LEATHER, FUR & WOOL
Meat is usually what most people think of when it comes to the word "Halal", but there are many other ways animal products are used by human beings. Even though in Islam it is permissible to use them for clothing, utensils and more under specific rules, certainly some restrictions still apply! These products also raise questions of the humane treatment and ecological stewardship of animals which are important aspects of Islam.
Leather & Fur
The provisions of respect and anti-cruelty also extend to animals that we do not consume. And since fur typically comes from animals that are not eaten, such as mink, foxes, raccoon dogs, rabbits and chinchillas, it raises an ethical question around the killing of those animals. Not to mention the fact that fur animals are often raised in awful conditions that would never be acceptable in Islam. These animals spend their entire lives cramped up in battery cages which leads to awful results like infected wounds, missing limbs from biting incidents, eye infections, bent feet, mouth deformities, self-mutilation, cannibalism of dead siblings or offspring and other stress-related stereotypical behavior.
Credit: Christian Faesecke / We Animals Media
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Muslims are strictly prohibited from killing animals for sport or amusement. Only for necessity. Thus, luxury furs are never Halal, and fur garments would only be acceptable in places where other options are not available, such as traditional cultures that depend on them for clothing. As such, it would be extremely difficult to certify any kind of fur as Halal.
It was narrated from Abdullah bin 'Amr, who attributed it to the Messenger of God (PBUH), who said,
“There is no person who kills a small bird or anything larger, for no just reason, but God will ask him about it.”
Many individuals often employ the justification that leather is merely a byproduct of the meat industry, and therefore, it carries no ethical concerns. Some interpretations within Islam may also suggest that the source and origin of leather are inconsequential, an argument that can be debated as it contradicts numerous Islamic principles. In the case of leather, a significant portion is derived from the remains of livestock intended for slaughter. Some argue that this utilization is justified since the animal is destined for death, making leather a practical byproduct. However, the ethical dilemma begins at the inception of the process, where cruelty towards animals is prevalent during production, handling, transportation, and slaughter in many countries where Islam holds a significant presence. The argument that leather is simply a byproduct is also one that is used by the industry itself, but leather, with its financial contribution is not about minimizing waste, it’s about maximizing profit. Islam, as a guiding faith, imparts teachings on animal welfare and advocates for compassion towards these voiceless beings.
If there is uncertainty surrounding whether a product can be deemed Halal or permissible, the same scrutiny should apply to its byproducts. In our contemporary era, we possess the choice to exhibit mercy towards Allah's creatures by exploring alternative materials to replace leather.
The messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“Whoever is merciful even to a sparrow, Allah will be merciful to them on the Day of Judgment.”
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Wool
Wool production is not always conducted in a humane manner. Wool is primarily sourced from sheep, and the individuals responsible for shearing, the process of removing the wool, are often compensated based on their speed, encouraging them to work hastily. Unfortunately, this rush can result in many sheep sustaining injuries, which may go untreated and lead to prolonged suffering until they are eventually slaughtered.
One might assume that shearing benefits sheep by preventing excessive wool growth, but it's important to note that sheep didn't always require shearing. Humans have selectively bred sheep to produce an excess of wool, altering these animals' natural bodies to serve our profit-driven interests.
In a specific chapter of the Quran, it is mentioned that Satan will lead people astray and encourage the alteration of God's creation. The verse reads:
“I will certainly mislead them and delude them with empty hopes. Also, I will order them and they will slit the ears of cattle and alter Allah’s.”
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Health abuse & environmental destruction
The use of hazardous toxins in the preservation, bleaching, and dyeing of pelts presents a significant threat to both the health of consumers who wear these products and the well-being of workers in fur processing plants. Fur production, as a process, is highly toxic and energy-intensive, involving the immersion of pelts in noxious chemical mixtures and resulting in the contamination of soil and waterways with animal waste runoff from fur factory farms.
Likewise, leather production raises environmental concerns, particularly in terms of water pollution, as many chemicals used in the tanning process can seep into water sources, posing risks to aquatic life.
Wool production, too, has a detrimental impact on the environment and human health. The farming and processing of wool contribute to air, soil, and water pollution, generating greenhouse gases and waste. Considering the significant quantity of these byproducts being generated, the associated health risks and environmental threats are disproportionate to any necessity for these products.
God has enjoined upon us the responsibility to care for ourselves and our home, planet Earth. One way to fulfill this duty is by opting for cruelty-free alternatives.
As it is stated in the Quran: "And make not your own hands contribute to (your) own destruction (harm)." (Quran 2:195) and "And do good as Allah has been good to you. Moreover, do not seek to cause corruption in the earth. Allah does not love the corrupters" (Al-Qasas: 77).
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) has also emphasized the principle of not causing harm: "There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm." (Ibn Majah: 2341). Choosing ethically and environmentally responsible options aligns with these teachings and promotes the well-being of both humanity and our planet.
Credit: Oikeutta eläimille / We Animals Media
Credit: Vanessa Garrison / We Animals Media
Cover Photo Credit: Christian Faesecke / We Animals Media
The following initiative includes hadiths from different sects and religious opinions respecting all point of views. Readers are encouraged to follow with the ones they prefer depending on their beliefs.