Does Touching Pigskin Break Wudu? (Maliki)

Answered by Shaykh Rami Nsour

Question: Assalamu Alaykum,

Concerning shoes with pig leather: if you have to touch the shoe to take the outer cover off, would that break your wudu?

It is quite difficult to find shoes without pigskin and I’m going a little OCD about this. What should I do?

Answer: Wa alaykum as salam wa rahmatullah,

It is not permissible for a person to use, wear or sell pig skin in the Maliki school. Touching pig skin does not break wudu in any situation. If a portion of the pig leather got on one’s body or clothes, that would have to be removed before prayer.

If you are not sure whether leather is from pig or not, it is considered pure until proven impure. If you find that you are experiencing “OCD” or waswasa, it is an obligation to do whatever is needed to remove those constant thoughts. You may take an opinion from another school or a weak opinion from within your school.

If the constant thoughts are interfering with your life, you may seek out help from a mental health professional.

And Allah knows best.

Rami