Im working with a company where the workers always use pig skin gloves. From what I know, anything that comes from a pig is forbidden, and if I touch it, I have to wash my hands seven times plus once with soil. In this case, what should I do?.
We have previously stated in the answer to question no. 1695 that pigskin is najis (impure) and does not become taahir (pure) by means of tanning.
The body is not dirty just because it touches something dirty, unless there is some moisture on the body or in the dirty thing.
It doesn’t matter if the body or clothes are dry and touch something dirty that is also dry; the dirt is only transferred when the thing is wet. Fataawa Islamiyyah, 1/194.
Since this is the case, touching these pigskin gloves does not make the hand dirty unless the hand or the gloves are wet.
If touching the wet pigskin makes your hands dirty, you need to wash them. There is no command to wash something seven times, one of which is with dust or dirt, unless the impurity was caused by a dog. So it is enough to wash them once.
Some scholars said that the pig was like the dog, so if you were dirty because of a pig, you should wash seven times, and one of those times should be with dust or dirt.
During the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), pigs were common, and there is no report that compares them to dogs. So, Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said, “This is a weak comparison.” Being dirty from pigs is the same as being dirty from anything else, so there’s no need to wash seven times, with dust or dirt on one of the times. ” Al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 1/356.
It is important for Muslims to keep their bodies and clothes clean. They should also avoid wearing these pigskin gloves because they touch something dirty and put their hands and clothes at risk of becoming dirty, which would make their prayers invalid. But if he has to wear these gloves because he can’t find anything else, he can, as long as he is careful not to get dirty himself or his clothes and quickly washes off anything dirty he gets on him so he doesn’t spread it or forget to wash his hands or clothes.
Since there are other types of animal skins and leathers that are okay, there is no need for these dirty ones. We ask Allah to help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him.
For Muslims who work in industries that involve handling pork, a common question arises – is it haram (forbidden) to touch pork while wearing gloves? This issue requires careful analysis of Islamic teachings regarding impurity and purity.
In this comprehensive article, we will examine the Islamic perspective on touching pork with gloves, the reasoning behind pork being haram, scholarly opinions on this issue, and practical solutions for Muslims working in relevant industries.
Understanding Why Pork is Haram in Islam
In Islam pork is considered haram and prohibited for consumption based on clear verses in the Quran. There are several theories on why pork has been forbidden
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Pigs are scavengers – They eat dead plants animals and even feces, making them unclean to eat.
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Risk of disease – Pork may carry worms and other parasites dangerous to human health.
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High fat content – Excessive saturated fats in pork can cause obesity and heart disease
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Identity marker – Avoiding pork sets Muslims apart from other groups and strengthens their Islamic identity.
Does Touching Pork With Gloves Make The Hands Impure?
According to Islamic jurisprudence, touch alone does not make something impure. Handling pork with gloves is not explicitly forbidden. However, opinions vary on whether gloves can sufficiently prevent transferring impurity.
The main considerations around purity when handling pork with gloves include:
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Wetness – Scholars agree that wet pork or wet gloves would cause the hands to become impure.
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Porosity of gloves – If the gloves are porous, the impurity can seep through and reach the hands. Therefore, gloves must be impermeable.
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Transfer of impurity – There are differing views on whether the gloves can become impure even if they prevent direct contact with skin. This impacts the purity of hands.
Based on these considerations, using impermeable, non-porous gloves when handling pork seems to be permissible according to the principles of Islamic jurisprudence. However, opinions are still divided, so Muslims are advised to exercise precautions.
Varying Perspectives of Islamic Scholars
Renowned Islamic scholars have expressed differing views on handling pork with gloves:
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Permissible – Some argue that dry gloves act as a sufficient barrier to prevent transferring impurity from pork to the hands.
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Discouraged – Others discourage it as gloves can still become contaminated, affecting prayer and ablutions later on.
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Strict prohibition – A few scholars strongly oppose this practice, insisting it still involves interacting with something impure.
Practical Advice For Muslims Working With Pork
For Muslims whose profession requires handling pork, such as in food service, there are some practical precautions recommended:
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Choose a department in the workplace with no pork exposure.
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Request non-pork assignments from managers when possible.
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Wear gloves of vinyl, latex or other impermeable materials when handling pork.
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Immediately wash hands, forearms and gloves after handling pork, to remove any impurity.
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Have a separate uniform for pork-handling tasks, and wash it separately from other clothes.
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Seek alternate employment opportunities in fields that do not involve pork interactions.
Striking a Balance Between Religion and Livelihood
Muslims who must handle pork due to their profession should aim to strike a balance between adhering to religious prohibitions while also earning a lawful livelihood. Some solutions include:
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Being upfront about your inability to handle pork during job interviews and hiring.
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Educating employers on your religious duties in a positive manner and suggesting compromises.
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Finding companies that hire Muslims in non-pork departments or allow switching departments.
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Taking precautions like wearing gloves and immediately washing up when handling pork.
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Consulting Islamic scholars for advice instead of avoiding jobs involving pork handling.
The Islamic stance on handling pork with gloves involves many considerations around impurity, porosity, transfer, scholarly opinions and more. Based on available knowledge, wearing impermeable gloves while taking precautions to avoid contamination seems reasonably permissible. However, further research and dialogue are needed to address this issue that impacts Muslim livelihoods. Ultimately, maintaining purity while earning a lawful living is the balanced approach.
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How to purify yourself if you touch a pig? – Assim al hakeem
FAQ
Can you touch pork with gloves?
Is it haram to deal with pork?
Can Muslims touch pork but not eat it?
Are Muslims not allowed to smell pork?
Is pork Haram?
Praise be to Allah. Pork is haram and it is not permissible to eat it, whether it is the meat, fat or any other part, because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Forbidden to you (for food) are: Al-Maitah (the dead animals — cattle — beast not slaughtered), blood, the flesh of swine [al-Maa’idah 5:3]
Is pork forbidden in Islam?
Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah’s guidance) The fact that consumption of pork is prohibited in Islam is well known. The following points explain various aspects of this prohibition: 1. Pork prohibited in Qur’an The Qur’an prohibits the consumption of pork in no less than 4 different places.
Why is a pig forbidden in Islam?
“Forbidden to you (for food) are: Al-Maitah (the dead animals — cattle — beast not slaughtered), blood, the flesh of swine [al-Maa’idah 5:3] The Muslims are agreed that all parts of the pig are haram. Allah has forbidden it because of the harmful things it contains and because it is impure, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
Is pork forbidden in the Bible?
Pork is also prohibited in the Bible in the book of Deuteronomy “And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you. Ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcass.” A similar prohibition is repeated in the Bible in the book of Isaiah chapter 65 verse 2-5. 3.