Is it permissible to wear snakeskin in Islam?
Snakes in Islam
Snakes are generally considered ḥarām (forbidden) to eat because they are predatory and harmful. However, clothing and leather rulings are not always the same as food rulings.
Leather and tanning
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Any hide that is tanned becomes pure.” (Sahih Muslim)
Many scholars (especially in the Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi’i schools) interpret this to mean that the skins of non-edible animals can be purified for use once they are properly tanned.
The Hanbali school is stricter, viewing some animal hides (especially of predatory or harmful animals) as not permissible even after tanning.
Rulings on snakeskin
Hanafi view (and many Malikis/Shafi’is): Snake skin, if tanned, becomes pure and can be used for clothing, bags, or other items.
Hanbali view: Not permissible, since snakes are harmful and not considered suitable animals.
Contemporary scholars: Some permit it for accessories (bags, shoes, belts) but recommend avoiding it for prayer garments, to avoid dispute over purity.
Final verdict
Permissible according to the majority (with conditions): Snake skin is allowed if it has been properly tanned, but best avoided in items used for ṣalāh (like prayer mats or clothes worn for prayer).
A difference of opinion exists, so if someone wishes to be cautious, they may avoid it altogether.
Shaykh Haytham Tamim 19th September 2022