Why Do Arabs Eat Sand Lizards?

Introduction

To many people around the world, the idea that Arabs eat lizards sounds shocking—perhaps even absurd. But this belief isn’t entirely based on myth. In the deserts of Arabia, a particular type of reptile known as the “Dhab”—a spiny-tailed lizard—has historically been a source of food, especially among the Bedouin people. So, why do Arabs eat sand lizards? The answer lies in a mix of tradition, religious allowance, survival in harsh environments, and a unique cultural identity.

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What Is a Sand Lizard?

The term “sand lizard” refers to a desert reptile known scientifically as Uromastyx. It is locally called Dhab in Arabic and Sanda in parts of South Asia. These lizards are thick-bodied, with a long spiked tail, and can be found across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of South Asia. Unlike many other reptiles, the Uromastyx is herbivorous, feeding on plants, and is completely non-poisonous.

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Is It Halal to Eat?

From an Islamic perspective, yes—it is halal to eat Dhab.

According to authentic Hadiths (narrations of the Prophet Muhammad), the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not personally eat Dhab but also did not prohibit it for others.

In a Hadith from Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet was once offered roasted Dhab meat. He declined it, saying it wasn’t something his people were used to, but his companions, including Khalid ibn Al-Walid, ate from it without hesitation. This clearly indicates that it was not forbidden, and scholars across Islamic jurisprudence have agreed that Dhab is permissible (halal).

This religious approval made it an acceptable food source, particularly in regions where resources were scarce.

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The Role of Survival in the Desert

Desert life is brutal. For the Bedouins—nomadic tribes of the Arabian Peninsula—survival often meant making use of whatever was available in the environment. The extreme heat, lack of water, and poor soil made farming and animal husbandry extremely difficult.

In such conditions, hunting and gathering became essential for survival. The Dhab, being slow and relatively easy to catch, was an ideal target. Its meat provided a rich source of protein, and it could be preserved and cooked simply over fire.

For centuries, this lizard helped sustain communities in places where few other food options existed.

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Folk Beliefs and Traditional Medicine

Over time, Dhab became more than just a food—it became part of traditional desert medicine. Many Bedouins and South Asians believe that:

Dhab meat improves physical strength

Its fat boosts male sexual performance

The oil from its body helps treat joint pain, asthma, and impotence

While these claims have not been scientifically proven, they are widely believed in rural communities. In some regions, “Sanda oil” is sold in traditional medicine shops as a natural aphrodisiac, especially in South Asia.

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Is It Still Eaten Today?

In modern urban areas of the Middle East—like Riyadh, Dubai, or Doha—eating Dhab is now rare. The rise of global cuisine, supermarkets, and modern agriculture has replaced many old traditions. However, in rural regions of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and among some Bedouin groups, Dhab is still hunted and eaten, especially during cultural festivals or desert trips.

For some, it is a way to reconnect with their heritage. For others, it's simply a delicacy or even a survival fallback when out in the desert.

Interestingly, some people now eat Dhab out of curiosity, or as a challenge—much like people in the West might try alligator or frog legs.

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A Cultural Symbol

Whether eaten for tradition, taste, or survival, the Dhab has become a cultural symbol of the desert. It represents resilience, adaptability, and the close relationship between the people and their environment.

Even if the idea may sound strange to outsiders, understanding the context behind the practice changes the narrative. It's not about eating something unusual—it's about doing what is necessary in a harsh world.

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Conclusion

The next time you hear someone say, “Arabs eat lizards,” you’ll know it’s not just a strange rumor. It’s a centuries-old truth based on necessity, faith, and tradition. The Dhab lizard has fed generations, healed illnesses (according to folk beliefs), and earned a place in desert culture.

In the end, this practice shows us something powerful:

> “Food isn’t always about taste. Sometimes, it’s about survival—and honoring the land that sustains you.”