Fatwa ID: 07100

Answered by: Maulana Ousman Haye 

Question:

Are we allowed to use oil extracted from lizard or any other reptiles for external use?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

If the oil is actually extracted from the snake, then the latter is like the mouse and insects; they are counted among impure and reprehensible animals which are unanimously forbidden to be eaten and to treat patients therewith, pursuant to the verse in which Allah says:

﴾ He allows them as lawful At-Tayyibât (i.e. all good and lawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods), and prohibits them as unlawful Al-Khabâ’ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods)Al-A‘râf: 157]

This being said, all that which is forbidden to be touched or approached such as the impurities, it is equally forbidden to be eaten or getting a benefit thereof by using it as an ointment or a remedy; indeed: “When Allah prohibits benefiting from something, He prohibits being compensated for that benefit”

The Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) said, “May Allah curse the Jews, for they sold fat and ate its price after Allah had made it unlawful for them. Indeed, when Allah prohibits a people from eating something, He prohibits its price” (Abu Dawood 3488)

Yet if the oil is extracted from At-Tayyibât (lawful substances) such as the oils extracted from plants or pure animals which do not cause any harm, then it is permissible to benefit from such oil by eating, using it as an ointment and a remedy.

Therefore, based upon the above mentioned details using oil extracted from lizard will not be permissible.

Only Allah (عز و جل) knows best.

Written by Maulana Ousman Haye

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham