Is it permissible to wear or use anything made from pigskin? Is it haram to touch a pig?
Dear Brother / Sister,
Clothes, shoes, etc. made from pigskin cannot be worn. There are some animals whose flesh, skin or organs are impossible to use. Even if they are slaughtered in accordance with the religious criteria, they cannot be used. For, they are dirty animals. For, a pig is “najis al-ayn”, that is, completely dirty.
For instance, think of a handkerchief that was smeared by something dirty. When this handkerchief is washed, it becomes clean. However, the dirt itself, for example, urine and feces, cannot be cleaned. They are called najis al-ayn. A pig is like them. It cannot be cleaned by being washed, tanned or disinfected.
The flesh, skin and bone of the pig cannot be cleaned. Therefore, let alone the dead pig, even the living pig cannot be bought and sold. Human nature hates it. To sell an animal that is dirty with its flesh, skin and bone means to sell dirt, which is not permissible for the buyer and the seller. Therefore, its skin cannot be cleaned even if it is tanned; so, it is not permissible to wear it and to perform prayers by wearing it.
Questions on Islam
- What is Taharah (Cleanliness)?
- Ways of Cleaning Dirt
- Things that are regarded clean in terms of Religion
- How can we clean the objects like wallets and belts that are made from leather and similar substances, that absorb impurities and that are almost impossible to squeeze?
- Is there any harm in buying toys in the shape of pigs for our children?
- What does Taharah from Najasah Mean?
- Are E additives that exist in some food items haram? Can we consume that safely?
- During the period of which Prophet was pork rendered haram?
- Is it religiously objectionable to use things like tincture of iodine, eau de cologne, and (raw) spirit?
- Can one whose hand touched pork eat something without washing his/her hand?

