Is It Permissible To Use And Sit On The Hide Of Unslaughtered Cows?

Question:

Assalamu ‘Alaykum.

I want to seek advice on the Hanafi school of thought on wearing leather and sitting on leather, i.e., sofa, car seats.

The leather is from cowhide, but the animal was not slaughtered in a halal manner. Is it still permissible to wear or sit on leather?

Do we have to make sure the animal is treated ethically for the use of its leather?

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

Yes, it is permissible to sit on and use the leather made from unslaughtered cowhide. The tanning process purifies it. (Shurunbulali, Maraqi al Falah)

It is superior to avoid all products that are unethically sourced or produced. Doing so to shun cruel practices and promote compassion to living things would be something praiseworthy and rewarded. Buying such items, however, does remain a halal and valid transaction.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.