Firstly, we would like to note that one of the well-established principles in Islam is that things created by Allah and whose benefits are essentially for man’s use are permissible. Nothing is unlawful except what is prohibited by a sound and explicit text from the Law-Giver.
Muslim scholars have deduced this principle of “Original permissibility of all things save what is made forbidden” from the clear verses of the Qur’an such as the verse that reads: “It is He who created all that is in the earth for you….” (Al-Baqarah: 29)
Sheikh Ibn al-Uthaymeen, may Allah shower mercy on his soul, a prominent Saudi scholar, states that: “It is clear that eating alligator meat is something controversial. Some scholars adopt the view that it is Halal (lawful) as is the case with fish. They support their view by quoting the verse that reads: “Say: I find not in that which is revealed unto me aught prohibited to an eater that he eat thereof, except it be carrion, or blood poured forth, or swine flesh for that verily is foul or the abomination which was immolated to the name of other than Allah. But whoso is compelled (thereto), neither craving nor transgressing, (for him) lo ! your Lord is Forgiving, Merciful.” (Al-An`aam: 145) They also quote the Hadith of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, describing the sea: “Its water is pure and its dead animals are lawful.”
Some other scholars hold the view that it is not lawful as it is considered to be one of the prey animals which are declared prohibited in Islam such as lions, tigers…etc. The first view is preponderant.”
Based on the above, it is clear that the view that carries weight is that eating alligator meat is Halal (lawful) as it does not fall in the categories prohibited by the clear texts of Shari`ah. In addition, it is considered to be an amphibious animal and takes the rulings pertaining to fish.