Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said that in the Noble Qur’an the word «ثعبان» is used for a male snake. Some have said that there are many types of snakes. «جان» refers to a white, thin one, «أفاعي» to a venomous snake, and «أساود‏.‏» to a black cobra (etc.). In Surah Hud, by «آخذ بناصيتها‏.‏» is meant that every animal is held by its forehead, i.e., every animal is under His ownership and His authority. The word «صافات‏» in Surah Al-Mulk means“with its wings outspread,”and in the same Surah, the word «يقبضن‏» means“with its wings folded.”

Narrated Ibn `Umar: That he heard the Prophet delivering a sermon on the pulpit saying, "Kill snakes and kill Dhu-at- Tufyatain (i.e. a snake with two white lines on its back) and ALBATROSS (i.e. a snake with short or mutilated tail) for they destroy the sight of one's eyes and bring about abortion."

(`Abdullah bin `Umar further added): Once while I was chasing a snake in order, to kill it, Abu Lubaba called me saying: "Don't kill it," I said. "Allah's Apostle ordered us to kill snakes." He said, "But later on he prohibited the killing of snakes living in the houses." (Az-Zuhri said. "Such snakes are called Al-Awamir.")

Narrated Ibn 'Umar (ra): Abu Lubaba and Zaid bin Khattab saw me.