Q: If fox skin is tanned, will it be Tahir (ritually pure)? Will it be Halal (lawful) to use it for clothing etc.? Finally, will trading in it be Halal?

A: Fox skin is Najis (ritually impure) just as its meat is Najis. The reason for this is that it is considered a sort of beast of prey and is included in the generality of the prohibition mentioned in the following Hadith. On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Eating all fanged beasts of prey is Haram (prohibited). (Related by Imam Muslim, may Allah be merciful with him) Moreover, on the authority of Abu Al-Malih ibn Usamah from his father (may Allah be pleased with them both) who narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): Forbade (the use of) the skins of beasts of prey. (Related by Imam Ahmad, Abu (Part No. 24; Page No. 30) Dawud, Al-Nasa'y, and Al-Tirmidhy while the latter added 'to be used as mats', may Allah be merciful with them all) Furthermore, on the authority of Mu`awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan (may Allah be pleased with them both) who narrated that he said to a group of Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet): "Do you know that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) forbade riding on panther skins." They said, "O Allah! Yes." (Related by Imam Ahmad and Abu Dawud) Another Hadith in the same regard was narrated on the authority of Al-Miqdam ibn Ma`d Yakrib (may Allah be pleased with him) who said to Mu`awiyah: By Allah! Do you know that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) forbade wearing the leather of beasts of prey and riding on it. He said: 'Yes.' (Related by Abu Dawud and Al-Nasa'y) Also, on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Angels do not accompany the travelers who have tiger's skin with them. (Related by Abu Dawud) Thus, all the foregoing texts prohibit using the skins of animals whose meat is not Halal to be eaten, for using such skins is a manifestation of extravagance and arrogance. (Part No. 24; Page No. 31) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.