (Uromastyx), known as "Goh" in Urdu. This paper critically examines the conflicting hadiths concerning the permissibility and prohibition of consuming the meat of Dabb. Some narrations suggest that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly abstained from eating Dabb and showed disapproval, while other narrations report its consumption in his presence without objection. The divergence in hadiths has led to a difference of opinion among jurists, particularly between the Ḥanafī school—which generally considers it makrūh (discouraged)—and other schools which may permit it. This research explores the linguistic definition and biological nature of Dabb, outlines the principal narrations from canonical hadith sources, and discusses the methodologies of hadith scholars and jurists in reconciling such conflicting evidence. The study also addresses objections and counterarguments regarding both viewpoints. The conclusion reached is that due to stronger textual evidence indicating the Prophet's disapproval, and the principles of Islamic dietary caution, the consumption of Dabb should be avoided. This study contributes to the broader understanding of how conflicting hadiths are analyzed and reconciled within the Islamic legal tradition.