Q: Most currently, we had a sharp debate about the ruling of wearing leather coats. Some believe that such coats are usually made of pigskin, so if they really are, what is the ruling on wearing them? Is this religiously permissible, taking into consideration that some religious books such as AlHalal Wal Haram (The Lawful and Unlawful) by AlQaradawy and AlFiqh `Ala AlMadhahib AlArba`ah (Jurisprudence according to the Four Schools) tackled this issue indirectly and did not clarify this point?
A: It is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When the skin is tanned it becomes pure." And: "Tanning the skin of dead animals purifies it." Scholars differed concerning this point: some apply this Hadith to all kinds of animal skins in general while others confine it to the skins of animals which become Halal when slaughtered according to the Shari`ah (Islamic law). Undoubtedly, it is permissible to use the tanned skins of dead animals that become Halal when slaughtered according to the Shari`ah, such as camels, cows and sheep, in all ineterests according to the most correct scholarly opinion.
As for the the skin of pigs, dogs and the like, which cannot be made Halal by slaughtering them according to the Shari`ah, there is a difference of opinion among the scholars as to whether they can be made pure by tanning. In order to be on the safe side, it is better not to use them, acting upon the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him): "Whoever avoids doubtful matters keeps his religion and honor blameless." He (peace be upon him) also said: "Leave what causes you doubt for that which does not cause you doubt."