Hadith Reference:
Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:"Any skin that has been tanned becomes purified."
(Narrated by all major hadith compilers except Bukhari)
In Sahih Muslim, the hadith is recorded with the wording:
"When the skin has been tanned, it becomes pure."
(Sahih Muslim)
Key Rulings and Lessons:
① Tanning Purifies the Skin of Dead Animals
- If the skin of a dead animal (excluding those that are naturally impure) is tanned, it becomes pure.
- This means leather from dead animals (other than swine and other haram animals) can be used after tanning.
② Islamic Ruling on Leather Goods
- Leather from permissible animals (such as cow, sheep, or goat) can be used after proper tanning.
- Leather from impermissible animals (such as pigs) remains impure, regardless of the tanning process.
③ Importance of Purification in Islamic Teachings
- This hadith highlights Islam’s emphasis on cleanliness and purification.
- It allows the reuse of natural resources in a pure and permissible manner.
Conclusion
According to the hadith of the Prophet (ﷺ), tanning purifies leather, making it permissible for use. However, impure animals like swine remain haram and impure, even after tanning.
Reference: This content is derived from the book "Diya al-Islam fi Sharh al-Imam bi-Ahadith al-Ahkam" by Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.