Is it permissible to eat the meat of alligators and crocodiles?

 

Scholars have differed on the ruling for eating alligator meat. One opinion states that it is comparable to fish based on the general permissibility of eating water animals. God Almighty says: “It is permitted for you to catch and eat seafood” (Quran 5: 96). He also says,“[Prophet], say, ‘In all that has been revealed to me, I find nothing forbidden for the people to eat, except for carrion, flowing blood, pig meat—it is loathsome—or a sinful offering over which any name other than God’s has been invoked” (Quran 6:145).
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Its water is pure and its dead animals are lawful to eat.” The principle of permissibility applies to crocodile meat until it is established otherwise. Another opinion states that alligator and crocodile meat is not permissible for human consumption because these animals have fangs and because they are loathsome because they eat humans.
And God Almighty knows best.