Q: It was mentioned in the Hadith on the authority of Jabir ibn `Abdullah That he heard the Messenger (Part No. 22; Page No. 506) of Allah (peace be upon him) saying, when he was in Makkah during the Year of Fat-h (Opening of Makkah): "Allah and His Messenger have prohibited selling intoxicants, dead carcasses, pigs and idols." It was said: "O Messenger of Allah! As you know, the grease of dead carcasses is used for plating ships, anointing leather, and for lightening purposes!" He said: "No, it is Haram (prohibited)." Thereupon, he (peace be upon him) added, "May Allah curse The Jews, when Allah (Exalted be He) forbade its (the dead animal's) grease to them, they liquefied it, sold it and used its money." What is the wisdom behind prohibiting the grease of dead carcasses used for plating ships, lightening and other purposes other than eating? What is meant by the word "liquefied it"? What is meant by dead carcasses in the Hadith? Is it permissible to benefit from the grease of a slaughtered animal in purposes other than eating?

A: Scholars have agreed on the prohibition of eating dead carcasses, selling them or their grease. However, fish and locusts are excluded, for it is permissible to eat and sell their meat, since they were excluded in the Hadith reported by the Messenger (peace be upon him). What is also excepted is eating dead carcasses in cases of necessity, for Allah (Glorified be He) says, Forbidden to you (for food) are: Al-Maitah (the dead animals - cattle - beast not slaughtered), blood, the flesh of swine To His Saying (Glorified be He): But as for him who is forced by severe hunger, with no inclination to sin (such can eat these above mentioned meats), then surely, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. In addition to His Saying (Part No. 22; Page No. 507) (Glorified be He): ...while He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except under compulsion of necessity As for benefiting from the grease of dead carcasses or any of their body parts in anything other than eating purposes, the dominant majority of scholars have agreed on the prohibition of benefitting from any of them, except for what is specified by a proof like using its leather after tanning it. This is why they interpreted his saying (peace be upon him): No, it is Haram. In the Hadith as the prohibition of use. The reason behind the prohibition mentioned in the Hadith - and Allah knows best- is because it is Najis (impure); therefore, whatever is prohibited due to it being Najis (impure), its price, usage and eating will also be prohibited with a greater reason. Moreover, what is meant by his saying (peace be upon him): they liquefied it is that they dissolved it, and what is meant by dead carcasses is: Any animal that dies without being legally slaughtered, this also applies to whatever has the same ruling. Furthermore, every slaughtered animal such as camels, sheep, goats, cows and the like becomes lawfully edible if it is legally slaughtered. It is also permissible to use their grease or any of their body parts for lawful purposes.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.